Have a salmon habitat project? Grants available

The Nisqually Indian Tribe is accepting grant proposals for salmon habitat restoration and protection projects in the Nisqually River watershed, which extends from Mount Rainier National Park to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.

Up to $1.8 million in federal and state funds are available for on-the-ground projects, and acquisitions or assessments that will lead to projects. Total funding that eventually will be made available hasn't been determined by the Legislature.

The Nisqually Tribe is the lead entity that coordinates the solicitation and ranking of projects for the Nisqually Watershed.

Eligible project proposals will be ranked by the Nisqually River Council and submitted to the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) and the Legislature for consideration. Projects that match high-priority actions and geographic areas in the watershed’s salmon recovery strategy will have the best chance of receiving a high ranking and funding, officials said.

Eligible applicants for funding include local governments, state agencies (with a local partner), conservation districts, tribes, non-profit organizations, special-purpose districts, regional fisheries enhancement groups, and private landowners.

Prospective applicants must submit a letter of intent to the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s Natural Resources Office by March 2. Completed applications are tentatively due Aug. 9.

Interested parties can contact Ashley Von Essen, a coordinator for

Nisqually Tribe Natural Resources, at 360-456-5221 (extension 2145) and vonessen.ashley@nisqually-nsn.gov for additional information.