State Accepting Grant Applications for Park Planning

OLYMPIA—The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is accepting applications until July 15 for grants to pay for planning projects in communities that lack adequate access to outdoor recreation opportunities. The Planning for Recreation Access (PRA) program focuses on diverse urban neighborhoods and small rural communities seeking funding to develop shovel-ready park plans and […]

May 27, 2026
New Guide to Combat Ash Tree-Destroying Insect

OLYMPIA—A new guide to help Washington landowners and land managers detect and limit the spread of an invasive, wood-boring beetle that attacks and kills ash trees is now available thanks to the collaborative effort of state and federal agencies. Native to eastern Asia, the emerald ash borer first appeared in the United States in 2002 […]

May 19, 2026
Governor Declares Invasive Species Awareness Week in Washington

OLYMPIA–Gov. Bob Ferguson, in partnership with the Washington Invasive Species Council, has proclaimed February 23-27 as Washington Invasive Species Awareness Week, recognizing the ongoing threat invasive plants, animals and pathogens pose to the state. “Invasive species continue to threaten Washington’s lands, waters and communities,” Ferguson said. “Everyone—from students to farmers to outdoor enthusiasts—has a part […]

February 10, 2026
State Offering Grants for Parks, Trails, and Other Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Projects

OLYMPIA– The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) will begin accepting applications Feb. 11 for grants to build parks, trails, athletic fields and boating facilities and conserve wildlife habitat and working farms and forests. These grants are the largest source of state funding for many of Washington’s outdoor recreation experiences and the only state […]

February 2, 2026
State Awards Grants for Projects to Recover Salmon Habitat

OLYMPIA–The Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board and Puget Sound Partnership today announced the award of more than $61 million in grants to 155 projects across the state aimed at restoring salmon habitat. “These grants fund important work,” said Jeff Breckel, chair of the Salmon Recovery Funding Board. “They are funding organizations to undo the […]

October 1, 2025
State Awards More Than $67 Million in Grants for Outdoor Recreation and Habitat Conservation

OLYMPIA—The Recreation and Conservation Office today announced the award of more than $67 million in grants for 105 projects across the state to support outdoor recreation and conservation of wildlife habitat. The projects develop parks, renovate recreational facilities and preserve important wildlife habitats. “This investment in our communities is critical,” said Megan Duffy, director of […]

September 24, 2025