Summer site tour season is in full swing — and it might just be our favorite time of year. What’s better than trading the office for the outdoors and showing Washington’s legislators how the WWRP is making a real difference on the ground?

This August, we packed in three site visits and an in-person meeting with four incredible legislators. From mountain bike trails in the Snoqualmie Corridor, to vibrant prairie habitats buzzing with life, to community forests bringing people together, we saw the many ways the WWRP brings lasting value to Washington. Here’s a quick look back at a month full of adventure and community in the outdoors: 

Exploring Raging River with Senator Hunt

On August 8, we joined Senator Hunt at the Raging River Trail System in the 5th Legislative District. Just 20 miles east of Seattle, this outdoor gem is booming — and for good reason. Thanks to three WWRP – State Lands Development grants (totaling nearly $900,000), the Department of Natural Resources, the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, and the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust teamed up to create 30 miles of new non-motorized trails for mountain biking, hiking, and more.

When we met at the Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead, the place was already buzzing with hikers and riders — on a weekday morning! It was a clear reminder of how much people value well-maintained access to the outdoors. Huge kudos to all the partners who made this project happen, and a big thank you to Senator Hunt for her support of the WWRP.

A Day in the Teanaway with Representative Ybarra

On August 18, we welcomed Representative Alex Ybarra (13th LD) back to the Teanaway Community Forest. While this wasn’t his first time exploring the forest, it was his first chance to see up close how WWRP investments are transforming the area — from recently upgraded facilities to exciting improvements still on the way.

Joined by a powerhouse team of partners from the Washington Trails Association, Backcountry Horsemen, Mountains to Sound Greenway, Trust for Public Land, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, and local volunteers, we set out to tour several standout WWRP-funded sites that showcase the forest’s growing role as a recreation and conservation hub: 

• Teanaway Campground: A $233,000 WWRP – State Lands Development grant funded upgrades that balance ecological restoration, riparian protection, and camping access in this nationally popular first-come, first-serve campground.
  
• West Fork Teanaway Trailhead: Nearly finished thanks to a $305,000 WWRP grant, the new parking lot, restroom, trails, and improved horse trailer access will serve hikers, bikers, and equestrians.
  
• 29 Pines Campground: This site is next in line for WWRP funding, offering Rep. Ybarra a glimpse of what a project site looks like pre-investment.
  

We wrapped up our tour at the beloved Teanaway Community Store, a lively local gathering spot thriving thanks to the forest’s increased foot traffic. It was a wonderful reminder that WWRP investments don’t just improve the land — they strengthen the communities that call it home. 

Meeting Representative Steele in Chelan

That same day, we also sat down with Representative Mike Steele (12th LD) in Chelan, alongside Mat Lyons from TREAD. As Executive Director of the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce, Rep. Steele understands how WWRP investments strengthen rural communities at the intersection of economic development, outdoor recreation, and conservation. We’re grateful for his ongoing support for WWRP funding!

Prairie Habitat with Representative Barkis

On August 21, we joined Representative Andrew Barkis (2nd LD) at Violet Prairie, alongside partners from the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Thurston County, and others. This recently acquired property is part of the South Sound’s rare oak-prairie ecosystem — vital habitat for species like the Mazama pocket gopher and the Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly.

Together, we learned how ranching partnerships help manage invasive species, how fire prevention is being integrated into restoration efforts, and how future plans for trails and recreation access will connect people to this unique landscape. Violet Prairie is a striking example of WWRP in action — where wildlife habitat conservation, sustainable recreation, and strong community partnerships come together in one project.

Looking Ahead

With August behind us, we can’t wait to keep this season of site tours and conversations rolling into the fall. A huge thank you to the legislators who joined us this month, and to the many partners, volunteers, and community members who make these projects possible. Onward!