Puget Sound Riparian Systems Lead Grants
Forecasted
Puget Sound Riparian Systems Lead Grants support communities and landowners in restoring and permanently protecting river and stream habitats to sustain riparian systems across Puget Sound watersheds.
Funder: Washington State Department of Ecology
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $150,000–$600,000 per award; no match required (2026 solicitation)
Summary: Supports sustainable restoration and permanent protection of river and stream riparian systems in Puget Sound watersheds.
Key Information: Project focus areas must be within Puget Sound WRIAs 1–19; higher-education projects cannot fulfill institutional statutory responsibilities.
Description
The Puget Sound Riparian Systems Lead program is administered by Washington’s Department of Ecology with EPA funding. Its coalition includes Ecology, the Washington State Conservation Commission, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, the University of Washington Puget Sound Institute, and EPA. The program supports work with communities and landowners to restore damaged riparian areas, improve systems struggling to support plants, animals, and waters, and maintain and learn from pristine systems.
Funding priorities span collaborative planning, native plant supply, restoration, monitoring, landowner incentives, and permanent habitat protection. Applicants are encouraged to connect proposed activities to a longer-term local vision that sustains riparian management beyond the grant. Projects may combine investment priorities according to local needs, capacity, and partnerships.
