Habitat Conservation Projects

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Habitat Conservation Projects grant is administered by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office as part of a long-standing state initiative to preserve critical lands for both wildlife habitat and public recreation. Established through legislation passed in 1990, the program reflects a coordinated effort by state leadership, including governors, legislators, and conservation coalitions, to proactively acquire and protect land before it is lost to development or other uses. The program continues to receive funding through state bond sales and operates on a biennial funding cycle, supporting a wide range of conservation and restoration efforts across Washington State. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that conserve, restore, and enhance wildlife habitat while also accommodating recreational use where appropriate. Eligible project types include land acquisition for conservation purposes, habitat restoration and enhancement activities, and development of public access features such as trails, signage, and viewing areas. Specific activities may include shoreline restoration, invasive species removal, native plant restoration, in-stream habitat improvements, and acquisition of conservation easements or long-term leases. Certain costs are explicitly ineligible, including indoor facilities, routine maintenance, environmental cleanup unrelated to project goals, and wildlife production facilities such as hatcheries. Funding amounts vary depending on the project category, with some categories having no maximum limit while others establish minimum requests of 25000 dollars and maximum caps up to 1000000 dollars for single-site projects. The total program funding for the cycle is approximately 54 million dollars. A matching requirement applies to most applicants, generally requiring a 50 percent match, with at least 10 percent of the total project cost coming from non-state and non-federal sources. State agencies are exempt from match requirements, while Native American tribes and local entities must meet the standard match criteria. Matching contributions may include cash, labor, equipment, land donations, and other grants. Eligibility varies by project category but broadly includes cities, counties, towns, nonprofit conservation organizations, federally recognized tribes, special purpose districts, and certain state agencies. Some categories restrict eligibility further to state agencies or nonprofit conservancies. A key prerequisite for all applicants is the completion of a comprehensive recreation or conservation plan, which must be in place prior to application submission. This planning requirement serves as a gating mechanism to ensure that proposed projects align with broader conservation strategies. The application process involves multiple structured stages beginning with the opening of applications and an informational webinar. Applicants must submit a comprehensive plan by early March, followed by a full application submission by April 30, 2026. After submission, applications undergo a series of technical reviews and evaluations across different habitat categories, culminating in board approval of preliminary ranked project lists in late October 2026. The process includes both written and in-person evaluation components depending on the category. Evaluation criteria focus on ecological value, project readiness, alignment with conservation priorities, and long-term stewardship commitments. Applicants may be required to submit supporting documentation such as authorization resolutions, match certification forms, environmental data, and jurisdictional approvals. While specific contact individuals are not listed, applicants are directed to program resources, manuals, and webinars for guidance throughout the process. The program operates on a recurring biennial cycle, with funding awarded every two years. Projects funded through this program are subject to long-term obligations that vary based on project type and ownership, ensuring that conservation outcomes are maintained over time. Applicants should anticipate a structured and competitive review process and prepare comprehensive, well-documented proposals that demonstrate clear environmental benefits and readiness for implementation.

Ensure a completed and approved comprehensive plan before applying; align project with habitat conservation priorities; demonstrate readiness and long-term stewardship; provide strong documentation for match and eligibility