FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
TACOMA, Washington – The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition (WWRC) is proud to announce that Representative Steve Tharinger (D–Port Townsend) will receive the Coalition’s prestigious Joan Thomas Award at its annual Fall Celebration on October 1, 2026, in recognition of his extraordinary and sustained leadership on behalf of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) and Washington’s outdoors.
The Joan Thomas Award is the Coalition’s highest recognition for conservation leadership. It honors individuals who have worked tirelessly to ensure that future generations have access to the parks, wildlife habitat, working farms, forests, and outdoor recreation opportunities that define Washington. The award is named for Joan Thomas, a founding member of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition in 1989 and a pillar of Washington’s conservation movement whose commitment to the state’s natural heritage was second to none.
Representative Tharinger joined the Coalition’s board as an ex-officio member in 2011 and has remained a member ever since. Over the past 15 years, he has become one of the program’s most consequential legislative champions, bringing deep knowledge of the state budget, a steadfast commitment to conservation, and an unwavering understanding of the difference WWRP investments make in communities across Washington.
As Chair of the Washington State House Capital Budget Committee, Representative Tharinger has played a central role in securing historic investments for the Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP). Under his leadership, the program received record funding in both the 2023 and 2025 capital budgets.
“Representative Tharinger’s impact cannot be overstated,” said Yvonne Kraus, Executive Director of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition. “Throughout his time in the Legislature, Representative Tharinger has been an extraordinary advocate for Washington’s great outdoors and the WWRP. The historic investments we have seen in recent capital budgets would not have been possible without his leadership. The Joan Thomas Award is a fitting lifetime achievement recognition for his unwavering conservation legacy and the difference he has made in the quality of life for Washington’s residents. ”
The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition has successfully advocated to leverage more than $2.2 billion in funding for 1,800+ projects across Washington. The WWRP is the state’s largest public funding source for outdoor community projects, providing matching funds for everything from local parks and playgrounds to wildlife habitat, trails, state parks, and working farms and forests.
These investments protect the state’s natural resources while creating jobs, generating economic activity, improving public health, and increasing access to the outdoors for communities throughout the state.
Representative Tharinger’s commitment to conservation extends well beyond the WWRP. He served on the Salmon Recovery Funding Board from 2002 to 2010, including as chair from 2008 to 2010, and has been deeply involved in community and regional efforts related to economic development, public health, natural resources, and the environment.
First elected to the Washington State House of Representatives in 2010, Representative Tharinger represents the 24th Legislative District, including Clallam and Jefferson counties and a portion of Grays Harbor County. A former small business owner and three-term Clallam County Commissioner, he lives in Port Townsend.
Representative Tharinger joins a distinguished group of past honorees, including Rance Block, the Hon. Sally Jewell, Mike Ryherd, Bill Chapman, Elliot Marks, Rebecca Sutherland, Joel Connelly, Val and Dan Ogden, Joan Thomas, Maggie Coon, Bill Robinson, and Doug Walker.
Representative Tharinger’s leadership has helped shape the WWRP at a pivotal moment in its history. His commitment to the program has helped ensure that Washington can continue investing in the lands, waters, wildlife, parks, trails, farms, forests, and communities that make this state extraordinary. The Coalition is honored to recognize that legacy with the Joan Thomas Award.
Please join the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition on October 1, 2026, for its annual Fall Celebration as we honor Representative Steve Tharinger and celebrate Washington’s great outdoors. RSVP here to reserve your spot.
About the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition
The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition is a nonprofit organization that advocates for public funding for new parks, wildlife habitat, trails, and the preservation of working farm and forest lands. Founded in 1989 by former Washington Governors Dan Evans and Mike Lowry, the Coalition brings together a diverse and bipartisan group representing conservation, business, recreation, hunting, fishing, farming, and other community interests.
The Coalition is the independent nonprofit advocate for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program and has helped leverage more than $2.2 billion for more than 1,800 projects throughout Washington. Coalition supporters include individuals, foundations, corporations, and organizations from across the state.