Volunteering on planning committees is a great way to take part in important decision making and could be a tremendous experience. It just so happens Washington state is seeking volunteers to evaluate grants for parks, trails, wildlife habitat, and preservation. Note: Each are due December 4^th. Thanks to Barb Chamberlain for the tip.

OLYMPIA–The state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is looking for a variety of volunteers to help evaluate grant proposals for new parks and trails and for the best wildlife lands and farmlands to preserve.

The volunteers will evaluate recreation grant applications and make funding recommendations to the state Recreation and Conservation Board for new facilities and land purchases statewide.

Farmers or Ranchers 3 positions open

RCO is looking for farmers to serve on an advisory committee for the farmland preservation program, which provides grants to cities and counties to preserve farmland through the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program. Volunteers should be farmers or ranchers, actively managing and operating a farm or ranch. Ideal candidates understand the needs of farmers and also regularly communicate with farmers. Members serve two to four years and generally attend four to five weekday meetings in even years.

Waterfront Parks and Habitat Areas 4 positions open

Four volunteers are needed for the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account advisory committee that evaluates grant proposals for parks and habitat areas along the waterfront. Two candidates should be familiar with waterfront recreation. Two should be familiar with habitat issues and at least one of those should be from eastern Washington. Volunteers should represent residents, local government agencies or tribes. Members serve two to four years and generally attend up to six weekday meetings in even years.

Trails 3 positions open

Volunteers are needed for the Recreational Trails Program advisory committee, which evaluates grant applications for projects that maintain backcountry trails or provide educational programs. One candidate should represent residents interested in trails (such as land use planners, public policy specialists, statisticians or specialists with knowledge of backcountry trails and related issues). A second volunteer should represent mountain bicyclists and a third volunteer should represent water trail users. Members will serve three years and attend about one weekday meeting a year. In addition, members spend 15 to 25 hours evaluating grants for funding from their homes.

Parks and Wildlife Habitat Conservation 6 positions available

RCO is looking for volunteers to serve on its Land and Water Conservation Fund advisory committee, which evaluates grant applications for projects that preserve and develop outdoor recreation areas including parks, trails and wildlife lands. Three candidates should represent residents, with at least one from eastern Washington, and three candidates should represent local or tribal governments, with at least one from eastern Washington. Members serve two to four years, and generally attend up to four weekday meetings a year.

To Apply: Send a completed application to the Recreation and Conservation Office no later than December 4, 2009. You can get your application one of the following ways:

Online –

http://www.rco.wa.gov/rcfb/docs.htm#committee

Telephone – Lorinda Anderson at 360-902-3009, TTY – (360) 902-1996
E-mail – Lorinda.Anderson@rco.wa.gov

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