The Nonhighway and Off-road Vehicle Activities (NOVA) program, administered by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (WSRCO), provides funding for the development and management of diverse recreation opportunities. These activities include cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain bicycling, hunting, fishing, sightseeing, motorcycling, and riding all-terrain and four-wheel drive vehicles. The program's mission aligns with promoting outdoor recreation, responsible trail use, and resource protection across Washington State. It aims to support a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts by ensuring access to and maintenance of recreational areas.
The target beneficiaries of the NOVA program are outdoor recreationists across all counties of Washington State. This includes individuals participating in a variety of nonhighway and off-road activities, as well as the communities and organizations that support these activities. The impact goals are centered on enhancing the quality and availability of outdoor recreation experiences, promoting responsible behaviors among trail users, and safeguarding natural resources and recreational facilities. The program seeks to create a sustainable environment for outdoor recreation for current and future generations.
The program prioritizes several key areas, including law enforcement for outdoor recreationists, information, education, and outreach programs for trail- and back-road-related outdoor recreation. Typical projects involve building, renovating, and rerouting trails; maintaining trails and associated campgrounds and trailheads; operating off-road vehicle parks; and educating trail users. Eligible projects further emphasize contacting NOVA users and groups to encourage responsible behaviors, providing information and educational materials, protecting resources and facilities, and employing law enforcement staff and purchasing equipment dedicated to NOVA enforcement and education.
Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved and expanded recreational infrastructure, increased responsible recreational behaviors among users, enhanced protection of natural resources, and a more informed and educated outdoor recreation community. The program aims for tangible improvements in trail conditions, facility upkeep, and public understanding of conservation efforts. The WSRCO's strategic priorities and theory of change appear to focus on a multi-faceted approach, combining infrastructure development, educational initiatives, and enforcement to achieve its conservation and recreation goals. The $200,000 in available funding, with grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, reflects a commitment to substantial projects that can make a significant impact.
Local agencies, special purpose districts (such as park and port districts), Native American tribes, state agencies, federal agencies, and nonprofit off-road vehicle organizations are eligible to apply, indicating a broad collaborative approach to achieving the program's objectives. This inclusive eligibility criteria suggests that the WSRCO believes a diverse range of stakeholders is necessary to effectively manage and promote nonhighway and off-road vehicle activities and achieve its mission. The deadline for applications is October 31, 2024.
