PWR LIO Meetings 

  • Next Meeting – October 25; 10:00-12:00 PM PST – (Zoom) 
  • Past LIO Meeting Notes/Summary (July 26, 2023) 

 

 

Events & Engagement Opportunities 

  • NEW! Legislative Prioritization – As part of the Partnership’s process for developing the 2024 legislative session priorities, a survey was sent out to all four boards: Leadership Council, Ecosystem Coordination Board, Science Panel, and Salmon Recovery Council. PSP wanted to provide advance notice to you all that this survey is live so that you can connect and coordinate with your members/alternates who will receive the survey and support them in filling it out as needed. LIO and LE members are also able to submit their feedback, please feel free to distribute to your networks as applicable. Survey deadline is 11/16! Please click HERE to access the survey! 

 

  • NEW! NW Community Forest Coalition Fall Meeting – On November 7 & 8, the NWCFC will come together in Estacada, OR to hold our Fall Quarterly Meeting. This event will visit the Eagle Creek Community Forest on Tuesday, 11/ 7, followed by an in-person meeting on Wednesday, 11/8.  While a full agenda for the meeting is still being assembled, this meeting will focus on how forested properties can be managed provide high quality water, maintain healthy riparian and aquatic fish habitat for priority species, and promote wildlife habitat as a whole. More details on the Fall Quarterly meeting HERE. 

 

  • Land Use Planning Workshops – The Stormwater Strategic Initiative Lead team is scoping a series of workshops and small group meetings this fall on Integrated Land Use & Stormwater Planning and Compliance and Incentives. Registration links for each of the workshop dates will be available soon. They anticipate engagement opportunities will be scheduled in late September and early October. In the meantime, please fill out this simple form to indicate your interest so we can make sure you receive email updates and invitations. 

 

  • Informal/Nonformal Science Educator Workshops – Join the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and partner organizations for field experiences that highlight tribal sovereignty, school gardens, and local ecosystem recovery projects to engage students preK-12 in hands-on, real-world learning, and civic engagement. We support high-quality outdoor learning opportunities aligned with learning standards, best practices in environmental education, and anchored in local, relevant phenomena for student learning. Workshops are free! Participants bring their own brown bag lunch. Sign up, or save the date, for the event nearest you! Registration will close one week prior to each event: 

Save the date!  

  • November 2 – ESD 171, Dry Falls State Park, Coulee City 
  • November 7 – Northwest ESD 189, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Bellingham 
  • February 20 – ESD 112 (Vancouver area) 
  • February 27 – ESD 121 (Seattle/Tacoma area) 
  • February 29 – Capital Region ESD 113 (Olympia area) 
  • March TBD – Olympic Region ESD 114 (Bremerton area) 

 

  • Orca Recovery Day 2023 – This annual event started in 2018 as a regional initiative to raise awareness about the challenges the Southern Resident Killer Whale pod face. From pollution to habitat loss, their main food supply (Chinook salmon) is endangered. Fortunately, there are things we can do on land to help the Southern Residents flourish. Please visit the official Orca Recovery Day page to learn more. Please fill out this form to let us know if your organization is planning on hosting an event this fall. The official date is October 14, 2023, but we’ll promote events throughout the month of October that support the Southern Residents! 

 

  • 2023 Puget Sound Day on the Sound – Mark your calendars: We are delighted to announce that this year’s Puget Sound Day on the Sound event will take place Tuesday, October 10, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Rhodes Center (950 Broadway) in Tacoma. Join us for a series of panel discussions with members of Congress, Tribal leaders, and state and federal agency leaders on topics related to Puget Sound and salmon recovery, Tribal treaty rights, and relevant happenings in “the other Washington.” Please register for this in-person event here. 

 

  • 2023 Annual Carbon Conference – Washington Conservation Action (formerly Washington Environmental Council & Washington Conservation Voters) is excited to host our Seventh Annual Carbon Friendly Forestry Conference! This year, the conference will be held as 3-half-day virtual events on 3 Wednesdays in November commencing with an in-person evening happy hour every Wednesday Nov 1, 8, and 15. The conference welcomes practitioners, policymakers, state and local government, tribal government staff, landowners, civil society, companies in the wood supply chain, academics, and community members whose work connects to forest management or carbon sequestration. Register now for the seventh annual virtual Carbon Friendly Forestry Conference. 

