… The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is awarding $3 million to support three projects in California under the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program. Coastal wetlands are vitally important in protecting us from floods, filtering our water, supporting recreation and local economies, and providing habitat for fish and wildlife. Despite their importance, there has been a steady loss of coastal wetlands, and California is no exception.  Nationwide, the Service is awarding $25.7 million to support 28 projects in 11 coastal states, which will restore or enhance over 10,000 acres of coastal wetlands and adjacent upland habitats and more than eight miles of streams and shoreline. State, local and Tribal governments, private landowners, conservation groups and other partners will contribute $16.8 million in additional funds to support these projects nationwide.