Strategic Implementation Area (SIA) Restoration Grant

The Strategic Implementation Area Restoration Grants are administered through a partnership between the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and the Oregon Department of Agriculture as part of the Agricultural Water Quality Management Program. This program is designed to improve water quality in targeted agricultural watersheds known as Strategic Implementation Areas. These areas are identified based on their impact on water quality for fish, wildlife, and drinking water. The initiative represents a coordinated interagency effort, with additional collaboration from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, to address agricultural water quality concerns through focused restoration investments. The primary purpose of the SIA Restoration Grants is to support implementation of restoration projects that directly address ecological and agricultural water quality issues identified through formal SIA assessment processes. These assessments determine priority areas and specific environmental concerns within each watershed. Funded projects must align with those findings and demonstrate measurable improvements in water quality. Eligible restoration activities may include riparian restoration, fencing, vegetation planting, and other conservation practices designed to reduce agricultural impacts on water systems. Each project must be independently viable and demonstrate clear water quality benefits without reliance on other grant-funded activities within the same cycle. Eligibility is limited primarily to SIA Lead organizations that have previously received an SIA Technical Assistance grant from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board between 2017 and the present. Other organizations may apply only if they obtain formal permission from the designated SIA Lead organization for the relevant area. All project sites must have been evaluated through the SIA assessment process to ensure consistency with identified priorities. Applicants are required to demonstrate how their proposed project addresses agricultural water quality concerns, aligns with conservation strategies outlined in the local Agricultural Water Quality Management Area Plan, and contributes to addressing impaired water bodies or Total Maximum Daily Loads within the watershed. The grant provides funding of up to 30000 dollars per application. A 25 percent match is required and may be fulfilled through cash or in-kind contributions. Applicants must demonstrate that they are actively seeking matching funds at the time of application, although the match does not need to be secured until prior to fund disbursement. Multiple applications may be submitted by a single applicant for different projects, provided each application is distinct and offers independent watershed benefits. Applications must be submitted through the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board’s online grant system. Required application components include a detailed project narrative, measurable baseline and projected outcomes, and supporting documentation such as project maps, photos, designs, and planting plans where applicable. Applicants must clearly explain how the project addresses water quality concerns identified in the SIA assessment and how it will implement conservation strategies from the applicable management plan. The application system includes a verification step to ensure completeness prior to submission, and applicants are strongly encouraged to submit at least 24 hours before the deadline. Applications are reviewed by an interagency technical team consisting of representatives from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Department of Environmental Quality, and Department of Fish and Wildlife. Evaluation criteria focus on alignment with SIA priorities, the extent to which the project addresses identified water quality issues, and its implementation of conservation strategies. Projects must also demonstrate relevance to impaired streams or watershed-level regulatory requirements. For the 2026 cycle, applications opened on February 4, 2026 and closed on March 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. The grant is offered annually, indicating a recurring funding opportunity. Applicants seeking additional information or clarification may contact Heidi Hartman, Federal Programs Specialist, via email or phone. Additional guidance materials and application resources are available through the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board.

Align project with SIA assessment priorities; include measurable baseline and outcome metrics; ensure project stands independently; submit at least 24 hours early for verification