Klamath Basin Forests and Watersheds Restoration Grant

The Klamath Basin Forests and Watersheds Restoration grant, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), represents a multi-pronged investment in the ecological restoration and conservation of the Klamath River Basin. This basin, spanning over 12,000 square miles in southern Oregon and northern California, holds national ecological and cultural significance. Historically, the basin supported rich populations of anadromous fish species, including Chinook and coho salmon, steelhead trout, and others, many of which are integral to Tribal communities and regional fisheries. With the recent decommissioning of four major dams in the summer of 2024—the largest such project in U.S. history—the region is entering a transformative phase in habitat restoration. This 2025 grant opportunity aligns with a longstanding partnership between NFWF and key federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Through these collaborations, the program is expected to disburse up to $11,553,000 across four major funding tracks: the Shasta Valley Regional Conservation Partnership Program ($7,040,000), the Conservation Partners Program ($2,000,000), the Upper Klamath Watershed Resilience initiative ($1,793,000), and the Fremont-Winema National Forest Headwaters Enhancement and Monitoring effort ($720,000). Each track has distinct geographic and programmatic priorities, but collectively they seek to improve watershed resilience, forest health, and habitat conditions, while bolstering technical support to landowners and producers implementing conservation practices. Applicants must tailor their proposals to the specific objectives and eligibility requirements of the chosen funding stream. For example, projects in the Shasta Valley must focus on enhancing instream flows and water quality through on-farm water conservation and conveyance improvements. Conversely, the Conservation Partners Program prioritizes technical assistance for regenerative agriculture on private working lands. Each track has clearly defined award ranges, from $50,000 to $2,000,000, and carries distinct cost-sharing expectations—ranging from 25% to 1:1 match requirements. Funding through certain programs may also be subject to Farm Bill policies and reporting metrics related to environmental and economic outcomes. To ensure alignment with broader strategic goals, applicants are encouraged to consult NFWF’s California Forests and Watersheds Business Plan and incorporate baseline monitoring and metrics. Successful proposals will be technically sound, collaborative, cost-effective, and sustainable. Evaluation criteria also emphasize community engagement, especially with Tribal Nations and underrepresented groups, and the capacity to transfer learnings or scale efforts. Applications must be submitted through NFWF’s Easygrants online portal. The deadline for full proposals is February 25, 2025, by 11:59 PM EST. An informational webinar recording is available for applicants. The review period will span March to April 2025, with awards announced in May 2025. Most grants are reimbursable and may require environmental compliance clearances under NEPA, ESA, and NHPA. Applicants must also obtain any necessary permits prior to implementation. Contact points for inquiries include Femke Freiberg, Program Director; Erica Engstrom, Program Manager; and Dalton Schmitz, Program Coordinator. The official RFP is available as a downloadable PDF from the NFWF website. This funding opportunity is not only a significant investment in environmental restoration but also a major step forward in adaptive, stakeholder-driven management of one of the West Coast’s most critical watersheds.