What is RPPP?

The Riparian Plant Propagation Program (RPPP) – A tree-mendous initiative that supports habitat restoration for salmon-bearing streams and the many co-benefits riparian habitat provides. This program is designed to increase the availability of native trees and shrubs for riparian habitat restoration in support of statewide salmon recovery.

Eligibility

Conservation districts and nurseries.

On This Page:

Forms & Links

News & Updates

  • Explore the conservation district projects being implemented in 2025 for the cultivation phase of RPPP.
  • Plant Needs Form Deadline Extended! The deadline to submit the Plant Needs Form has been extended to April 30 at 5 pm. If you’re planning riparian restoration work for fall 2027 and want to be considered for free native trees and shrubs, be sure to fill it out! This is not an order form, but it helps SCC plan ahead and coordinate with nurseries.

About this Conservation Program

By coordinating with nurseries and restoration groups, including conservation districts, RPPP will help increase native trees and shrubs available for planting by:

  1. Determining the numbers and species of native plants needed
  2. Coordinating seasonal propagation schedules
  3. Providing financial support for increased native plant nursery stock
  4. Matching plants with riparian restoration projects
  5. Building community through outreach, education, and potential engagement opportunities

The RPPP program will be implemented through 3 phases: propagation, cultivation, and restoration.

  1. Propagation: Working with nurseries to increase the propagation of native trees and shrubs to be provided to districts and other restoration projects. SCC plans to achieve this through 2-4 year contract grows, which allows for long-term planning and procurement of difficult-to-source species.
  2. Cultivation: Annual funding to support conservation districts. This part of the program supports the creation of new holding sites, expansion of existing holding sites, and purchase of plants that are ready within the fiscal year. Plants that are held 2-3 years have a greater chance of survival once planted and the holding sites may be used as a space for nursery overflow.
  3. Restoration: Matching locally grown plants with restoration groups to be implemented in riparian habitat projects. This can include districts, non-profit organizations, state/federal agencies, tribes, counties, etc.

Learn more about RPPP: Webinars

Q&A Webinar - Feb. 2023

SCC staff provide an introduction to RPPP and goals, what types of projects eligible for funding, funding rounds and timing, and what information is helpful to gather from CDs, restoration groups, and nurseries to help shape this work.

Plant Needs Form Q&A - May 2024

To gather information about the projected plant requirements, a Plant Needs Form has been made available for districts and other restoration groups. This form will aid SCC in determining the expected quantity and species of native trees and shrubs needed for riparian restoration endeavors commencing in the fall of 2026.

Request for Applications Q&A Webinar - July 2024

SCC hosted this Request for Applications Q&A Session for fiscal year 2025.

Funding & How to Apply

Limited RFA Now Open – Riparian Plant Propagation Program

The Riparian Plant Propagation Program (RPPP) is releasing a limited funding opportunity using remaining FY25 funds. This opportunity is available to conservation districts with existing RPPP-funded holding sites to support:

• Procurement of native trees and shrubs

• Maintenance of plants/holding site All work must be completed and deliverables received by June 30, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The final deadline to apply is Monday, April 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

Apply now using this form: Riparian Plant Propagation Program Limited Grant Application.

Files & Publications

File Name
Summary

Webinars

Find videos and trainings from this program.

Riparian Plant Propagation Program - 2024
November 8, 2024
"101" level overview of SCC's Riparian Plant Propagation Program.
Conservation 101 - Riparian Plant Propagation Program
April 15, 2025
This video provides an overview of the Riparian Plant Propagation Program, which boosts native plant availability for salmon-focused streamside restoration by funding partnerships with conservation districts, nurseries, tribes, schools, and community groups.

Success Stories from this Grant Program

King Conservation District

Innovative Water Reuse for Habitat Restoration

Reclaimed water sustains plants for habitat restoration, aiding salmon and conserving resources.

Full Story
Pend Oreille Conservation District

Restoring Riparian Habitats in Pend Oreille County

Native plants support habitat restoration, streambank stabilization, and water quality improvement.

Full Story
Kitsap Conservation District

Innovative Habitat Restoration

Over 12,000 native plants are grown using gravel troughs and drip irrigation, achieving a 98% survival rate to support salmon habitat restoration.

Full Story