Governor Inslee Highlights Need to Prevent and Stop Invasive Species

OLYMPIA–Gov. Jay Inslee has proclaimed Feb. 24-28 as Invasive Species Awareness Week in Washington to highlight the importance of managing and preventing invasive species, which pose a $137 billion annual cost in damages to crops, forests, fish and other wildlife nationally. “Our state’s natural habitat and outdoor recreation destinations are part of what make living […]

February 19, 2020
State to Accept Grant Applications for Parks, Trails and Other Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Projects

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 recreation experiences, and the […]

January 29, 2020
Governor Appoints Two Eastern Washington Residents to State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board

OLYMPIA—Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed a Wenatchee resident and an Okanogan resident and member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation to serve on the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board. The board awards about $250 million in grants every biennium for the development of parks, trails, boating facilities and other outdoor recreation […]

January 23, 2020
Economy, Environment and Health Benefit from Trails, Two New Studies Show

OLYMPIA–Trails contribute more than $8.2 billion to the state’s economy, according to companion studies released today by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. Done in collaboration with Washington Trails Association, Washington Bikes, and the University of Washington, the studies look at the economic, environmental, social and health benefits of trails and recommend that state […]

January 9, 2020
State Awards more than $26 Million for Salmon Recovery Projects Statewide

The Washington Salmon Recovery Funding Board today announced the award of $26.1 million in grants for projects across the state aimed at bringing salmon back from the brink of extinction. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the board’s creation and the suite of projects announced today brings the total amount of salmon recovery since […]

December 16, 2019
State Bolsters its Defense Against Urban Forest Pests with New Guidelines

OLYMPIA–Pests looking to make their homes in Washington’s urban forests may now face a stronger defense, thanks to a new resource released this this month by the state’s Invasive Species Council. The Washington State Urban Forest Pest Readiness Playbook, published in partnership with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), contains guidelines that towns, […]

November 19, 2019