Upland Management Agreements (UMA) (UMA)

The Upland Management Agreements (UMA) initiative, administered through California Waterfowl's Nesting Bird Habitat Incentive Program (NBHIP), provides financial support to private landowners for enhancing upland and grassland habitats — essential breeding grounds for ground-nesting waterfowl and pheasants facing habitat decline in California.

Private landowners can participate if their property contains upland perennial grass habitats (10 acre minimum) with summer water located within 1/2 mile of the upland. Landowners must allow nest monitoring access and, if they manage wetland units, maintain wetlands at minimum depths of 12–24 inches from April 1–August 1.

Participants receive $30/acre in annual payments made in arrears under 3-year agreements. For 2025, $100,000 was available for the nesting season. Upon approval, landowners receive an Annual Work Plan detailing required management actions, with incentive payments issued after completion.

The program accepts applications from February 15 – March 29 (2026 window now passed). Enrollment is within California's Central Valley and associated planning regions designated by the Central Valley Joint Venture.