Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Habitat Conservation Projects
Forecasted
Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Habitat Conservation Projects support conservation organizations, Tribes, and public agencies in acquiring and improving habitat to protect wildlife and natural areas.
Funder: Recreation and Conservation Office
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2028 (Comprehensive plan) | April 2028 (Application) | July 2028 (Technical completion)
Funding Amounts: $54 million in program funding; category requests range from $25,000 minimums to no stated limit
Summary: Supports acquisition and habitat work that conserves wildlife habitat and natural areas across Washington.
Key Information: Applicants need an adopted comprehensive habitat conservation plan accepted by RCO.
Description
The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program’s Habitat Conservation Account funds projects that protect valuable habitat lands before they are lost to other uses. The Recreation and Conservation Funding Board administers the program with support from the Recreation and Conservation Office. Its five categories address critical habitat, natural areas, riparian lands, urban wildlife habitat, and restoration or enhancement of state lands.
Projects may acquire land for conservation, provide limited public access facilities, or restore and enhance habitat where the category permits it. Examples include shoreline and estuary restoration, in-stream passage improvements, native plantings, and removal of structures affecting habitat. The appropriate category depends on both the conservation purpose and the proposed work.
