Accomplishments
In the last twenty years, the Coalition has secured over $550 million in state funding for 921 projects, spanning over 300,000 acres across the state.
In 1989, the Coalition persuaded the Washington State Legislature to establish the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) to protect habitat and create parks for future generations.
In the ten years prior to the formation of the WWRP, the state spent an average of just $2 million per year on land acquisition.
1989: Coalition persuades legislature to create the WWRP grant program (RCW 79A.15)
1990: An initial $53 million appropriation for WWRP projects in the 1989-1991 biennial capital budget.
1991: A $60.3 million appropriation for WWRP projects in the 1991-1993 capital budget.
1992: An additional $750,000 appropriation for local WWRP projects.
Passage of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation State Lands Management Act, which created an account to fund basic stewardship, improved or developed resources, human use management, and administration of the state's natural area preserves and conservation areas.
1993: A $65 million appropriation for WWRP projects in the 1993-1995 capital budget.
An $11 million appropriation for stewardship and Jobs in the Environment, which signaled an important step toward maintaining and improving the quality of state-owned lands.
1994: WWRP and stewardship programs survive across-the-board cuts in capital budget programs. House Capital Budget Committee conducts a thorough review of the administration of WWRP funds.
1995: Many state environmental programs are cut, but WWRP receives biennial appropriation of $45 million.
1997: $45 million appropriation for WWRP projects for 1997-1999, including $4 million for a pilot Riparian Habitat program.
1999: $48 million appropriation for WWRP projects in the 1999-2001 biennium.
2001: $45 million for WWRP projects in the 2001-2003 biennium.
2003: $45 million for WWRP projects in the 2003-2005 biennium.
2005: $50 million for WWRP projects in the 2005-2007 biennium, and the Coalition passes the first major amendments to the WWRP, expanding the program to include the protection of working farms and riparian lands.
2007: $100 million for WWRP projects in the 2007-2009 biennium. This represents the largest single two-year investment in parks and greenspace in our state's history.
2009: $70 million secured for 95 WWRP projects during one of the biggest budget crises in state history.
