Klamath Basin Forests and Watersheds Restoration

The Klamath Basin Forests and Watersheds Restoration Grant program, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), is designed to support habitat restoration and conservation in the Klamath River Basin, an ecologically and culturally significant region spanning southern Oregon and northern California. This initiative focuses on improving water quality, enhancing fish and wildlife habitat, increasing forest resilience, and engaging stakeholders in collaborative watershed restoration efforts. For 2025, the program will distribute up to $11,553,000 in grant funding across four specialized programs. The Shasta Valley Regional Conservation Partnership Program offers $7,040,000 to fund projects in the Shasta River watershed. This program prioritizes activities that enhance water conservation, improve conveyance efficiency, and support on-farm irrigation management to increase instream flows and habitat quality for Southern Oregon Northern California Coast (SONCC) coho salmon. Grants range from $200,000 to $2,000,000, with a mandatory 1:1 match. Projects must incorporate formal measures to protect instream flows and provide data on water savings and habitat improvements. The Conservation Partners Program allocates $2,000,000 to promote regenerative agriculture on private lands within the Klamath Basin. This funding supports technical assistance, conservation planning, and Farm Bill program participation for farmers and ranchers. Proposals should address unmet needs in land management, enhance soil and water conservation, and align with NRCS Conservation Practice Standards. Grants range from $200,000 to $700,000, with a recommended 35% match. Special emphasis is placed on serving Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis producers. The Upper Klamath Watershed Resilience Program provides $1,793,000 for projects within Oregon’s Upper Klamath Basin. Funding supports habitat restoration, water quality enhancement, and conservation planning to improve aquatic habitats, wetland ecosystems, and forest management. Grant awards range from $100,000 to $500,000, with a required 25% match. Proposals should align with Farm Bill conservation goals, emphasizing collaborative efforts to enhance watershed resilience. The Fremont-Winema National Forest Headwaters Enhancement and Monitoring Program focuses on restoring forest and aquatic ecosystems in the Fremont-Winema National Forest. With $720,000 available, projects can range from $50,000 to $450,000 and require a 30% match. Eligible activities include thinning, prescribed burns, meadow restoration, and species monitoring to enhance habitat resilience and reduce wildfire risks. Collaborative, watershed-based approaches that link public and private conservation actions are highly prioritized. Eligible applicants include local, state, and Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. Proposals must align with NFWF’s conservation priorities and provide measurable, reportable outcomes. Ineligible uses of funds include equipment purchases, political advocacy, and compliance with legal requirements. Successful projects will demonstrate cost-effectiveness, technical feasibility, and long-term sustainability while engaging diverse community stakeholders. Applications must be submitted through NFWF’s Easygrants system by February 25, 2025, at 8:59 PM PST. An informational webinar will be held on January 21, 2025, to assist applicants. Award notifications are expected in May 2025, following a competitive evaluation process. Proposals will be assessed based on technical merit, alignment with program goals, collaboration, and cost-efficiency. For further details, applicants can consult NFWF’s website or contact program staff. This grant opportunity represents a significant investment in restoring the ecological integrity and resilience of the Klamath Basin while supporting the communities and stakeholders that depend on its resources.