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The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Ecology funds through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office to develop a grant program and facilitate subawards of these funds toward improving the climate resiliency of riparian systems in Puget Sound. Over $17 million dollars will be directed into riparian systems recovery projects and programs.
Program overview
Ecology is working in partnership with riparian restoration and protection experts to start a new grant program. The program is a coalition between Ecology, the Washington State Conservation Commission, and Bonneville Environmental Foundation. The goal of the program is to promote programs that catalyze sustainable, effective, reach-scale riparian restoration and permanent protection in Puget Sound.
The Climate Resilient Riparian Systems Lead grant program focuses on protecting and restoring riparian areas that have been damaged or are struggling to support the plants, animals, and waters of the Puget Sound. It also aims to maintain and learn from pristine riparian systems. The new program will support riparian restoration programs that work with communities and landowners to improve the overall function of river and stream riparian systems.
Climate Resilient Riparian Systems investment priorities included in the 2024 Investment Plan include:
- Priority A: Collaborative, reach-scale planning and outreach
- Priority B: Native plant materials
- Priority C: Landowner incentives
- Priority D: Riparian restoration implementation
- Priority E: Maintenance, monitoring, and adaptive management
- Priority F: Permanent protection of riparian habitat
Applicants can select any or all of the investment priorities to develop new riparian programs or further the work they are already engaged in to improve riparian conditions in Puget Sound. We encourage applicants to think in a collaborative, visionary, and innovative manner to tackle some of the large and common issues faced by all riparian systems. Applicants will be asked to describe the overlaying issues in their area and provide justification for the work based on environmental conditions, projected or current climate impacts, social context, and a collaborative strategy. Letters of support from key stakeholders or co-managers in the area are strongly encouraged.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants for this competitive grant solicitation include, but are not limited to, Tribal governments, local governments, non-profit organizations, and institutions of higher learning. State agencies and for-profit entities are not eligible to apply and cannot be lead applicants on a proposal. However, they may serve as supporting partners with a non-profit or otherwise eligible entity to submit applications.
There are no match requirements with this funding opportunity because the host agency contributes match funding as part of this award.
The Climate Resilient Riparian Systems grant program will fund eligible riparian restoration related activities in the Puget Sound region, in Water Resource Inventory Areas (WRIAs) one through nineteen.
Application opportunities
The first request for proposals will open in November 5th at 8am 2024 and close January 15th 2025 at 5pm, with an allocation of approximately $9 million in funds available. The 2024 Fall solicitation will encourage applicants to propose collaborative and programmatic projects that include activities from one and up to all of the priorities.
The next funding opportunity is tentatively scheduled for Spring of 2025, with additional funding available for smaller programs needs that will catalyze work in their area, and for innovative research and approaches to address specific challenges. The final full request for proposals will open in the Fall of 2025 to once again support programmatic approaches to riparian management. Applicants are encouraged to apply in early rounds.
Climate Resilient Riparian Systems grant program may assign and distribute any funding returned to the program early or savings in other work as needed, to high performing recipients with programs demonstrating capacity and potential for increased positive impact.
Important dates
- Fall Request for Proposals Opens: November 5, 2024 at 8am
- Pre-applicant Webinar: November 13, 2024 from 2-3pm
- Applicant technical assistance virtual office hours: December 10 from 9-10am
- Applicant technical assistance virtual office hours: January 8, 2025 from 1-3pm
- Initial Request for Proposals Closes: January 15, 2025 at 5pm
- Notification to successful applicants: March 3, 2025
- Contract development March – July 2025
- Total project period: May 2025- June 2030
More information
More details and information regarding the Climate Resilient Riparian System grant program can also be found at:
Please direct questions regarding the upcoming request for proposals or the application process to the Climate Resilient Riparian Systems Grant Lead, Libby Gier.
For questions regarding more specific information about the funding program please contact the Puget Sound Recovery Lead, Colin Hume.
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