Funding for Salmon Habitat
Do you have a habitat restoration or protection project in mind? Are you looking for money to help make your good idea for salmon a reality? Staff working for the WRIA 9 Forum of local governments can help you find money through a variety of sources.
Two sources are influenced by watershed decision-making bodies (the WRIA 9 Steering Committee and Forum):
Other grants are available through our partner governments and still others are available through other state, federal, and non-profit sources.
Many of the local jurisdictions participating in the watershed salmon habitat planning process have also implemented habitat projects on their own or through other funding opportunities. To learn more about projects completed in your local area, visit the Local Activities and Partners page and the Project Portfolio page.
Salmon Recovery Funding Board
Since 1999, the WRIA 9 Steering Committee has annually solicited, reviewed and ranked applications for state and federal funding administered through the state’s Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB).
Over the first eight annual funding rounds, 28 projects in the watershed have received SRFB grants totaling $11.1 million.
For each SRFB funding round, the WRIA 9 Steering Committee seeks proposals for habitat projects that contribute to Chinook salmon recovery in the Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound Watershed. Restoration, acquisition, and assessment projects that benefit Chinook salmon, and the habitat and ecosystem functions on which they depend are eligible. Proposals must have strong technical merit, meet SRFB requirements, and be recommended in or consistent with the Salmon Habitat Plan. Cities, King County, Tribes, non-profit groups, conservation districts, regional fisheries enhancement groups, and special purpose districts all are eligible to apply.
For more information, contact Karen Bergeron, Habitat Projects Coordinator, 206-296-8383.
King Conservation District Funds (KCD)
Representatives of local governments participating in the Green/Duwamish and Central Puget Sound watershed salmon planning effort make up the Forum. This group makes recommendations about how to use approximately $1.2 million in King Conservation District funds annually to support habitat protection and restoration projects, stewardship projects and programs, and essential technical assessments. The money comes from a county-wide $10 per parcel assessment that funds the activities of the King Conservation District as well as projects through other watershed forums in King County.
To learn more about how King Conservation District grants are making a difference in this watershed, view a map showing where King Conservation District-funded projects are located in the watershed.
The highest priority for WRIA 9 KCD funding are projects and programs recommended in the watershed Salmon Habitat Plan.
To learn more about funding through the WRIA 9 Forum/KCD partnership, contact Karen Bergeron, Habitat Projects Coordinator, 206-296-8383.
Other Grant Sources
A wide variety of sources exist for funding. Links to these sources are provided below:
- The King County Grant Exchange
The Grant Exchange is a clearinghouse of grant and technical assistance programs offered by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. Goals are: protecting and enhancing the environment, increasing community stewardship, and providing expertise and consultation to projects. - City of Seattle Aquatic Habitat Grants
Seattle Public Utilities awards grants to improve watershed health. Grant amounts begin at $2,000. - Catalog of Federal Funding Sources for Watershed Protection
A searchable database of financial assistance sources (grants, loans, cost-sharing) available to fund a variety of watershed protection projects. Offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.