Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program
Forecasted
Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program supports restoration partners and local programs with habitat protection, restoration, and research funding to advance salmon recovery and resilient Puget Sound shorelines.
Funder: Recreation and Conservation Office
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2027 (Beach pre-proposals) | February 2028 (Restoration and Learning pre-proposals) | March 2028 (Beach finals) | May 2028 (Restoration full/portfolio applications) | May 2028 (Shore Friendly budgets) | June 2028 (Learning finals)
Funding Amounts: Restoration: up to $3 million; Beach: $30,000 minimum, $350,000 maximum per property; Learning: $350,000 suggested cap (2026 round)
Summary: Grants and technical assistance support restoration, protection, and regional research for healthy, climate-resilient Puget Sound nearshore ecosystems.
Key Information: Acquired land carries permanent conservation obligations; restoration projects require 10 years of operation and maintenance.
Description
The Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP) supports work that restores and protects the natural processes sustaining Puget Sound’s estuaries, bays, beaches, bluffs, and shorelines. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife manages the program, with the Recreation and Conservation Office administering grants as fiscal agent. Its science-based, ecosystem-scale approach supports salmon recovery and shorelines resilient to climate change.
Funding covers habitat acquisition, feasibility studies, design, and restoration, including dike breaching, bulkhead removal, road decommissioning, and fill removal. Regional Pre-Design research informs future restoration investments, construction siting, and design. Beach Restoration Small Grants emphasize local engagement and beach systems, while Shore Friendly supports local programs offering landowners shoreline stewardship incentives.
