OLYMPIA, WA — The Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board is now accepting project proposals aimed at removing obstacles that block salmon and steelhead from reaching critical spawning and rearing habitat across Washington.

Applications opened Oct. 1, with an online workshop scheduled for Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon to walk applicants through the grant process. The board’s program, administered jointly by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), has invested more than $121 million since 2014 to improve fish passage on state, local, tribal, and private lands.

WDFW estimates that at least 20,000 barriers — such as undersized culverts or blocked stream crossings — partially or fully prevent salmon from reaching habitat in Washington rivers and streams. Over the past decade, the program has helped open nearly 179 miles of waterways to migrating fish.

“These grants are critical to tackling this problem,” said Megan Duffy, director of RCO. “Each barrier we remove gives fish a better chance to access historic habitat to produce the next generation of fish and ensure the survival of their species.”

The board will accept proposals through Jan. 26, 2026. Projects will undergo administrative review by RCO, technical evaluation by WDFW, and final approval by the board before a ranked list is submitted to the Legislature for funding in the 2027–29 biennium. Funding is supported by state bonds and the Natural Climate Solutions Account.

The Fish Barrier Removal Board includes representatives from state agencies, counties, cities, salmon recovery organizations, and tribal nations, including the Yakama Nation and the Colville Tribes. The board is named after Brian Abbott, a longtime angler and salmon recovery leader who helped establish the program. To learn more, visit WDFW’s website.

More information on the grant program and application process is available at rco.wa.gov .