Agency: 467 - Recreation and Conservation Funding Board

The Recreation and Conservation Funding Board helps finance recreation and conservation projects throughout the state. Many state agencies, cities, towns, special districts, tribes, and nonprofits are eligible to apply to the board for funding. The Recreation and Conservation Office provides support to the board, implements its funding decisions, and manages grants. Funding is provided for parks, trails, beaches, boating facilities, firearm and archery ranges, wildlife habitat, and farmland preservation. Investment dollars are provided in the Capital Budget.

The Salmon Recovery Funding Board finances projects for the protection and restoration of salmon habitat. State agencies, municipal subdivisions, tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, regional fishery enhancement groups, and landowners are eligible to apply to the board for funding. The Recreation and Conservation Office supports the board, implements its funding decisions, and manages grants. Typical salmon recovery projects include removing barriers to fish migration and opening new habitat; planting riverbanks and removing roads to reduce the amount of habitat-destroying sediment entering streams; improving rivers, estuaries, and wetlands to create new habitats; conserving water use so more is left in the rivers for salmon; protecting quality habitat; and gathering salmon and habitat data to design better projects. Investment dollars are provided in the Capital Budget.

Washington's Invasive Species Council is working to facilitate a coordinated and strategic approach to prevent, detect, and respond to invasive species. The Recreation and Conservation Office provides staff and administrative support to the council as it develops a statewide invasive species strategy.

Agency administration supports the five distinct boards and councils, and directs and supports the work of the Recreation and Conservation Office. This administrative activity includes leadership, policy, and clerical support, as well as communication, financial, personnel, and information services.

The Governor's Salmon Recovery Office (GSRO) was established by the Legislature and is charged with coordinating a statewide salmon recovery strategy. The GSRO is also responsible for helping to develop and implement regional recovery plans; securing funding for local, regional, and state recovery efforts; preparing the biennial State of Salmon in Watersheds report for the Legislature; and advising the Salmon Recovery Funding Board and the Forum on monitoring salmon recovery and watershed health.