Nisqually Indian Tribe looking to distribute grant money for salmon habitat restoration

The Nisqually Indian Tribe is requesting grant proposals for salmon habitat restoration and protection projects in the Nisqually River watershed.  

An estimated $400,000 in state funding is available for on-the-ground habitat restoration projects, land acquisitions, or assessments that will lead to projects, a tribal news release stated,. The Nisqually Indian Tribe is the lead entity that coordinates the solicitation and ranking of projects for the Nisqually Watershed.

Total funding available for projects has not yet been determined by the state legislature.

Eligible project proposals will be ranked by the Nisqually River Council and submitted to the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) and the state legislature for funding consideration.

“Projects that match high priority actions and geographic areas in the Nisqually Watershed’s Salmon Recovery strategy will have the best chance of receiving a high ranking and funding,” the news release stated.

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.

Interested parties must submit a letter of intent to the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s Natural Resources Office by March 1. Completed applications are tentatively due August 8.

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Ashley Von Essen, Lead Entity Coordinator for Nisqually Tribe Natural Resources at (360) 456-5221 ext. 2145 or vonessen.ashley@nisqually-nsn.gov to get information about the Nisqually Salmon Recovery strategy and other application information.