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.
By coordinating with nurseries and restoration groups, including conservation districts, RPPP will help increase native trees and shrubs available for planting by:
- Determining the numbers and species of native plants needed
- Coordinating seasonal propagation schedules
- Providing financial support for increased native plant nursery stock
- Matching plants with riparian restoration projects
- Building community through outreach, education, and potential engagement opportunities
The RPPP program will be implemented through 3 phases: propagation, cultivation, and restoration.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.
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.
SCC hosted this Request for Applications Q&A Session for fiscal year 2025.