Overview

WDFW supports habitat protection and restoration through a number of programs and partnerships. Conservation and recovery of wild salmon and steelhead can occur only when our salmon recovery partners successfully protect and restore habitat. In turn, WDFW provides scientific data and expertise, biological and environmental engineering assistance, and restoration project permitting assistance. Listed below are some key partners and programs.

• The Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP) is a protection and restoration funding program developed as a partnership among WDFW, the Recreation and Conservation Office, and the Puget Sound Partnership to support strategic and sustained nearshore ecosystem restoration in Puget Sound. ESRP provides funding to high value projects that are regionally developed.
• Regional Salmon Recovery Organizations
• Lead Entity Program
• Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups

WDFW also coordinates with partners to implement and fund habitat protection and restoration projects both in the freshwater and marine and nearshore environments, focusing on key areas:

• Support partners in identifying special habitat conditions and actions necessary to rebuild depressed runs and reach wild fish population goals
• Protect habitat by providing salmon protection and recovery planning assistance to effectively implement the Growth Management Act, Forest and Fish Act, Shoreline Management Act and other state and local government fish protection laws.
• Support habitat restoration by providing engineering and biological review assistance to maximize the effectiveness of salmon recovery projects.