OLYMPIA–The Washington Invasive Species Council recognized three top leaders for achievements in managing and preventing the spread of invasive plants and animals at a first-of-its-kind recognition awards ceremony in December. “These are new awards, and they celebrate the contributions of people who are working hard to protect Washington’s rich natural heritage and ensure that non-native […]
Kent Receives Grant in National Competition OLYMPIA–The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) today announced the award of 29 grants to build or improve outdoor recreation facilities, many in communities with too few or dilapidated parks. “We know that spending time outside provides so many mental and physical health benefits,” said Megan Duffy, RCO’s […]
OLYMPIA–The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office has hired a member of the Spokane Tribe of Indians as its first tribal affairs director. Dawn Pullin joined the agency from the Washington State Patrol, where she served as the tribal liaison for nearly four years, working to address the missing and murdered indigenous persons crisis. “We’re […]
OLYMPIA–The Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board awarded $50.3 million in grants for 145 projects across the state to improve habitat for salmon and steelhead and bull trout. Almost half ($21.6 million) was funded through the Climate Commitment Act and targeted restoration of shorelines and riverbanks, known as riparian areas, which are essential to salmon. […]
OLYMPIA – Several state agencies are asking the public to take ten minutes this month to check trees in their communities for signs of invasive insects. The Washington Invasive Species Council, Washington State Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program, Washington State Department of Agriculture and Washington State University Extension come together each […]
OLYMPIA–The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) will begin accepting applications in August for grants to provide outdoor education and recreation programs for kids and to build and maintain trails, boating facilities and shooting ranges. RCO is offering free, online workshops to showcase these grant opportunities and explain application requirements. The grants are the […]
OLYMPIA–The Washington Invasive Species Council and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are asking boaters to “Clean, Drain and Dry” their boats and equipment this boating season to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species and protect Washington’s waterways. “We need your help to protect Washington waters,” said Stephanie Helms, executive coordinator for […]
OLYMPIA–Several state agencies are asking campers and outdoor enthusiasts to not move firewood and instead buy it where they burn it this camping season. The Washington Invasive Species Council, Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forestry Program, Washington State Department of Agriculture and Washington State University Extension are strongly encouraging outdoor recreationists […]
OLYMPIA–Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians councilmember, fisheries director and Northwest Indian Fisheries commissioner, Kadi Bizyayeva, to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board. “Kadi has been a strong advocate for protecting and restoring salmon and their habitat throughout the Salish Sea,” Inslee said. “Serving on this board will allow her to continue that […]
OLYMPIA–Gov. Jay Inslee, in partnership with the Washington Invasive Species Council, has proclaimed February 26 through March 3 as Washington Invasive Species Awareness Week in solidarity with National Invasive Species Awareness Week. “Invasive species and noxious weeds are already a big problem in Washington and species that have yet to reach our state could pose […]
Free Webinars Feb. 14 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 Washington’s outdoor […]
OLYMPIA–The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board has changed the way it evaluates grant proposals with the goal of improving opportunities for outdoor recreation in communities with fewer parks and less open space. The board, which is the largest state funder of outdoor recreation facilities, changed the way it looks at need, scope, design […]
OLYMPIA–Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed Seattle resident Michael Shiosaki as chair and Leavenworth resident Robert “Bob” Bugert to a seat on the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board. The board awards about $200 million in grants every other year to tribes, nonprofits and government agencies to create parks, trails and other outdoor recreation opportunities. […]
Free Webinar Jan. 17 OLYMPIA–The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) will begin accepting applications next week for grants to build or improve outdoor athletic facilities, with a focus on communities that lack recreational opportunities or funding. “Spending time outside provides so many benefits,” said Megan Duffy, RCO’s director. “People who spend time outside […]