There are several steps to applying for a SRFB grant in the Yakima Basin Lead Entity process. Yakima Basin SRFB grant proposals must be submitted through the YBFWRB Lead Entity, and must address YBFWRB recovery goals as outlined in the Yakima Steelhead Recovery Plan and/or the Yakima Bull Trout Action Plan (see 2017 update). A full description of the local process is outlined in the Lead Entity Manual.
Application Timeline
| Month | Event/Deadline |
|---|---|
| January | Request for Proposals |
| February | Pre-Applications Due |
| March | Pre-Application Conferences |
| April | Full Applications Due in PRISM Sponsor Presentations @ YBFWRB Office |
| May | Site Tours with State Review Panel Members |
| June | State Review Panel Call Final Applications Due |
| July | Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Evaluation Citizen Committee (CC) Evaluation |
| August | YBFWRB Annual Meeting - Board Approves Project List Project List Submitted to SRFB |
| September | SRFB Announces Funding Decisions |
Yakima River – Benton County
SRFB Grant Process Steps
Submit Application to Lead Entity: Applicants for Salmon Recovery Funding must complete a pre-application, due in March, before submitting a full application. The pre-application process is meant to provide early feedback to applicants as they determine which proposals to pursue and how to develop them. Shortly after the pre-application is submitted, applicants will be asked to schedule a conference with the pre-application subcommittee. When an applicant decides to carry a proposal beyond the pre-proposal review, they will need to work with the Lead Entity Coordinator to obtain a project number, then complete a formal application using the RCO’s PRISM database, due in April.
Local Project Evaluation: Our local evaluation process happens in multiple phases, including sponsor presentations, project site visits, Technical Advisory Group (TAG) evaluation, and finally Citizen Committee (CC) ranking. This process helps the project applicant to develop proposals that are scientifically-sound, rooted in regional recovery plans, and consider potential socio-economic impacts. Sponsors are always encouraged to ask individual TAG and CC members questions during the grant round. Once this local process is complete, the Yakima Basin Fish and Wildlife Recovery Board forwards their funding recommendations to the SRFB in Olympia, due in August.
State Project Evaluation: Through their technical review panel, the state evaluation process is happening concurrently with our local process. Reviewers on the state review panel participate in site tours and evaluate applications to ensure they each have a high benefit to salmon, a high likelihood of being successful, and costs that don’t outweigh the anticipated benefits of the project.
Funding: Project proposals are officially awarded at the September SRFB meeting. Sponsors do not have to be present at this meeting unless they are defending a “Project of Concern”. After this meeting, the Outdoor Grant Manager assigned to the Yakima Basin will contact the sponsor for contracting details.
Long-term Commitments for Funded Projects
Acquisition projects must be operated and maintained in perpetuity. Restoration project applicants must demonstrate a commitment to 10 years or more of stewardship for the project.