Puget Sound Riparian Systems grants
The Environmental Protection Agency provided funding to us to develop a grant program designed to restore and improve riparian lands in and along Puget Sound streams and rivers. The program is a partnership involving Ecology, Washington State Conservation Commission, and Bonneville Environmental Foundation. It is designed to promote innovative and sustainable approaches for riparian management. Grant funding will be used for activities and programs that increase the amount of riparian acreage protected, restored, or maintained.
Overview
Our riparian systems grant program focuses on protecting and restoring riparian areas in Puget Sound that have been damaged or are struggling to support healthy plants, animals, and waters. We are working with communities and landowners to improve riparian functions at a stream reach or watershed scale. Grants will be awarded to partner organizations throughout the eligible watersheds shown below, and will expire in 2029.
A map of the Puget Sound showing WRIA's eligible for grant funding through the Climate Resilient Riparian Systems grant program.
Climate Resilient Riparian Systems funded projects will focus on:
- A collaborative, reach-scale approach
- Restoring riparian systems
- Building local capacity to do the work
- Riparian restoration climate resiliency research
- Incentives for voluntary riparian restoration involving private landowners
- Protecting riparian systems
- Maintaining existing riparian restoration projects
Projects may include trying a new landowner incentive program, researching effectiveness of restoration activities, and creative ideas for collaborative efforts with multiple partners.
About our partners
To restore riparian systems throughout Puget Sound, we are working in partnership with the Washington State Conservation Commission and Bonneville Environmental Foundation. We are also collaborating with private and public landowners, and coordinating with local and Trbial governments, and other state and federal agencies. Working together, we are striving to solve some of the biggest challenges facing the region's waterways. .
Investing in local knowledge
To gather input on developing our riparian restoration program, we consulted with Tribes, salmon recovery groups and watershed forums. Our investment plan and funding priorities are based on their feedback as well as traditional knowledge about improving riparian systems resiliency.
How to apply
Please review our Climate Resilient Riparian Systems Grants web page for more information on how to apply.
- Applicants should review all solicitation documents on the application webpage – including the funding guidelines and evaluation criteria – to give the application the best opportunity for success.
- Technical assistance via office hours, webinars and video recordings is available to applicants, to support the development of their project proposals.
- Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Ecology staff with questions.
Contact information
Colin Hume
Puget Sound Recovery Lead
Colin.Hume@ecy.wa.gov
425-395-5283