Call for Proposals: Salmon Habitat Restoration Projects

Would you like to see thriving salmon populations in our local rivers and streams?  Do you have an idea for a salmon habitat restoration project in your community?   If so, you will be pleased to know that the Chehalis Basin Lead Entity is soliciting applications for salmon habitat restoration projects for the 2018 grant year through the state’s Salmon Recovery Funding Board program.

What is a salmon habitat restoration project?

Salmon habitat restoration can occur in many ways.

Types of projects that benefit salmon include planting native vegetation along stream banks, reconnecting side-channels with a river main stem, placing tree trunks and large branches in creeks to provide shelter and create pools, and removing invasive plant species from streambanks. Protecting land containing key habitats that are either in pristine condition or could benefit from restoration is also an eligible activity for this grant.

The most common restoration actions that have taken place in the Chehalis Basin over the past few decades have been fish barrier corrections.  Undersized and poorly constructed culverts impede salmon passage, making it impossible for an adult salmon to access spawning habitat, or for a juvenile salmon to access feeding areas.  By correcting barrier culverts, we allow a stream to fully use its channel and salmon to fully use their habitat.

How much funding is available for projects?

The minimum amount of funding eligible applicants can apply for is $5,000. There is no maximum, but the total amount available for all projects in the river basin is approximately $600,000. Each grant needs to be “matched” with other funds, equivalent to 15% of the total project cost.

How do I apply?

To apply, eligible applicants must submit a project form to the Chehalis Lead Entity by April 2^nd, 2018.  Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Lead Entity Coordinator, Kirsten Harma, at kharma@chehalistribe.org, to discuss their project idea.

To learn more about how to apply and to download application materials, visit the For Grant Applicants.