People interested in supporting the outdoors can help evaluate grant proposals for recreation including parks and boating, and for projects that support working farms and forests and habitat conservation around the state.
The state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is recruiting 50 volunteers for statewide representation on the 17 advisory committees that evaluate the proposals, RCO Director Kaleen Cottingham said.
In all, about 200 volunteers help the RCO evaluate some 650 grant applications. Volunteers learn about outdoor recreation and what makes a good project; get the inside scoop on how Washington supports the outdoors; connect with others who want to make Washington a better place to live, play, and work; and ensure that the funding process is fair.
People with experience in buying, developing or protecting land, or in conserving working forests and farms are encouraged to apply.
Volunteers spend from three to 10 days every two years evaluating the applications and helping applicants improve their proposals. Committee members serve four-year terms.
Most grant applications are reviewed in person in Olympia, but there is some flexibility for reviewing them remotely. The office reimburses committee members for their travel expenses, as the budget allows.
For more information and to apply, visit rco.wa.gov/get-involved/volunteer-advisory-committee. Applications are due Jan. 1.
