Free Webinars Feb. 14
OLYMPIA–The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) will begin accepting applications in mid-February for grants to build parks, trails, ball fields and boat moorage as well as to 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 one of the few sources of state funding for conserving working farms and forests. This is the only opportunity to apply for these grants until 2026.
RCO is offering four free online workshops Feb. 14 to explain the grant opportunities and application requirements.
- 9 a.m. webinar for parks, trails and boating projects. Register.
- 11 a.m. webinar for habitat conservation projects. Register.
- 1 p.m. webinar for Land and Water Conservation Fund projects. Register.
- 3 p.m. webinar for work farms and forests. Register.
“Spending time outside provides so many benefits–from improving your health, both physical and mental, to reducing stress, to increasing performance in school,” said Megan Duffy, RCO’s director. “We think every community should be able to offer these benefits to its residents. This year, we made some changes to our programs to increase opportunities for smaller and underserved communities to be competitive.”
Starting Feb. 14, RCO will begin accepting grant applications for the following types of projects:
- Boating–Development and renovation of guest moorage facilities for boats
26 feet and longer. For applicants interested in the Boating Infrastructure Grant program. - 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. For applicants interested in the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account grant program, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, and Youth Athletic Facilities grant program.
- Trails–Acquisition and development of trails. For applicants interested in the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program.
- Farmland Preservation–Conservation of valuable farmland. For applicants interested in the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program.
- Forestland Preservation–Conservation of forestland to ensure it remains available for timber production in the future. For applicants interested in the Community Forests Program and Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program.
- Recreation and Conservation–A federal program that funds parks and conservation areas. For applicants interested in the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program.
- Wildlife Habitat Conservation–Conservation of significant natural areas and habitat for plants and animals, including areas along streams and other waterways. For applicants interested in the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program.
Grant applications are due May 1. More information about the grants is available RCO’s website.