October 14, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition (WWRC) is thrilled to honor Senator Yasmin Trudeau and Representative Mike Steele as recipients of the coveted Evans & Lowry Distinguished Leadership Award at the Coalition’s 2025 Fall Celebration. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 23, from 5 – 8 p.m. at Washington Hall in Seattle. Registration is open to the public and required to attend. Reserve your spot today.
The Evans & Lowry Distinguished Leadership Award, named in honor of former Governors Dan Evans and Mike Lowry, celebrates bipartisan leadership in advancing Washington’s outdoors. Governors Evans and Lowry – once political rivals – joined forces across party lines to co-found the Coalition in 1989, establishing a legacy of collaboration that helped launch the nationally recognized Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP). Their partnership has since helped secure more than $2.2 billion for parks, trails, wildlife habitat, and working lands across Washington. The award recognizes leaders who embody this same model of bipartisan cooperation to protect Washington’s wildlife and healthy habitats, create recreational opportunities and equity in access to the outdoors, as well as support our outdoor economy.
This year’s honorees, Senator Trudeau (D–Tacoma) and Representative Steele (R–Chelan), exemplify that spirit of collaboration. In the 2025 Legislative Session, during a particularly challenging budget year, they championed the WWRP and played pivotal roles in securing $120 million for the program in the 2025–2027 State Capital Budget. This investment – which would not have been possible without their leadership, commitment to bipartisan collaboration, and integrity – will fund over 120 new parks, trails, wildlife habitat, and working lands projects across Washington.
The Coalition also applauds their support for other vital investments, including budget support for the Youth Athletic Facilities Program at $19,767,000, the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account at $4,351,000, continued investments in Community Forests at $6,248,000, and $16,650,000 for the State’s Trust Land Transfer Program.
Senator Yasmin Trudeau represents Washington’s 27th Legislative District, covering Tacoma, Ruston, Browns Point, Dash Point, and Fife. Appointed in 2021 and elected to a full term in 2022, she currently serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Law & Justice Committee and was a lead negotiator on this year’s Capital Budget. Senator Trudeau is the first woman of color to represent her district and brings a lifelong commitment to equity, rooted in her lived experiences and professional service with the Attorney General’s Office.
Representative Mike Steele has served the 12th Legislative District, covering most of Chelan and parts of King and Snohomish counties, since 2017. A lifelong Lake Chelan Valley resident, Steele is known for championing economic vitality, sustainable job growth, and education. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce and is deeply engaged in community leadership, from Rotary to local foundations.
“The Evans & Lowry Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes bi-partisan leadership that places healthy and green communities, natural habitat, parks, and outdoor recreation opportunities first,” said Yvonne Kraus, Executive Director of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition. “Senator Trudeau and Representative Steele advocated tirelessly throughout this year’s challenging budget negotiations to ensure strong, consistent WWRP funding, helping safeguard our state’s natural heritage and access to outdoor recreation for future generations.”
In addition to their legislative leadership, both Senator Trudeau and Representative Steele currently serve as ex-officio members of the WWRC board, further strengthening the Coalition’s bipartisan foundation and ensuring a strong connection and partnership with Washington’s legislature.
Please join us in celebrating this year’s honorees and Washington’s great outdoors at our annual Fall Celebration on October 23rd. Reserve your spot today.
About the WWRC
The WWRC is a nonprofit organization that leverages the voices of a diverse group of allied interests to obtain public funding for new parks, wildlife habitat, trails, and preservation of working farm and forest lands. Founded in 1989 by former Washington state Governors Dan Evans and Mike Lowry, the Coalition’s membership consists of a diverse and bipartisan group representing conservation, business, recreation, hunting, fishing, farming, and other community interests.
The Coalition is supported by generous individuals, foundations, corporations, and organizations from across Washington, ensuring that every penny of the public funds go directly to projects in local communities throughout the state. You can support the Coalition by donating here.