Studies
Lower Snake River Recreation Study
In 2026, the Washington State Legislature appropriated $350,000 to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to complete the identification of offsets and opportunities for recreation associated with the potential draw down of reservoirs on the lower Snake River. RCO is working in partnership with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to analyze the fishing and non-fishing recreation impacts and benefits associated with potential breaching of the four Lower Snake River dams. A report is due to the Washington State Legislature on June 30, 2027.
As of September 30, 2025 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers formally cancelled the memorandum of understanding and ended their partnership with RCO on the Lower Snake River Recreation Study to comply with the Presidential Memoranda of June 12, 2025.
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 comments on proposed changes to Manual 3: Acquisition Projects. These changes relate to appraisal waivers and noxious weed control cost limits. Background and proposed changes can be found in the Public Comment Package. Comments can be submitted using this webform.
Public comment will close on June 8 at 11:59 p.m. Questions about the proposed policy changes can be directed to Nick Norton, policy specialist.
Emergency Rules
None at this time.