Washington Administrative Code Title 286 - RECREATION AND CONSERVATION OFFICE (RECREATION AND CONSERVATION FUNDING BOARD)
Washington Administrative Code – Title 286
Agency: Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO)
Board: Recreation and Conservation Funding Board (RCFB)
Overview:
WAC Title 286 governs the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) and its associated Recreation and Conservation Funding Board (RCFB). This title outlines the rules, procedures, and criteria used by the board to administer funding programs that support recreational opportunities, habitat conservation, and the preservation of natural resources across Washington State.
Key Functions of the RCO/RCFB:
Administering Grants:
The RCO manages competitive grant programs that distribute state and federal funds to local governments, tribes, and non-profits for:
Parks and trails
Boating facilities
Wildlife habitat conservation
Salmon recovery
Working farms and forests
Establishing Funding Criteria and Processes:
Rules under Title 286 define:
Eligibility requirements for applicants
Evaluation criteria for project proposals
Public involvement and transparency requirements
Match funding expectations
Oversight and Accountability:
The WAC ensures that funded projects are:
Properly managed
Completed within defined timelines
Audited for compliance with grant terms
Important Sections Typically Covered in Title 286:
286-04: Definitions and general provisions
286-05 to 286-15: Rules for specific grant programs (e.g., Land and Water Conservation Fund, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program)
286-20: Application process, scoring, ranking, and approval
286-30: Project management, amendment, and closeout requirements
286-50: Conflict of interest and ethics provisions
Purpose and Impact:
The regulations in Title 286 ensure fair, competitive, and transparent distribution of conservation and recreation funding, promoting:
Equitable access to outdoor spaces
Environmental stewardship
Long-term protection of Washington’s natural heritage
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