The State Conservation Commission (SCC) is committed to supporting private landowners’ voluntary stewardship of natural resources. In 2023, the WA State Legislature approved funding for SCC to run a voluntary riparian grant program for priority riparian restoration and protection. This opportunity provides funding for projects to restore and protect riparian habitat.

Conservation districts are the only eligible entities for this program. All other organizations, agencies, and entities are encouraged to work with their local conservation district to identify, support, and partner on riparian project implementation. All land ownerships are eligible under this program including private, tribal, federal, state, non-profit organization, or local government ownerships. However, only land not owned by governmental agencies are eligible for tiered incentive payments.

Riparian Grant Program funding will be allocated on an ongoing basis every two weeks for as long as funds remain available.‍ Riparian Grant Program funds may be used for the following eligible project types:

• Riparian restoration program outreach
• Technical assistance/planning/design/monitoring
• Landowner implemented cost share
• District Implemented Projects
• Tiered incentive payments
• Maintenance
• Permanent protection