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Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program - Riparian Protection
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Program level:
State
Provider:
Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO)
Benefits provided:
Financial, Free technical assistance
Land use:
Agriculture, Forest
Water-focused program:
Yes
Funding can be used to acquire conservation easements and conduct habitat restoration.
Overview
Description:
The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program provides funding for a broad range of land conservation efforts, from conserving natural areas near big cities to protecting the most pristine and unique collections of plants in the state, including some of last remaining plant species in the world.
The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program was envisioned as a way for the state to accomplish two goals: acquire valuable recreation and habitat lands before they were lost to other uses and develop recreation areas for a growing population.
This landmark legislation passed in 1990 and the grant program's continued funding have come about through the support of governors, the Legislature, and groups such as the many organizations comprising the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition.
Typical projects include:
- Buying land to conserve wildlife habitat
- Restoring state lands
Eligibility:
Eligible applicants include tribes, cities, counties, special purpose districts, land trusts, Conservation Commission, or other State agency.
Please view the urban wildlife map for eligibility in the urban wildlife habitat category.
To apply for this funding, grant applicants must have completed a comprehensive recreation or conservation plan. See details on the planning page and in Manual 2: Planning Guidelines.
Land Acquisition
Acquisition includes the purchase of perpetual interest in real property or non-perpetual interests such as leases and easements. Acquisition of non-perpetual interests must be for at least fifty years and may not be revocable at will.
Incidental costs related to acquisition are eligible. The Riparian Protection Category provides funds for acquisition of lease extensions under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, which must be for a minimum of twenty-five years.
Development:
- Benches, tables
- Interpretive kiosks, signs
- Paths, roads, parking
- Restrooms
- Viewing shelters
The State Lands Restoration and Enhancement category also allows for habitat creation and enhancement.
The Riparian Protection Category allows for site stewardship plans.
Restoration and Enhancement:
- Animal watering stations
- Ecological restoration
- Estuary and shoreline restoration
- Fencing, gates, and signs
- In-stream habitat such as bank stabilization, channel reconfiguration, and woody materials placement
- In-stream passage improvements
- Habitat enhancement such as native plantings and invasive plant removal
- Removal of structures like bulkheads, dikes, levees, tide gates, and impervious surfaces
- Site augmentation to establish restoration elements
- Transplanting and re-vegetation
- Upland stewardship
Financial benefit:
Grant Limits:
Riparian Protection - Minimum request of $25,000, no cap.
State Lands Restoration and Enhancement - Minimum request of $25,000. Maximum request of $1 million for a single-site project and $500,000 for a multi-site project.
Local agencies, special purpose districts, and nonprofits must provide 50 percent match and at least 10 percent of the total project cost must be from a non-state, non-federal contribution.
State agencies do not have to provide match.
Native American tribes must provide 50 percent match.
Match may include the following:
- Applicant’s labor, equipment, and materials
- Appropriations or cash
- Bonds
- Donations of cash, land, labor, equipment, and materials
- Other grants
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!
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