 

  • Nisqually Community Forest Tour – Join the Nisqually Community Forest board and Northwest Natural Resource Group for a tour of the Nisqually Community Forest on October 5 from 12:30-4:30pm. Maintaining a reliable source of water in a changing climate is critical for the health of both people and ecosystems. At the Nisqually Community Forest near Mount Rainier, Northwest Natural Resource Group (NNRG) has been testing methods of ecological forestry that will increase the resilience of future watershed forests. Nisqually Community Forest is a community-owned and managed working forest at the foothills of Mount Rainier. On this guided driving and walking tour, you’ll learn about the forestry strategies that are being implemented to restore the forest, while also making it more resilient to the predicted future climate in the area. Click HERE to register! 

 

  • Science Career Expo 2024  – The Seaport has decided to host the Science Career Expo on Saturday February 10th, 2024 from 11am-3pm. Due to feedback that we received following the previous expo we changed the date to be in the winter as this seems to align better with organizations looking for spring/summer interns. A few other changes; the Seaport will be providing 2 chairs per organization and we have a small supply of 6ft tables you may borrow on a first come first serve basis. The audience will remain the same; we are going to continue reaching out to high schools, colleges and the general community about the opportunities this event will offer. The 1st Science Career Expo brought in over 150 people from all over the area interested in working for or learning more about your organization. We expect next year’s event to be even bigger and better! If you are interested in registering for next years event please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/YDvicJNYZmZN6SQK7
     

 

News 

  • NEW! Sustainable Forestry Standard for Urban Forestry – The Sustainable Forestry Institute released a new standard for Urban and Community Forestry during the summer of 2023. This community-based standard is the first of its kind and prioritizes nature-based solutions for resilience to climate change. The standard is applicable worldwide and to communities of all sizes. It serves as a guiding light to successful urban forestry management. Learn more about the SFI Urban Forestry Sustainability Standard, click HERE. 

 

  • 2022 Salish Sea Toxics Monitoring Synthesis  – The Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP) has announced the release of the 2022 Salish Sea Toxics Monitoring Synthesis, found here 2022 Salish Sea toxics monitoring synthesis: A selection of research | Encyclopedia of Puget Sound (eopugetsound.org). This is the third synthesis published, with those prior in 2016 and 2018. Together they provide a suite of snapshots of activities that document progress in our investigation, understanding, and management of anthropogenic chemicals. The main goal is to provide a summary of toxics-related monitoring and research in a single document to 1) communicate the range of efforts currently underway, 2) provide a brief summary of findings to managers and policy makers, and 3) form a basis to develop an inventory of research needs and monitoring gaps. 

 

  • Sound Choices Checklist for Comprehensive Plans  – The Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead (HSIL) is excited to share the updated Sound Choices Checklist! The HSIL partnered with Department of Commerce, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Puget Sound Partnership, and the Stormwater Strategic Initiative to update the checklist for the current cycle of comprehensive plan updates. The Sound Choices Checklist is a tool that aligns the Puget Sound recovery strategies and actions with the comprehensive plan elements. Puget Sound jurisdictions and Puget Sound recovery partners can use the checklist to consider if and how local comprehensive plans are setting the stage for Puget Sound recovery. This checklist also highlights best practices to support local planners in their comprehensive plan updates.   

 

Funding Opportunities 

  • PSP’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Tracker – This tool tracks funding in the BIL related to Puget Sound recovery priorities, to view the BIL funding tracker please click HERE (updated regularly). PSP also produced an End-of-Session Review for the 117th Congress, to read up on it click HERE. 

 

  • NEW! Federal Funding for Nature Based Solutions – The National Wildlife Federation has developed a new searchable database of federal funding sources for nature-based infrastructure solutions. To view the list and see if your project would qualify for over 88 programs please visit HERE. 

 

  • NEW! Oil Spill Equipment Grants – Department of Ecology grants can be used for oil spill cleanup tools and training. Oil spill equipment grants are open to Washington counties, cities and municipalities, ports, public utility districts, special purpose districts like clean air agencies and fire protection groups, federally recognized Tribal governments, and Washington state agencies. Recipients of previous grant cycles are eligible to apply again. Ecology is  accepting applications now through 5 p.m. Tuesday, 11/14 For details on the funding guidelines and how to apply, please click HERE. 

