WWRC Newsletter - May 2008

In this Issue: 

*  Demand for Conservation Funding at Record        Level
*  Grand Opening:  Washington's First New State    Park in 11 Years
*  Commission Approves WWRP Funds for Wildlife      Habitat
*  Save the Date for the Coalition's Campaign Kick   Off
*  Member profile: Carol James
*  West Hylebos Wetlands Boardwalk, Federal Way
*  Support the Coalition

Demand for Conservation Funding at Record Level

A record breaking total 370 applications totaling $272 million were submitted to the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) for funding by the state legislature next session. The WWRP is a competitive state grant program that funds parks, wildlife habitat and farmland preservation projects.  In the last two-year cycle, the WWRP received 234 applications totaling $154 million.

With just $100 million available to fund so many requests, the ranking process will result in the highest quality projects in each category receiving funding... (more)

Grand Opening:  Washington's First New State Park in 11 Years

Over $9 million in WWRP grants contributed to Cama Beach State Park, a scenic and historic site on the southwest corner of Camano Island. The official opening and dedication is Saturday, June 21st. 

DFW Commission Approves WWRP Funds for Wildlife Habitat

The Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission recently approved expanding wildlife areas with WWRP grants in Okanogan, Pend Oreille and Skagit counties. The funds will preserve habitat and provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, hunting and fishing along:

• The West Branch of the Little Spokane River, between Fan and Horseshoe lakes in southern Pend Oreille County

• Beaver Creek between Twisp and Winthrop in Okanogan County

• The convergence of the north and south forks of the Skagit River, north of Conway.

Save the Date for the Coalition's Campaign Kick Off

Join Coalition leaders for a house party where we'll kick off our campaign to create over 100 new parks, trails and public lands by securing $100 million for WWRP grants in the legislature's 2009 budget:

Thursday, June 26th
6 - 8 PM
The home of Bill and Frankie Chapman
7703 Ridgecrest Lane, Mercer Island
Suggested donation: $100

Thank you to our sponsors! To sponsor this event or for more information, please contact Jill@WildlifeRecreation.org

Member profile: Carol James

From conserving farmlands and open space in King County to being a founding board member and president of the Cascade Land Conservancy to being on the board of the Coalition, Carol James has been active in protecting parks, trails and farmlands for nearly 30 years.

As a conservation leader, she has been especially effective in bringing individuals, corporations and government agencies together to preserve the natural heritage of the state.

"The Coalition's greatest strength is how it is able to bring so many different interest groups to the table and focus them all on the single goal of preserving our natural beauty in the state. This is why I support the Coalition and why I encourage others to learn about their work."

West Hylebos Wetlands Boardwalk, Federal Way

Thanks to a $300,000 grant from the WWRP to replace a deteriorating boardwalk, visitors to the West Hylebos Wetlands can enjoy a walk through lush forests near salmon spawning streams in the midst of a highly urban area for years to come. A ceremony to reveal the new board walk was held this spring.

Support the Coalition

A record high number of applications were submitted this spring for WWRP dollars, demonstrating the crucial need to maintain $100 million in the state budget for WWRP grants.  

Please support the Coalition's work to protect this source of funding that creates and preserves parks, wildlife habitat and working farms in our communities.

The Coalition does not receive any of the state funding it advocates for.  We depend on the support of members like you.

Donate now to protect Washington's great outdoors!