The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office is seeking public comments on a draft statewide recreation and conservation plan.
The plan is meant to guide decision-makers as they prioritize recreation and conservation investments over the next six years, stated a news release. The plan includes four priorities, with more than 30 actions to implement them.
“This plan provides the guiding principles we will use to shape grant programs and priorities,” stated Megan Duffy, the director of the office. “The plan was based on what people around the state told us was important to them and where more attention needed to be paid. Recreation funding always is limited and we hope this plan will help decision-makers make the most strategic investments possible.”
The plan sets four priorities. They include providing meaningful access to outdoor recreation for all, protecting natural and cultural resources while managing an increase in demand, demonstrating the essential nature of parks, natural areas and recreation infrastructure, and supporting healthy, adaptable and connected communities.
The Recreation and Conservation Office developed the plan over an 18 month period with the help of two planning advisory committees represented by state, local, and federal land managers and the public. The office also conducted five public surveys to gather input on the plan’s focus areas and priorities.
The Recreation and Conservation Funding Board will consider the adoption of the final plan at its two-day meeting on Jan. 24 and Jan. 25, stated the release. The final plan then will be sent to the Governor’s Office for approval before it is submitted to the National Park Service. The plan is required to continue to receive funding from the National Park Service through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. That funding is passed on to local communities to build parks, trails and other outdoor recreation facilities and to conserve wildlife habitat.
Comments must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 18. Comments may be emailed to policychanges@rco.wa.gov with the subject line “State Recreation and Conservation Plan” or submitted through an online survey at bit.ly/3OQn4zt.
The plan is available online at The plan is online at bit.ly/3ieOmTF.
