Contact:
Carolyn Duncan, DNR, 206-296-8304

As Northwest citizens face declining salmon populations, we learn more every day about the critical role healthy watersheds play in the region's environmental and economic well being. The time is ripe for citizens to take action and King County has a way to help. King County's 1999 Watershed Action Grants are now available to citizens and groups that plan to involve a broad community group of people in the long-term care of waterways, including streams, wetlands, lakes, rivers, marine waters and near shore habitat.

Through Watershed Action Grants, $60,000 is available each year for projects that protect watershed resources in King County. Individual grants are available for up to $5,000 to cover the cost of project materials. Grant recipients are expected to begin projects in the spring and will have until the following June to complete them.

Any group within King County may apply for a Watershed Action Grant, including community and nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, service clubs, employee, youth, or senior citizen organizations, homeowner associations, schools and student groups, businesses and others. Groups must have permission to be on the project site.

Any project that enhances a local watershed or educates people about the long-term care of water resources may be eligible. Salmon recovery is a key goal for current county programs. Special consideration will be given to projects that repair or restore habitat and/or educated the public about the plight of salmon. Projects that include water reuse or recycle materials are encouraged. The most appropriate projects are grassroots efforts that involve several groups within the community and serve a broad audience who may not otherwise be reached.

Completed applications must be postmarked by December 15. For a grant application and other grant materials, including tips for writing a great grant and networking resources throughout the county call (206) 296-8494.

Updated: November 13, 1998