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
State Asks Campers to Not Move Firewood

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 […]

May 21, 2024
Governor Appoints Tribal Councilmember to Salmon Board

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 […]

April 23, 2024
Governor Proclaims February 26 to March 3 Invasive Species Awareness Week

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 […]

February 6, 2024
State to Accept Grant Applications for Outdoor Recreation and Conservation Projects

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 […]

January 31, 2024
State Alters Scoring to Make Competitive Recreation Grants More Accessible to All Communities

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 […]

January 17, 2024