Forestland Preservation Grants

The Forestland Preservation grant is part of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, a state-level initiative established in 1990 to conserve land for outdoor recreation and wildlife while addressing the impacts of population growth. In 2016, the Washington State Legislature expanded the program to include forestland preservation, recognizing the importance of maintaining working forests that contribute to timber production, environmental sustainability, wildlife habitat, and public access. The program is administered through state mechanisms and funded through the sale of state bonds, with periodic funding allocations determined by legislative action. The primary purpose of this grant is to support the preservation of forestland through voluntary conservation agreements, such as easements or leases, that ensure forests remain dedicated to timber production and ecological functions in perpetuity. In addition to land preservation, the program allows for habitat restoration activities that enhance environmental outcomes, including improving water quality, supporting fish passage, and restoring stream corridors. All funded projects must include land acquisition through conservation easements or leases as a core component, with restoration activities permitted only in conjunction with acquisition. Funding for the program is estimated at approximately 575000 every two years, with individual grant requests allowed up to 500000. Applicants must typically provide a one-to-one matching share, meaning they must contribute resources equal to the requested grant amount. Eligible match contributions may include cash, bonds, donated land or labor, equipment, materials, and other grants. However, the Washington State Conservation Commission is exempt from the matching requirement. Grant funds may be used for acquisition costs and certain restoration activities but cannot be used for ineligible expenses such as routine maintenance, consumable supplies beyond limited use, indoor facilities, or environmental cleanup unrelated to project goals. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, nonprofit nature conservancies, and the Washington State Conservation Commission. Eligible forestland must meet specific criteria, including being at least five contiguous acres devoted primarily to timber production and enrolled in a qualifying property tax program. The land must also meet definitions tied to environmental and economic benefits, such as supporting water supply, reducing erosion, and providing habitat. Projects must also address fish passage barriers where applicable and include a baseline inventory of the property’s condition. The application process begins with the opening of applications and an informational webinar, followed by a defined submission deadline. For the current cycle, applications opened on February 11, 2026, and are due by April 30, 2026. After submission, applications undergo a technical review phase, followed by a technical completion deadline, written project evaluation, and ultimately board review and approval of ranked project lists. The evaluation process spans several months, with final board approval anticipated in late October 2026. Applicants are required to submit various forms and documentation, including authorization resolutions, match certification, scope of work acknowledgements, and jurisdictional review documentation. While specific evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed in the provided materials, the structured review process suggests a focus on technical feasibility, ecological impact, and alignment with program goals. Projects must demonstrate long-term commitment, as preserved lands and restored habitats must be maintained as forestland indefinitely. The program operates on a recurring cycle aligned with legislative funding periods, typically biennial in nature. Applicants should anticipate future opportunities based on similar timelines and prepare for substantial documentation and coordination with local jurisdictions. While no direct contact information is provided in the materials, applicants are encouraged to utilize available resources, including manuals, webinars, and application guidance documents, to ensure compliance with all requirements and improve competitiveness.

Ensure conservation easement is central to proposal; clearly document match contributions; align restoration activities with ecological outcomes; complete all required forms accurately