RCO boards set the policies for what kinds of projects are funded. The meetings are open to the public and you are encouraged to participate in person, by sending in written comments, or by serving on an advisory committee.
BoardsAdvisory committees made up of citizens like you, with knowledge of outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat, review and score grant applications. They also provide advise on policy changes, legislative issues, and statewide planning.
Advisory CommitteesGrant proposals are online for all to review and grants are awarded in public meetings. Check out the board meeting and grant schedule pages for meeting dates and look for details on your favorite project in Project Search.
Find a ProjectOLYMPIA–Organizations offering outdoor education experiences for students now can apply for state grants. The Outdoor Learning Grants program, created by the Legislature in 2022, provides funding to develop and support educational experiences for Washington public school students. Grant recipients must provide education programs with activities learning in, for or about the outdoors. Grant recipients are […]
Read MoreOLYMPIA–Three cities received good news this week when the National Park Service awarded more than $4 million for park improvements. Lynnwood, Seattle and Spokane were notified they will receive funding from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is administered in Washington state by the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board. “We’re very excited about […]
Read MoreOLYMPIA–The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) will begin accepting applications Aug. 10 for grants to provide outdoor education and recreation programs for kids and to build and maintain trails, boating facilities, and firearm and archery ranges. RCO is offering free, online workshops to showcase these grant opportunities and explain application requirements. RCO grants […]
Read MoreFunding to buy, protect, and restore shorelines and tidelands and to provide public access to the waterfront
Funding to buy, develop, and renovate facilities for motorized boats
Funding to develop or renovate facilities targeting recreational boats 26 feet and larger
Funding to correct barriers to fish passage
Funding to buy and restore working forests and create recreational opportunities in forests
Funding to conserve and restore Puget Sound shorelines
Funding to small forest landowners to repair or remove fish passage barriers
Funding to acquire, develop, and renovate firearm and archery training and practice facilities
Funding to buy and improve parks, trails, wildlife lands, and other outdoor recreation resources
Funding to address maintenance backlogs for key local parks facilities.
Funding for outdoor environmental-based education and recreation programs serving youth.
Funding for education and law enforcement on backcountry trails and in off-road vehicle parks
Funding for backcountry trails and off-road vehicle parks
Funding for educational experiences for Washington public school students who are traditionally underserved in science and outdoor learning opportunities.
Funding to plan projects in communities that lack adequate outdoor recreation opportunities.
Funding to rehabilitate and maintain backcountry recreational trails and facilities and to educate users about trail safety or environmental protection.
Funding to protect and restore salmon habitat.
Funding and technical assistance for community resiliency, restoration, and protection efforts along Washington’s coast.
Funding to conserve farmland
Funding to preserve working forests
Funding to conserve wildlife habitat and restore sensitive state-owned lands
Funding for developing and improving local and state parks and trails, and providing access to the waterfront
Funding to buy land and develop or renovate outdoor athletic facilities