THURSDAY, JANUARY 09, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Effective January 2nd, 2025, the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition (WWRC) welcomed Yvonne Kraus as its new Executive Director.
Yvonne joins the Coalition after more than 20 years of consulting and organizational leadership experience in green building, sustainability, energy efficiency, and recreation. Most recently, Yvonne directed the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, where she collaborated with the WWRC, state agencies, and various recreation and environmental organizations to advocate for public lands access, habitat protection, and development of recreational resources.
“Yvonne is well-versed in the Coalition’s work and implementation of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP). She will be a strong advocate to help secure funds and ensure our Washington communities and lands remain healthy, active, sustainable, and green” states WWRC Board President Paul Graves.
In her new role, Yvonne is tasked with securing $150 million for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program. Yvonne is committed to the challenge and believes it’s necessary and achievable. “Full funding at $150 million is crucial to keep up with the increasing need and impact of recreation resources on our public lands, for farmland and habitat preservation, and to invest in continued high quality of life for Washington State’s residents,” says Kraus. “The request represents less than 2% of the State’s budget, and there’s no question that investment in healthy outdoor environments and activities delivers immeasurable returns for our collective mental and physical health and well-being, and the promise of a sustainable future for the next generation of Washington residents.
“The WWRC is so pleased to welcome Yvonne,” shares founding Board member Bill Chapman. “We were fortunate to receive her application among a strong pool of candidates. Yvonne has the right energy and experience to run a successful campaign, and the listening ear to keep a broad coalition of conservationists and outdoor interests together.” Kraus adds: “It’s crucial to get the full ask funded, and I hope to foster continued strong bipartisan support.”
While the Coalition looks to the future, the WWRC Board of Directors recognizes and celebrates the work completed by outgoing Executive Director Christine Mahler. Christine significantly increased the impact and reputation of the Coalition, and her enthusiasm and passion for conservation have inspired many. “We celebrate the impact of her work, which can be seen and felt across Washington state from Mission Ability Ballfield in Spokane, to Olympic Discovery Trail, to the preservation of critical habitat in the Methow and beyond,” says Chapman. Graves adds “Her unwavering commitment to our mission has left a lasting impression on all of us.”
Robust funding for the WWRP is more important than ever as our state’s population growth and recreation demands continue to accelerate. WWRP projects create outdoor opportunities for families across the state, preserve wildlife habitat, and protect farmlands. Outdoor recreational lands generate more than $26.2 billion in consumer spending annually and help support more than 200,000 jobs in WA state.
The Coalition invites everyone to join Yvonne and staff for the annual Parks and Great Outdoors Legislative Day on February 11th, to help advocate for and highlight local projects that the fully funded WWRP would make possible in districts throughout the state. Legislative Day is open to everyone and a great opportunity to meet directly with elected officials. All meetings are virtual.
Sign up today at to support the Coalition and the WWRP– and check out additional legislative events here.
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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.