 

  • NEW! 2024 Community Forestry Assistance Grant Cycle – The DNR Urban & Community Forestry Program will be offering at least six million dollars in available grant funding in the upcoming 2024 Community Forestry Assistance grant cycle. We are offering a series of webinars on the 2024 grant opportunity to help educate eligible applicants on our grant program and help them prepare to apply. Each hour long webinar will include helpful information about the grant and our intentions for the 2024 grant cycle. Learn more and register HERE. 
  • Urban Forestry Grant Webinar #1 – An overview of DNR Urban Forestry Grants—structure, format, processes, and timelines. 

Held on September 7, 2023 – Webinar #1 Recording
Please use the following passcode, if prompted, to access the recording: $6K#K7id 

  • Urban Forestry Grant Webinar #2 – Your proposal through the eyes of a grant reviewer—best practices, tips on how to apply, and pitfalls to avoid 

Time: September 28, 2023 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) 

Webinar #2 Registration Page (September 28) 

  • Urban Forestry Grant Webinar #3 – Intent and expectations for 2024 grant cycle 

Time: October 19, 2023 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) 

Webinar # 3 Registration Page (October 19) 

 

  • NEW! Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal – Starting 10/2, the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board will accept proposals for projects to remove barriers that prevent salmon and steelhead from swimming upstream. The board will host an online workshop from 10 a.m. to noon 10/5, to provide an overview of the grant program and review the application process. The board will accept applications through 1/18/24. For more information about the grant application process and requirements, click HERE. 

 

  • Stormwater and Shellfish Chapters of 2023 Investment Plan – The Puget Sound Strategic Initiative Leads (SILs) are pleased to announce the Stormwater and Shellfish chapters of the joint Strategic Initiatives’ 2023 Investment Plan. The Plan details the investment priorities that the Strategic Initiative Advisory Teams have been working on for the past few months. The Investment Priorities will be the focus of competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) for the next year to award EPA Puget Sound Geographic Program Funds for investments across Puget Sound.  
  • Stormwater SIL RFPs supporting Investment Priorities for reducing Toxics in Fish and Freshwater Quality – Opportunities opening between August and December, 2023. Sign up here to learn more about these upcoming engagement opportunities. 
  • The Shellfish SIL will award up to $4,500,000 for proposals ranging from $200,000 to $1,000,000, lasting 2 to 3.5 years. This RFP focuses on four investment priorities addressing impacts to shellfish bed classification in Puget Sound. The Shellfish SIL will consider proposals from around Puget Sound and the four investment priorities being solicited for without a predetermined amount that will go to each priority. Click HERE to learn more and apply. More info below: 
  • The Shellfish chapter of the Investment Plan includes $4.5 million in total allocation for the four 2023 Shellfish Investment Priorities. Priorities include: 
  1. Onsite Sewage System (OSS) Management.
  2. Livestock manure management.
  3. Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC).
  4. Enabling municipalities and privately owned wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to prepare for modifications that will lead to shellfish classification upgrades around outfalls.

RFP Solicitation will be open for 8 weeks, applications are due October 20, 2023, by 11:59pm. 

 

  • Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants for Tribes and Underserved Communities – $45 million in funding is available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act for projects that will advance the coastal habitat restoration and climate resilience priorities of tribes and underserved communities. Through this funding, NOAA will help support community-driven habitat restoration and build the capacity of tribes and underserved communities to more fully participate in restoration activities. For more info and how to apply click HERE. Three webinars will also be held: 

 

  • Lead Service Line Loan – The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Construction Loan and Lead Service Line (LSL) Loan application cycles and opens October 2, 2023 with applications due by 11:59 p.m. PST on November 30, 2023. Currently the Construction Loan Guidelines 331-196 is available for public comment until September 28, 2023. The guidelines cover both application cycles. There is one application for typical construction and emerging contaminant projects. There is a separate application for any LSL inventory or replacement projects. DWSRF adopted an emergency rule (below) for the definition of a disadvantaged community that applies to these funding cycles to determine eligibility for subsidy after loan eligibility is confirmed. They scheduled two separate webinars and a question-and-answer session to explain the available funding. Links to the Microsoft Teams meeting for each session are on our DWSRF webpage (HERE), under the “Construction Loan: October-November” dropdown. 

