State Parks Budget Update State Parks Budget Update WSP Director, Don Hoch Tuesday, April 7, 2015 (Sent to staff Thursday April 2, 2015) Now that we've seen all three operating budget proposals from the Governor, House and Senate, I want to provide you a little more detail. Read more
Earth Month Roundup 2015 Earth Month Roundup 2015 EarthShare Wednesday, April 1, 2015 The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 was the catalyst that helped jumpstart the modern environmental movement, inspiring citizens around the world to demonstrate their commitment to a healthy and sustainable world. Earth Day is just one day, but there are opportunities to get involved all month long, thanks to EarthShare member charities and affiliates. Here’s our roundup of just some of the activities you can join this April. If you don’t see an opportunity in your area, enter your zip code into our volunteer widget to search for events, or visit Idealist.org. Read more
House Budget a Step in the Right Direction House Budget a Step in the Right Direction Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition Friday, March 27, 2015 The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, which brings together 280 businesses and non-profits, applauds the state House’s capital construction budget. The budget announced today includes $75 million in funding for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) and preserves the integrity of the program. The WWRP is the state’s premiere conservation and recreation program. It is the largest source of funding for local parks and trails and the only Washington state program that preserves farmland. WWRP funded projects have also done more to protect and restore Puget Sound than any other program. Read more
ESSB 5843 Has Passed Out of the Senate Good Legislative News - Outdoor Recreation Wednesday, March 11, 2015 We wanted to make sure you all knew that ESSB 5843, Sen. Ranker and Sen. Parlette's bill to create an outdoor recreation lead in the Governor's office and fund the No Child Left Inside program, passed out of the Senate with a vote of 46-3. Woohoo! The bill now moves to the House. On the Floor, two amendments were added to the bill - one requiring that the outdoor recreation lead in the Governor's office be subject to Senate confirmation, and another further defining the roll of this sector lead. We'll make sure to let you know how the process goes as the bill advances through the House. Read more
Visit State Parks for a "Free Day" March 19 Visit State Parks for a "Free Day" March 19 Washington State Parks Monday, March 9, 2015 Washington State Parks turns 102 years old on Thursday, March 19, and visitors are invited to help celebrate by getting out to enjoy a state park for free that day. With the 2015 spring and summer seasons just around the corner, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission reminds the public that there are recreation opportunities available in more than 100 parks, trails and recreation sites all over the state. March 19 is the third of 12 State Parks “free days” in 2015, when visitors are not required to display the Discover Pass to visit a park. Read more