OLYMPIA–Salmon and hungry orcas are about to get a helping hand from state and federal grants announced today. The Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board yesterday approved nearly $18 million in grants for four large restoration projects around the state. The grants will restore land along rivers in Kittitas and Okanogan Counties, conserve habitat next […]
OLYMPIA–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 when they prioritize recreation and conservation investments during the next 6 years. The plan includes four priorities, with more than 30 actions to implement them. “This plan provides the […]
OLYMPIA–Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the appointment of Joe Maroney, a life-long salmon advocate, to serve on the Washington Salmon Recovery Funding Board, which awards grants for restoration projects statewide. “Joe Maroney will be a great addition to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “Having worked for the Kalispel Tribe of Indians […]
Orca Recovery Day Saturday
OLYMPIA–The state’s orca recovery coordinator encourages people to spend Saturday making the environment better for endangered Southern Resident orcas. “Saturday is Orca Recovery Day,” said Tara Galuska, the Governor’s orca recovery coordinator. “It’s a chance for all of us to take a minute or a few hours doing something that will help orcas. It can […]
OLYMPIA–The Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board today announced the award of nearly $76 million in grants across the state to help ensure the survival of salmon in Washington. The board also approved an additional $58 million in grant requests for 55 projects through the Puget Sound Acquisition and Restoration program once funding is approved […]
Boating Facilities, Kids Outdoor Education and Recreation and More
OLYMPIA–The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) will begin accepting applications Aug. 10 for grants to provide outdoor education and recreation programs for kids and to build and maintain trails, boating facilities, and firearm and archery ranges. RCO is offering free, online workshops to showcase these grant opportunities and explain application requirements. RCO grants […]
OLYMPIA–The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times for boating—and for spreading invasive species in rivers, lakes and other water bodies. The Washington Invasive Species Council, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Department of Ecology are asking the public to take simple steps to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive […]
OLYMPIA–The Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office launched a new website today to track recovery efforts for the endangered Southern Resident orcas. “The website is beautiful and chock full of information,” said Tara Galuska, the Governor’s orca recovery coordinator. “The website is an easy way for people to see what’s being done to save the orcas and […]
OLYMPIA–The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) wants to know how and where you like to recreate as it begins to draft a plan that will direct millions of dollars in state and federal funding to parks, trails and ball fields. RCO is asking residents to take an online survey that asks questions about […]
OLYMPIA–Gov. Jay Inslee, in partnership with the Washington Invasive Species Council, has proclaimed February 28 through March 4 as Invasive Species Awareness Week in Washington. “We all need to be aware of invasive species and take simple actions to prevent and stop them,” Inslee said. “We have to work together to protect our state from […]
OLYMPIA–A statewide task force commissioned by the Washington State Legislature is recommending increased sharing of school and community athletic facilities as a way to increase physical activity for youth, especially those underserved. Kids in Washington are not moving nearly enough, the task force noted in its new report. Before the pandemic, only about 24 percent […]
Free Webinars Feb. 17 and 22 OLYMPIA–The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) will begin accepting applications in mid-February for grants to build parks, trails, ball fields and boat moorage as well as to conserve wildlife habitat and working farms and forests. These grants are the largest source of state funding for many of […]