The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is a small state agency that manages grant programs to create outdoor recreation opportunities, protect the best of the state’s wildlife habitat and working farms and forests, and help return salmon and orcas from near extinction.
The Nonhighway and Off-road Vehicle Activities program aims to fund the development and management of various recreational activities accessed via non-highway roads, such as cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain bicycling, hunting, fishing, sightseeing, motorcycling, and all-terrain and four-wheel driving. It also focuses on education and enforcement initiatives promoting environmentally responsible outdoor use and minimizing visitor conflicts through positive management. This includes building, renovating, and maintaining trails and off-road vehicle parks, educating trail users, and operating associated facilities. Funding, provided biennially, comes from state gasoline taxes and off-road vehicle use permits. While matching funds are not required, projects with match contributions may receive additional points during the evaluation process.