State Accepting Grant Applications for Trails,
Boating Facilities, Kids Outdoor Education and Recreation and More

OLYMPIA–The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) will begin accepting applications Aug. 10 for grants to provide outdoor education and recreation programs for kids and to build and maintain trails, boating facilities, and firearm and archery ranges. RCO is offering free, online workshops to showcase these grant opportunities and explain application requirements. RCO grants […]

July 19, 2022
This July Fourth, Boaters Asked to Clean, Drain and Dry Equipment to Protect Washington’s Waters

OLYMPIA–The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times for boating—and for spreading invasive species in rivers, lakes and other water bodies. The Washington Invasive Species Council, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Department of Ecology are asking the public to take simple steps to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive […]

June 29, 2022
State Launches Orca Website

OLYMPIA–The Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office launched a new website today to track recovery efforts for the endangered Southern Resident orcas. “The website is beautiful and chock full of information,” said Tara Galuska, the Governor’s orca recovery coordinator. “The website is an easy way for people to see what’s being done to save the orcas and […]

May 17, 2022
State Wants to Hear How You Like to Recreate

OLYMPIA–The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) wants to know how and where you like to recreate as it begins to draft a plan that will direct millions of dollars in state and federal funding to parks, trails and ball fields. RCO is asking residents to take an online survey that asks questions about […]

March 8, 2022
Governor Jay Inslee Proclaims Invasive Species Awareness Week

OLYMPIA–Gov. Jay Inslee, in partnership with the Washington Invasive Species Council, has proclaimed February 28 through March 4 as Invasive Species Awareness Week in Washington. “We all need to be aware of invasive species and take simple actions to prevent and stop them,” Inslee said. “We have to work together to protect our state from […]

February 22, 2022
State Task Force Recommends Increased Sharing of School and Community Athletic Facilities

OLYMPIA–A statewide task force commissioned by the Washington State Legislature is recommending increased sharing of school and community athletic facilities as a way to increase physical activity for youth, especially those underserved. Kids in Washington are not moving nearly enough, the task force noted in its new report. Before the pandemic, only about 24 percent […]

February 8, 2022