Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program accepting project proposals to restore and protect Puget Sound shorelines, estuaries

Interested applicants invited to Nov. 28 webinar

OLYMPIA - The Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP) is now accepting proposals for small grant projects that advance Puget Sound shoreline restoration and protection.

The solicitation is the first in a series of ESRP grant opportunities this fall and winter, representing an anticipated $25 million investment in Puget Sound shorelines and estuaries, pending 2025-2027 legislative funding.

Program partners at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) invite interested applicants to a webinar on Nov. 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to learn more about ESRP's grant opportunities and components of a successful application.

ESRP small grant program pre-proposals will be accepted through Dec. 4, 2023. Successful small grant proposals could see awards of $30,000 to $150,000 per project. More information about applying for ESRP's small grants program is available on WDFW's website.

For details about ESRP, upcoming funding opportunities, and additional information about the Nov. 28 webinar, please visit WDFW's ESRP webpage.

Upcoming ESRP proposal solicitations will focus on Restoration and Protection, Regional Pre-Design, and Shore Friendly, which is an incentive program for private landowners to restore Puget Sound shorelines.

Established by the Legislature in 2006, ESRP provides funding and technical assistance to organizations working to restore shoreline and nearshore habitats critical to salmon and other species in Puget Sound. The program was established to advance projects using the scientific foundation developed by the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project.

Since its inception, ESRP has received and invested $78.2 million of state capital funds from the state Legislature and nearly $10 million in direct federal funding.

WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

RCO is a small state agency that manages grant programs to create outdoor recreation opportunities, protect the best of the state's wildlife habitat and working farms and forests, and help recover salmon and orcas.