Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program
Forecasted
The Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program supports Puget Sound restoration teams and local stewardship programs, funding nearshore protection, research, and habitat work to sustain salmon and build climate resilience.
Funder: Recreation and Conservation Office
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2027 (Beach pre-proposal) | February 2028 (Restoration and Protection pre-proposal) | February 2028 (Learning pre-proposal) | March 2028 (Beach final application) | May 2028 (Beach reviewer responses) | May 2028 (Restoration and Protection final application) | May 2028 (Shore Friendly budget forms) | June 2028 (Learning final application)
Funding Amounts: Beach grants: $30,000 minimum, $350,000 maximum per property; Restoration and Protection: up to $3 million; awards generally fund a two-year phase
Summary: Supports restoration, protection, research, and landowner stewardship programs for Puget Sound’s nearshore habitats.
Key Information: Projects must be in the Puget Sound nearshore, east of Cape Flattery.
Description
The Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP) provides grants and technical assistance to restore and conserve Puget Sound’s estuaries, bays, beaches, and shorelines. Managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and administered with the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), it aims to restore the natural processes that sustain nearshore ecosystems, support salmon habitat, and build climate resilience. Projects may include habitat acquisition, feasibility studies, design, dike or bulkhead removal, and other restoration work.
ESRP has four distinct programs. Restoration and Protection funds regionally important projects; Beach Restoration Small Grants emphasizes beach systems and local engagement; Regional Pre-Design, also called Learning, investigates questions that can improve future restoration investments; and Shore Friendly funds local programs offering landowners shoreline-stewardship incentives. Each program has its own application and review process.
