Current Activities

Studies

Lower Snake River Recreation Study

In the 2024 state budget, RCO was directed to assess the impact to recreation if the Lower Snake River dams were breached. RCO is working on the study with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, examining current uses and potential future uses. The study is under review by the Army Corps for compliance with the Presidential Memoranda of June 12, 2025. For questions or more information about the study, please contact Ben Donatelle, RCO policy specialist.

Proposed Rule and Policy Change

Seeking Public Comment

RCO is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program’s Manual 10b: Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, Habitat Conservation Account. These changes relate to intent language and evaluation criteria for both the critical habitat and natural areas funding categories.

Public comment closed on December 15, 2025. The board will vote on changes in January 2026.

Implementing the Evergreen Communities Act

RCO is proposing a policy change required to implement the Evergreen Communities Act. Passed in 2021, the Act requires the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board to give funding preference to applicants recognized as Evergreen Communities in the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account and the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program’s Habitat Conservation Account.