Washington State Seeks Volunteers to Evaluate Grants for Parks, Trails, and Shooting Ranges

News Release
For release: January 8, 2009	Contact: Susan Zemek, 360-902-3081 susan.zemek@rco.wa.gov
State Seeks Volunteers to Evaluate Grants for Parks, Trails, and Shooting Ranges
OLYMPIA-The state Recreation and Conservation Office is looking for 17 volunteers to fill vacancies on four advisory committees for parks, trails, and firearm and archery ranges. The advisory committees make recommendations to the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board on project funding and policy issues. The board is the largest provider of grants for parks in Washington. Trails Recreational Trails Program Advisory Committee: This committee evaluates grant applications for projects that help maintain backcountry trails and provide trail safety and education programs. Volunteers are needed to represent: State residents interested in trails (such as land use planners, public policy specialists, statisticians or specialists with knowledge of backcountry trails and related issues). Equestrians. Off-road vehicle motorcycle recreationists. Members will serve from March 2009 through December 2012 and generally review grant application materials at home and attend one meeting a year. Nonhighway and Off-road Vehicle Activities Committee: This committee evaluates grant applications from local, state and federal agencies for projects to help plan, acquire land, develop and maintain facilities for motorized and non-motorized recreation. The program also supports education and law enforcement grants for outdoor recreation. Volunteers are needed to represent: Federal land management agencies. Local law enforcement agencies. Outdoor recreationists, such as hikers, equestrians, backpackers, cross-country skiers, hunters, anglers, wildlife viewers, gatherers, etc. All-terrain vehicle riders. Members will serve from March 2009 through December 2012 and generally review grant application materials at home and attend two, multiple-day meetings a year. Parks Land and Water Conservation Fund Advisory Committee: This committee evaluates grant applications for projects that preserve and develop outdoor recreation areas including parks, trails and wildlife lands. Volunteers are needed to represent eastern Washington: Residents. Local government. Members will serve from March 2009 to December 2011 and generally will attend up to four weekday meetings a year. Shooting Ranges Firearms and Archery Range Recreation Advisory Committee: This committee evaluates grant applications from local agencies and non-profit organizations for projects that acquire, develop and renovate shooting and archery ranges. Volunteers are needed to represent: Archery. General public. Hunter education. Law enforcement. Military. Shotgun. Members will serve from March 2009 to December 2011 and attend two to four meetings a year. General Requirements The Recreation and Conservation Office's goal is to ensure that committee members represent the full range of Washington's diversity. Ideal candidates have a statewide perspective, understand the needs of people doing their respective recreational activity and regularly communicate with them. Candidates should have a good grasp of the issues related to their recreational activity, have the time to fully participate in committee activities, actively work for win-win solutions and seek creative outcomes. Candidates may be members of organizations that apply for grants or be past members of the committees. When the budget allows, travel expenses are provided. To Apply Send a completed application and support materials to the Recreation and Conservation Office no later than Feb. 13, 2009, or contact Lorinda Anderson at 360-902-3009 or lorinda.anderson@rco.wa.gov (TDD at 360-902-1996). ###