Special Announcement: The Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead (HSIL) Spring 2024 RFP is Open. Click here to learn more.
Our Shared Goals - Implementation Strategies
As the Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead (HSIL), our role in Puget Sound recovery is to put in place strategies that improve the health of the rivers, forests, shorelines, and estuaries that make up Puget Sound.
Taking Action - Funded Projects
Photo Credit: Pierce Conservation District
But we can’t do this work alone. We work with our partners to act to achieve our shared goals for Puget Sound recovery. We use EPA Geographic Program Funds to support strategies and grants to carry out priority recovery work across Puget Sound.
About Us
We are a cross-agency team co-led by the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources and supported by our partners at Ecology and Commerce.
We also work closely with our Habitat Strategic Initiative Advisory Team (or HSIAT), the training, perspectives and lived experiences which help us make strategic and thoughtful decisions on a range of investment, policy, communication and contextual issues. Advisory team roster, charter, and meeting schedule available on the WDFW Advisory Group page.
I am passionate about helping others achieve their goals. As a part of the Habitat Strategic Initiative, I love working with our partners across all levels of and geographies in Puget Sound to make progress towards our shared vision of Puget Sound.
Cynthia Harbison // Implementation Strategy Lead - DFW
I recognized at an early age that the Puget Sound was a special place. My connection to the Sound started as a small child exploring the creatures and treasures on the Beach with my grandma. This connection to nature continued as I extended my exploration into the mountains and forest lands of Western WA. These connections led me to a career in natural resources so I could actively contribute and collaborate with others in preserving these special places. I knew I wanted to spend my career working with others passionate about restoring and preserving the unique natural areas in WA and enabling future generations to develop the deep connection to the natural world that I had the opportunity to.
Teresa Miskovic // Subaward Manager - DNR
What I love most about being a part of the Habitat Strategic Initiative is the opportunity to work with a diverse and dedicated set of partners to develop and implement solutions to restore one of our state’s most vital ecological and economic resources. Every day I wake up knowing that we are all striving for the same outcome - a healthy and resilient Puget Sound.
Elizabeth Spaulding // Implementation Strategy Lead - DNR