 

  • Nearly $85 million in funding is available for fish passage and tribal capacity building under the Restoring Tribal Priority Fish Passage through Barrier Removal funding opportunity. This fish passage funding will facilitate tribes and tribal supporting organizations in building capacity and implementing projects that reopen migratory pathways and restore access to healthy habitat for tribally-important species. NOAA will accept proposals between $300,000 and $12 million total over the award period. For more information, view the Restoring Tribal Priority Fish Passage through Barrier Removal funding opportunity. Applications are due by November 8, 2023.  
  • They are also announcing the availability of nearly $175 million to restore fish passage through the removal of dams and other in-stream barriers through the Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal funding opportunity. This funding will support projects that reopen migratory pathways and restore access to healthy habitat for fish. In collaboration with NOAA, selected partners will use these funds to implement locally-led removals of dams and other in-stream barriers to rebuild sustainable fisheries, contribute to the recovery of threatened and endangered species, and enhance watershed health. NOAA will accept proposals between $1 million and $20 million over the award period. Applications are due by October 16, 2023.  

 

  • Transformational Habitat Restoration Funding Opportunity – NOAA is seeking proposals for transformational projects that will restore coastal habitat and strengthen community resilience under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Through this competition, NOAA will prioritize projects that demonstrate a broad base of stakeholder and community support. Projects that were developed with inclusive practices and incorporate meaningful strategies to engage a diverse range of community groups, including tribes and underserved communities, will be prioritized. NOAA will accept proposals between $1 million and $25 million total over the award period. Applications are due by November 17, 2023. For more information, click HERE to view the Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants funding opportunity. 

 

Job Announcements 

  • NEW! Science and Research Biologist – Tacoma Power 

This position oversees and conducts project management of capital and O&M projects and development and submittal of annual reports. This position also leads agency meetings focused on science and research topics including negotiating in these subject areas as directed by the Science and Research Manager and Natural Resources Manager. This position is uniquely positioned to collaborate with the fish and wildlife team to analyze ecological, system-wide perspectives toward functional opportunities and investments to improve lead our region’s environmental improvement efforts within the communities we serve. Applications are due 9/29. To apply and learn more click HERE. 

 

  • NEW! Senior Fisheries Scientist – Tacoma Power 

This position serves as an expert in fish and hatchery monitoring and evaluation programs associated with Tacoma Power’s hydroelectric plants. As a pivotal member of their dynamic team, you will be responsible for collecting the information necessary to determine if hatchery and wild fish are meeting standards and recommend adjustment to fish programs to achieve goals. The position oversees: creation and execution of study designs, reporting of study results, leads or supports regulator negotiations, makes recommendations and/or supports fish management decisions and/or recommendations associated with fish hatchery programs. Applications are due 9/29. To apply and learn more click HERE. 

 

  • NEW! Forest Program Director – Sustainable Northwest 

Sustainable Northwest is hiring a Forest Program Director and accepting applications on a rolling basis. This position has the primary responsibility of advancing SNW’s vision for forest health, resilience and rural economic development across the Pacific Northwest. The Director leads the Forest Program staff to develop and implement strategies to promote this vision through partnerships, technical assistance, applied management, and collaborative approaches. To apply and learn more click HERE. 

 

  • NEW! Fiscal and Budget Analyst – Puget Sound Partnership 

The Partnership has a new job opening on the Fiscal team for the role of Fiscal and Budget Analyst. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to expand their skills, responsibilities, and grow in both accounting and budget field. The Partnership’s Fiscal and Budget Analyst performs a variety of senior-level fiscal activities for the agency: responsible for accounts payables, accounts receivables, purchase/travel card, travel reimbursements, timesheets, and assists in planning, monitoring, and controlling of budgets. This position is responsible for ensuring that all expenditures are made in accordance with state and federal law; budget and expenditure data is accurately reflected in the agency’s budget and accounting records; and fiscal policy and procedures are established and conducted in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the State Accounting and Administrative Manual (SAAM). The recruitment is open through 10/03/2023. To learn more and apply click HERE. 

 

  • Watersheds Project Manager – Bonneville Environmental Foundation 

This position will support our efforts to create a new Carbon Credit Regional Operator program to support long-term stewardship of restoration sites, work with us on an exciting new EPA funded Climate Resilient Riparian Systems Lead program, and also be part of our Floodplains by Design team. Currently no due date, but click HERE for more info.