WWRC Newsletter August 2007
Please Join Us for the Coalition's First Annual Fall Breakfast
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
7:30am - 9am
(check in begins at 7am)
Sheraton Hotel, 1400 Sixth Avenue, Seattle
A donation will be requested during the program.
RSVP by September 17th to the Coalition at (206) 748-0082 or Jill@WildlifeRecreation.org
For more info: www.WildlifeRecreation.org
Local outdoor retailer, REI, has committed to being a Title Sponsor of the Coalition’s first fundraising breakfast. Title Sponsorship is the Coalition’s highest level of event support.
This annual event promises to be an exciting gathering of the region’s business, political, conservation, and recreation leaders.
Support from REI and our other sponsors ensures that all money raised at the event goes to the Coalition’s important work of protecting Washington’s parks, habitat and working farms.
Cypress Island designated an Aquatic Reserve
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the designation of Cypress Island as an Aquatic Reserve in August. The WWRP has provided $13 million to DNR to protect the largest undeveloped island in the San Juans for 140 species of birds, including eagles, hawks and falcons as well as rock fish species that are in decline. Partners involved with the preservation of Cypress Island include The Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy. The island is popular with boaters and offers primitive camp sites, lakes, trails and scenic views of the San Juan Islands, mainland Washington and the Olympic and Cascade mountains.
Olympia Woodland Trail Grand Opening
Trail users, advocates and partners gathered in August to celebrate the grand opening of the first phase of the Olympia Woodland Trail. $300,000 in Wa. Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) matching funds created Olympia's first link in the regional urban trail system being developed by Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Thurston County. The walking and biking trail curves along a 2 mile abandoned railroad corridor and through an urban forest sanctuary created by the scenic Indian Creek Ravines.
Shoreline Interurban Trail Dedication
On September 22, a celebration will be held for Shoreline’s Interurban Trail. The City of Shoreline was granted a total of $3.1 million from the WWRP for the construction of the walking and biking trail that connects the local community with shopping and area services.
Pioneer Park Dedication
On September 7th, the City of Connell will celebrate the expansion of Pioneer Park. WWRP funds matched local funds to expand and develop the park to include more ball fields and enhance the swimming pool. The improvements address the city's need for more ballfields and a slide for the pool and a splash area for smaller kids will offer families in North Franklin County a fun way to cool off.
Welcome and Farewell
Jill Wasberg joined the Coalition as our new Development and Communications Director. Jill is a fourth generation Washingtonian raised on Willapa Bay in Pacific County. She brings with her a commitment to preserving wildlife habitat and open space for future generations of Washingtonians.
Stephanie Gilfeather joined the Coalition as our Half-Time Program Assistant. She has experience working with non-profit organizations and with Washington State government agencies. In addition to working with the Coalition, she attends Seattle University School of Law.
Amelia Kaune resigned as our Development Director to continue her education and pursue a career in the medical field.
Jenn Djambazov resigned as our work-study student to pursue an internship to complement her studies at Seattle University in the fields of criminal
justice and forensic science.
