70th Annual Statewide Weed and Invasive Species Conference Set for Nov. 3-6

The 70th Annual Washington State Weed Conference will be offered online and free to the public, announced the Washington Vegetation Management Association and the Washington Invasive Species Council. With this historic partnership between the association and council, the conference has been increased, with two of the four days focused on invasive species and successful approaches […]

October 6, 2020
Stevenson Man to Lead State Salmon Recovery Funding Board

Long-time Salmon Recovery Advocate Phil Rockefeller Retires OLYMPIA–The Salmon Recovery Funding Board, which awards about $80 million biennially to projects to improve salmon habitat, will see a change in leadership. Jeff Breckel, 70, from Stevenson, is the new chair of the funding board. Breckel has more than 20 years of experience in salmon recovery, much […]

September 21, 2020
State Awards $18 Million in Grants to Recover Salmon

OLYMPIA–The Salmon Recovery Funding Board today awarded $18 million in grants to organizations around the state to repair rivers, remove barriers blocking fish passage and replant riverbanks in an effort to recover salmon from the brink of extinction. The grants, given annually, went to 91 projects in 29 of the state’s 39 counties. In addition, […]

September 17, 2020
Applications Being Accepted for Grants to Conserve Forests

OLYMPIA–On Sept.1, eligible organizations may begin applying for grants to conserve community forests, the Recreation and Conservation Office announced today. The new state Community Forests Program will offer grants of up to $3 million. But organizations need to hurry. Applications are due Oct. 1. The grants must be used to buy at least 5 acres […]

August 31, 2020
State Receives more than $11 Million in Federal Grants to Benefit Southern Resident killer Whale and Chinook Recovery

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) today announced the award of more than $11 million in grants to 11 Chinook salmon habitat and hatchery projects from a new grant program under the Pacific Salmon Treaty. NOAA Fisheries is distributing the funding across Puget Sound and the West Coast to support Southern […]

August 19, 2020
Outdoor Recreation Generates Big Money in Washington

OLYMPIA–People spend $26.5 billion annually in Washington to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity, according to a report released today. The report, Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State, found that residents and tourists spend $18.8 billion annually on outdoor recreation trips, including trips to local, state and national parks. In addition, they spend $7.7 […]

July 30, 2020