Between 2011 and 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency distributed Puget Sound National Estuary Program and geographic funds via seven “Lead Organizations.” PSI has synthesized the results of more than 200 projects funded by three of the Lead Organizations in the ten analysis reports listed below. These syntheses have in turn informed Implementation Strategies and other Puget Sound recovery planning efforts.
The Marine and Nearshore Lead Organization was a partnership between the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Their grant program funded projects related to the protection and restoration of marine and nearshore habitats.
- Part 1 Report: Effective Regulation and Stewardship Investment Area (2015)
- Part 1 Addendum: Analysis of 2016-2019 Regulatory Effectiveness Investments (2019)
- Part 2 Report: Analysis of Invasive Species, Toxics, Oil Spill, and Integrated Risk Assessment Findings (2016)
- Part 2 Addendum: Analysis of 2016-2019 Invasive Species and Oil Spill Investments (2019)
- Part 3 Report: Analysis of Strategic Capital Investments for Habitat Restoration and Protection (2016)
- Part 3 Addendum: Analysis of 2017-2019 Capital Investments (2019)
- Final Report: Synthesis of 2011-2014 Results and Key Recommendations for Future Recovery Efforts (2016)
- Part 4 Report: Analysis of 2016-2019 Shoreline Armoring Investments (2019)
The Watersheds Lead Organization was administered by the Washington Department of Ecology and the Washington Department of Commerce. Their grant program supported development and implementation of watershed-scale strategies for protection and restoration of aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
The Pathogens Lead Organization was administered by the Washington Department of Health and funded projects to prevent, reduce, and control illness-causing microorganisms. Fecal coliform, Vibrio, and marine biotoxins impair water quality and can lead to shellfish harvest restrictions and swimming beach closures.
- (Analysis Report in progress)
In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency assembled three Strategic Initiative Lead Teams to expand the planning, coordination, and grantmaking work begun by the Lead Organizations. In 2022 and 2023, PSI will synthesize and communicate results of almost 100 grants awarded by the Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead between 2016 and 2020.