WWRC Newsletter - April 2007
Final Budget Includes $100m for Parks, Wildlife & Farmland!
On Sunday the legislature voted to double funding for Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) grants to $100 million in the state's two-year capital construction budget.
With the Governor's previous commitment to support $100 million (vs. $70m in her proposed budget), this completes the Coalition's campaign to fund 135 projects around the state.
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Outdoor Recreation - $36m for 68 state and local parks, trails and shorelines.
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Habitat Conservation - $36m for 34 natural areas, urban and critical habitat and land stewardship.
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Riparian Habitat Protection - $19m for acquisition or restoration of 23 marine and fresh-water habitat areas.
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Farmland Preservation - $9m for conservation or restoration of 10 working farms. This is the first state funding for a farmland preservation program!
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Puget Sound - Of the 135 funded projects, thirty-three help protect or restore the Sound. They total $21m and leverage $30m in local matching funds.
WWRP Projects in Your Backyard
Use the "My Backyard" feature on the Coalition's website to see the projects "at risk," which will now be funded. Search by city, county or legislative district.
Farmland Funds Available: Workshop April 27th
Over half the WWRP's 2007 farmland funding is allocated, but $4.3 million is still available. Cities and counties are eligible to apply.
The grants can be used for easements to help farmers sell the development rights on their land, reducing the financial pressure to develop. They also can compensate farmers who put a portion of their farm into wildlife habitat.
Letters of intent are due June 1st, and final applications are due July 1st. See the application guidleines or attend the IAC's workshop in North Bend on April 27th.
IAC to Change its Name
In a long over-due move to reduce the confusion of our interns, the legislature approved a name change for the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation to the "Recreation and Conservation Office."
This state agency administers the WWRP and seven other state and federal grant programs, and it staffs the IAC Board which will be renamed the "Recreation and Conservation Funding Board."
The IAC also staffs the Salmon Recovery Funding Board, the Biodiversity Council, Invasive Species Council and the Governor's Forum on Monitoring Salmon Recovery and Watershed Health.
Join Us for a Victory Party - May 22nd
It's time to celebrate! Join Coalition members for fine wines and hors d'oeuveres at the Seattle home of Marc and Maud Daudon. The fun runs from 6pm to 8pm. $75 donation suggested. Directions here.
To help host this event or to RSVP, contact Amelia@WildlifeRecreation.org or (206) 748-0082.
