Washington Administrative Code Title 420 - Recreation and Conservation Office (Salmon Recovery Funding Board)
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 420 – Recreation and Conservation Office (Salmon Recovery Funding Board)
Overview:
WAC Title 420 outlines the rules governing the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) in Washington State, specifically focusing on the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB). This board is responsible for evaluating, funding, and monitoring habitat restoration and salmon recovery projects across Washington to support the sustainability of salmon populations and comply with federal Endangered Species Act mandates.
Key Objectives of Title 420:
Implement a statewide salmon recovery strategy.
Administer grant programs for salmon habitat protection and restoration.
Ensure accountability and scientific rigor in funded projects.
Coordinate with tribes, local governments, conservation districts, and regional recovery organizations.
Major Components of Title 420:
Salmon Recovery Funding Process
Procedures for applying, reviewing, ranking, and awarding grants for salmon habitat projects.
Coordination with Lead Entities, who submit prioritized project lists.
Grant Management
Rules for eligibility, match requirements, allowable costs, and disbursement of funds.
Standards for project monitoring, reporting, and compliance.
Board Operations
Structure, roles, and responsibilities of the Salmon Recovery Funding Board.
Decision-making protocols and criteria for project evaluation.
Performance and Accountability
Use of scientific review panels and metrics to measure the ecological benefit and effectiveness of recovery efforts.
Annual reporting and auditing of projects.
Integration with State and Federal Recovery Plans
Alignment with recovery plans developed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Governor's Salmon Recovery Office strategy.
Selected Chapters within WAC Title 420:
WAC 420-12: General grant procedures and definitions.
WAC 420-13: Evaluation and ranking of grant applications.
WAC 420-14: Project agreement requirements and contracting.
WAC 420-20: Responsibilities of the Salmon Recovery Funding Board.
WAC 420-22: Monitoring, audits, and enforcement of compliance.
Key Stakeholders Involved:
Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB)
Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO)
Lead Entities (local watershed-based organizations)
Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups
Tribes and local governments
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
NOAA Fisheries
Common Types of Funded Projects:
Stream and floodplain restoration
Fish barrier removal (culverts, dams)
Riparian planting and habitat protection
Acquisition of critical salmon habitat
Monitoring and assessment efforts
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