State Awards Grants for Outdoor Recreation Facilities in Underserved Communities

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 […]

October 22, 2024
Spokane Tribal Citizen Joins State Recreation and Salmon Agency as Liaison

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 […]

October 14, 2024
State Awards $50.3 Million in Grants to Recover Salmon

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. […]

September 30, 2024
State Asks Public to Check Trees for Invasive Pests this August

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 […]

August 5, 2024
State Accepting Grant Applications for Trails, Boating Facilities and to Get Kids Outside

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 […]

July 15, 2024
State asks boaters to Clean, Drain, Dry to prevent spread of invasive species

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 […]

July 3, 2024