The Recreation and Conservation Office is recruiting for two new members for the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board. The board is one of the best volunteer jobs in state government–giving out grants to improve what makes Washington great. The board awards grants to improve parks, trails, boating amenities, and access to our shorelines. The board also awards grants to conserve working lands, such as farms and forests, and to protect our pristine wildlife and natural areas. Over the course of a two-year budget cycle, the board will distribute more than $140 million dollars in grant funding.

The board oversees nearly a dozen state and federal grant programs, awarding grants to cities, counties, tribes, nonprofits, state agencies, and others. The board sets the policies and criteria to ensure projects meet state, local, and national priorities. In addition, the board establishes statewide priorities for outdoor recreation and completes studies on a range of topics including public ownership of lands and recreation trends. The board is supported by 64 dedicated employees of the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

These board positions are appointed by the Governor. The Governor is looking for people interested in serving beginning in January 2020. To qualify, applicants must have a demonstrated interest in, and a general knowledge of, outdoor recreation and conservation in Washington State. Terms run for 3 years. Citizen members are reimbursed for travel expenses and receive a small stipend for attending meetings.

To learn more about the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board, visit the board’s Web site at http://www.rco.wa.gov/boards/rcfb.shtml.

To apply, submit an electronic application via the Governor’s Boards and Commissions Web site at: http://www.governor.wa.gov/boards-commissions/board-and-commissions/apply-serve-board-or-commission-0. It is recommended that applicants also attach a resume and a letter of interest. Applications should be submitted by November 1, 2019.