top of page
Forestry Riparian Easement Program
< Explore more
Program level:
State
Provider:
Washington DNR
Benefits provided:
Financial
Land use:
Forest
Water-focused program:
No
Improve your riparian corridor.
Overview
Description:
The Forestry Riparian Easement Program (FREP) provides compensation for trees required to be left next to streams, wetlands, seeps, or adjacent unstable slopes. FREP is a voluntary program that reimburses eligible landowners for 90 percent of the value of the trees they must, by law, leave to protect riparian habitat.
Eligibility:
You harvest less than 2 million board feet of timber on average, per year
Your harvest does not convert the qualifying land to a use incompatible with forestry
Have completed a harvest* and left a buffer of trees next to a stream, river, wetland, lake, pond, or adjacent unstable slopes
You are an individual, partnership, corporation, or other nongovernmental for-profit legal entity
You own either a parcel larger than 20 contiguous acres or more than 80 forested acres in Washington State
*You may still be eligible if your harvest is not possible due to Forest Practices Rules.
Financial benefit:
Compensation for 90 percent of the timber value and applies to trees adjacent to streams, wetlands, seeps, or unstable slopes
Contact information
Information last updated on July 15, 2025.
Planning Importance
Developing a forest, agricultural, or conservation plan helps identify and prioritize objectives for landowners. These objectives can determine what type programs to search for. Supporting organizations in your area often provide free consultation and planning.
Landscape Characteristics
See how your land fits into the broader context of regional conservation, ecosystem services, and working lands' values across the landscape through our interactive mapper tool. It could help you determine which program is a good fit for you!
Contact Us
bottom of page