OLYMPIA– The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) will begin accepting applications Feb. 11 for grants to build parks, trails, athletic fields and boating facilities and conserve wildlife habitat and working farms and forests.
These grants are the largest source of state funding for many of Washington’s outdoor recreation experiences and the only state grants for conserving working farms and forests. The next opportunity to apply for these grants is in 2028.
Free Webinars Feb. 11
RCO is offering three webinars to provide information about the grants, including eligibility requirements, deadlines, changes for 2026 and how to apply.
- 9 a.m. webinar for boating, parks, trails and water access grants. Register to attend.
- 11 a.m. webinar for grants that restore and enhance state lands or conserve wildlife habitat, including critical habitat, natural areas, riparian protection, and urban wildlife habitat. Register to attend.
- 1 p.m. webinar for grants that conserve farmland and forestland. Register to attend.
“Outdoor recreation supports more than 237,000 jobs in Washington, which is more than 5 percent of the state’s employment,” said Megan Duffy, RCO’s director. “These grants help communities build much needed outdoor recreation areas that will continue supporting jobs, improve wildlife habitat and conserve working forests and farms.”
Starting Feb. 11, RCO will begin accepting applications for the following types of projects:
- Boating—Development and renovation of guest moorage facilities for boats 26 feet and longer.
- Farmland—Conservation of farmland to ensure it remains available for agricultural practices.
- Forestland—Conservation of forestland to ensure it remains available for timber production in the future.
- Parks—Acquisition and development of parks, ball fields, sports courts, outdoor swimming pools and other outdoor recreation facilities as well as waterfront access areas for the public.
- Trails—Acquisition and development of trails.
- Wildlife Habitat—Conservation of significant natural areas and habitat for plants and animals, including areas along streams and other waterways.
Grant applications are due Apr. 30. More information about each program is available on RCO’s website.
In August, RCO will begin accepting grant applications for motorized boating access, firearm and archery ranges, and backcountry trail systems.