Free Webinars Feb. 17 and 22
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 the sole source of state funding for conserving working farms and forests. This is the only opportunity to apply for these grants until 2024.
RCO is offering two online workshops to showcase the grant opportunities and explain application requirements. The workshop for boating, parks, trails and wildlife conservation grants is from 9-10:30 a.m., Feb. 17. Register online for this free workshop. The workshop for farmland and forestland conservation grants is from 2-3:30 p.m., Feb. 22. Register here.
“Spending time outside is valuable in so many ways. It improves health and lessens stress,” said Megan Duffy, RCO’s director. “These grants give communities the help they need to improve their outdoor recreation amenities so more people can benefit from being outside. They also help support local businesses. Our studies show that outdoor recreation facilities create jobs, attract tourists and generate money for businesses.”
Starting on Feb. 17, 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, and acquisition and development of facilities for non-motorized boats such as kayaks and canoes. - 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.
- Farmland Preservation–Conservation of valuable farmland.
- Forestland Preservation–Conservation of forestland to ensure they remain available for timber production in the future.
- Wildlife Habitat Conservation–Conservation of significant natural areas and habitat for plants and animals, including areas along streams and other waterways.
Grant applications are due May 3. More information about the grants is available RCO’s website.
“These grants are very competitive,” Duffy said. “Communities always bring great projects, which makes selecting grants challenging. We have advisory committees made up of residents and people with experience in recreation and conservation score the projects in public meetings to ensure the selection is fair and that the best of the best get funded. We look forward to talking with potential applicants on Feb. 17.”
Questions? Find your outdoor grants manager online.