The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded $1.5 million in habitat conservation to seven California tribes.

The money will help the tribes with invasive species, environmental restoration and other conservation projects. Recipients included the Hoopa Valley Tribe, the Karuk Tribe, the Susanville Indian Rancheria, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, the Habematolel Band of Pomo Indians and the Pinoleville Pomo Nation.

"The past two years we’ve done really well, particularly with the California tribes," David Wooten, a tribal partnerships specialist at FWS, told The Capitol Weekly.

Nationally, 42 tribes received more than $7 million in grants. "Tribal Wildlife Grants are much more than a fiscal resource for Tribes. The projects and partnerships supported by this program have enhanced our commitment to Native Americans and to the United States’ shared wildlife resources," Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said in a press release.

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California tribes get $1.5 million from feds for conservation (The Capitol Weekly 3/4)