Protect sports fish and their habitats through review investigation and comment on various resource protection permits and environmental documents in addition to providing technical assistance…

The Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) received a Formula Grant award of $626,187 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The award supports WDFW's efforts to protect sport fish populations and their habitats through regulatory review and environmental assessment activities. Specifically, WDFW will conduct technical review and investigation of resource protection permits and environmental documents, provide written comments on proposed projects that may impact fish and aquatic ecosystems, and deliver technical assistance services focused on the protection and enhancement of fish habitat throughout Washington state.

The Sport Fish Restoration program provides funding to state fish and wildlife agencies for conservation, management, and enhancement of sport fish resources. As a primary state administrator of fish and wildlife management in Washington, WDFW leverages this formula-based funding to integrate fish habitat protection into state and federal permitting processes while building technical capacity for habitat restoration and conservation initiatives. The award reflects WDFW's established role as a critical partner to federal agencies in fisheries management and environmental resource protection.

Protect sports fish and their habitats through review investigation and comment on various resource protection permits and environmental documents in addition to providing technical assistance relating to the protection and enhancement of fish habitat.