Funding from the streamflow restoration grant is helping Snohomish Conservation District staff install a beaver pond flow control device in Stich Lake, West Lake Stevens. Photo by Snohomish Conservation District.
Ecology plans to award up to $40 million during our third round of the streamflow restoration competitive grants. The money will fund projects intended to help increase streamflow and improve aquatic resources. Examples of projects include water storage, water right acquisitions, fish habitat improvements, environmental monitoring or improvements in water management, and infrastructure.
The grant application period will open Nov. 2, 2021 and close at 5 p.m., Feb. 1, 2022. Eligible applicants include tribal governments, public entities, and nonprofit organizations within Washington. Detailed information about the grant is available in the Grant Guidance.
“We are excited to be able to open this competitive grant round.” said Bennett Weinstein, Streamflow Restoration Section Manager, “We have already seen the real benefits to streamflow that these funds have accomplished, and we know that there are many more great projects out there.”
This is a statewide grant availability, with priority for projects located in watersheds specified in the 2018 Streamflow Restoration law. The Legislature intends to authorize $218 million for streamflow restoration projects over the next 12 years. We anticipate holding additional grant opportunities through 2033.
Applicant workshops
We will hold three online workshops for potential applicants. During the workshops, participants can learn about the application process and purpose of the grants. There will be opportunities to ask questions. Potential applicants can visit the event pages below for more information and the registration link:
- Tuesday, Oct. 19
- Wednesday, Oct. 27
- Thursday, Nov. 4
We will also record a workshop and make it available online on our grants webpage.
Pre-Application Meetings
Potential grant applicants may request a pre-application meeting to discuss their proposed project with Ecology staff. We will accept requests through Dec. 17, 2021 and schedule based on staff availability. Please request your meeting at 360-407-6872 or sfrprjgrants@ecy.wa.gov.
Previous grant rounds
In 2019, we awarded nearly $20 million to 16 projects in 11 watersheds. In 2020, we awarded approximately $22 million to 21 projects in 16 watersheds. The grants help state and local agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations put local plans and projects into action. Projects from previous grant rounds include:
- Antoine Valley Ranch: Western Rivers Conservancy, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and Trout Unlimited, acquired Antoine Valley Ranch in Okanogan County. Acquisition of the 2,524-acre ranch included senior water rights, estimated at over 1,200 acre-feet, and Fanchers Dam. The acquisition will improve streamflow within Antione Creek, a tributary of the Okanogan River, benefitting threatened steelhead and other native species.
Antoine Valley Ranch acquisition will help improve streamflow in Antoine Creek, a tributary of the Okanogan River. Photo by Ellen Bishop, Western Rivers Conservancy
- Ohop Creek Protection: As part of the Ohop Valley Floodplain Restoration Project, the Nisqually Land Trust acquired and permanently protected 100 acres along the south shoreline of Ohop Creek. This land was previously used for timber farming. The Land Trust is working on long-term projects to restore Ohop Creek and surrounding forests, floodplains, and wildlife habitat. Once the project is complete, the Land Trust will have protected 442 acres of forest through this grant.
The Nisqually Land Trust has planted native vegetation along Ohop Creek. Photo by the Nisqually Land Trust.
- Beaver Devices in Snohomish County: The Snohomish Conservation District (SCD) is working with local communities to help people co-exist with beavers on their property while reducing impacts to human infrastructure. The grant funding is helping their team install beaver pond flow control devices, restore wetland habitat and support water storage projects for small farms and rural homes.