Streamlining Habitat Restoration in Washington: A Look at the Habitat Recovery Pilot Program

Co-written by Danielle Bissett and Billy Plauche

Washington’s salmon populations are in trouble, and restoring their habitat is more urgent than ever. But too often, well-planned restoration projects get stuck in a slow and costly permitting process. The Habitat Recovery Pilot Program (HRPP) was launched in 2021 to change that—helping habitat restoration projects move faster through the permitting process while complying with environmental regulations.

Since the HRPP was implemented, it has made it easier to get permits approved, allowing more restoration work to happen on the ground. With the program set to expire in June 2025, now is the time to reflect on what’s working, what could be improved, and why extending the HRPP matters for Washington’s rivers, fish, and communities.

This factsheet breaks down the program’s impact and the opportunities ahead. By permanently renewing the HRPP to streamline permitting for ecological restoration, Washington can continue to take bold steps to recover salmon populations and protect vital ecosystems.