FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Jay Inslee released his Capital Construction Budget for the 2025-2027 biennium today. The Governor includes $120 million in funding for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP). This level maintains the previous level from the 2023-2025 funding level.
“In a budget year with many challenges, we appreciate that Governor Inslee has acknowledged the importance of outdoor recreation and conservation to the well-being of Washingtonians by matching the previous biennia’s record level,” said Christine Mahler, Executive Director of the WWRC . “The message is clear – to prioritize Washingtonians and not move backwards when it comes to the resources we hold dear. As the Legislature continues its work, we encourage them to consider $150 million in funding for the WWRP. The demand for outdoor recreation continues to grow, and it is important that we address these needs while also protecting the environment. $150 Million for the WWRP is essential for supporting the restoration of ecosystems and wildlife, and will help ensure that future generations can enjoy the natural spaces we value.”
The COVID-19 crisis brought record numbers of Washingtonians outdoors, seeking the mental and physical health benefits of outdoor recreation. This trend has not stopped today. Unfortunately, Washington has long struggled with insufficient investment in outdoor recreation, and this ongoing demand has only amplified the urgent need for increased funding. It has also underscored the importance of balancing growing recreation demand with the preservation of our environment and ecosystems.
This makes strong funding for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) more critical than ever. WWRP projects not only provide outdoor opportunities for families across the state, but also help preserve wildlife habitat, mitigate climate change effects, and protect working lands.
As the state’s premier grant program for habitat conservation and outdoor recreation, the WWRP has had a significant impact on Washington’s landscape and quality of life, leveraging over $2 billion into parks, trails, wildlife habitat, working lands, and other community priorities. Funding is distributed through a nationally-recognized, impartial ranking process.
However, we acknowledge that impartial ranking processes do not always ensure equitable outcomes. The Recreation and Conservation Office has worked diligently to adjust ranking criteria for applicants to match the recommendations coming out of an equity review of their grant programs. The 2025-2027 project cycle for WWRP will serve as the first test of these changes and higher funding levels provide more data to continue improving and ensuring the WWRP serves all.
Additionally, we noted the inclusion of funding to support the ongoing State-Tribal Recreation Impacts Initiative (STRII). Overall, a total of $1.7 million operating funds and $3.4 million in Climate Commitment Act funds were appropriated between State Parks, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs.
However, there was a gap in funding request by the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) – a technical assistance position that would have supported recommendations from the Equity Review on RCO grant programs released in June 2022.
“Governor Inslee’s support for STRII is critical in strengthening the ongoing partnership between state agencies and Tribal governments,” said Skippy Shaw, The Nature Conservancy’s Washington State Government Relations Director and Chair of the WWRC State Policy Committee. “We hope the Legislature will also back this important work and additionally provide the missing funding for the RCO to continue its vital equity efforts in recreation and conservation grant programs.”
At $120 million, the budget would fund 101 WWRP projects across the state, including:
- Supporting the final design and redevelopment of park amenities in the upper plateau of Veterans Memorial Park, in the City of Mountlake Terrace. The project will renovate an existing playground, picnic shelter, pedestrian trail loop and install a new restroom facility and plaza space. These park features were selected for inclusion in the development of this project as a direct response to community and stakeholder feedback
- The Bainbridge Island Land Trust proposes the Little Manzanita 4 Project to acquire and protect at least 34 acres habitat nexus extending from Manzanita Park in north-central Manzanita watershed to the Little Manzanita Bay estuary. Emphasis is on protection of streams, wetlands, and a large forest core area to benefit the full suite of Island terrestrial and aquatic species and provide public trails through forests.
However, increasing the funding to $150 Million will include an additional 15 projects of local import to communities across the state, including:
- Completing development of a huge 27.9 acre portion of Eagle Ridge Park in Lake Stevens. The city will build facilities such as a nature-themed playground, amphitheater and outdoor classroom space, restrooms and much more. The park is home to protected areas including eagle habitats, riparian areas, mature forests and wetlands – all of which will be preserved and protected in this development.
- The Department of Fish and Wildlife acquiring 1,200 acres of critical elk habitat in the Mt. St. Helens Wildlife Area. This project will both protect and enhance the most critical winter range area in the Mt. St. Helens Elk Herd area, but also watershed and tributary habitat for species of salmon. A further benefit is providing year-round public access to the wildlife area which is currently land locked by private ownership.
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About the WWRC
The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition is committed to creating a greener, healthier, more equitable, and better Washington for all through community outreach, network building, and advocacy for conservation and outdoor recreation funding. The WWRC is Washington’s chief advocate for local conservation and recreation projects across the state. Over thirty years ago, the Coalition led the creation of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP), and remains its chief independent nonprofit advocate and partner to this day. For more information, contact Andres Guerrero-Guzman at andres@WildlifeRecreation.org.
About the WWRP