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HomeMy WebLinkAbout020226 WWRC January E-NewsALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Coalition E-News: January 2026   <https://media2.charityengine.net/WF/_transactionServerFiles/1161/Yvonnespeech.jpg> 3 weeks into session, and we’re feeling energized! We kicked off 2026 with our Legislative Reception at the Governor’s Mansion. Marc Berejka, Strategy and Policy Advisor to the Nature and Health Alliance, was phenomenal as our guest speaker, and it was a fantastic night connecting with legislators, partners, and advocates. Just a week later, our virtual Parks & Great Outdoors Legislative Day put us directly in front of key lawmakers to share the real-world impact of WWRP funding on communities, youth, and the economy. Beyond events, we’ve been busy tracking and engaging with bills and funding requests, including holding our first State Policy Committee meeting of the year to align priorities and update our 2026 support agenda <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MTZ8aHR0cHM6Ly9kcml2ZS5nb29nbGUuY29tL2Zp bGUvZC8xLVB5Sk1ielQwdzlPc1JqYmVCWjVtcUpqQ1ZtQS1pRUQvdmlldz91c3A9c2hhcmluZ3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8OTI4NjI4fDE1> . Here’s a snapshot of our advocacy so far: - Signed in pro on SB 5234 and HB 2139 - Submitted written testimony in opposition to SB 6075 - Testified in opposition to SB 6104 With policy committee cutoff on February 4, things are moving quickly - expect updates in the coming weeks as we track relevant bills and continue meeting with legislators. On a personal note, this is my first legislative session with the Coalition, and I’m grateful for such a warm welcome and for all of you who make this work possible! Nathaniel Rees Policy & Communications Manager, WWRC   Building Momentum for Washington’s Parks & Great Outdoors <https://media2.charityengine.net/WF/_transactionServerFiles/1161/receptionall.jpg> Over the past two weeks, we brought together legislators, advocates, and outdoor champions for two of our signature annual events: our Legislative Reception at the Governor’s Mansion on January 21, and a focused, high-impact Parks & Great Outdoors Legislative Day on January 27. Together, these set the tone for a fast-paced session centered on gratitude, relationships, and the lasting economic and health benefits of investing in outdoor spaces across Washington! An Evening at the Governor’s Mansion On January 21, more than 90 legislators, partners, advocates, and industry leaders gathered at the Governor’s Mansion for an evening of conversation, connection, and celebration. The reception was both a thank-you and a launch point – recognizing past wins while building momentum for the work ahead. Guests mingled over food and drink, reconnecting with colleagues and forging new relationships across the recreation, conservation, and public lands community. We were especially grateful to welcome Marc Berejka, Strategy and Policy Advisor to the Nature and Health Alliance and a former Coalition Board member, as our guest speaker. Marc helped frame the session ahead, underscoring the powerful intersection between outdoor recreation, economic vitality, and public health – a theme that carried through the rest of the week. Read more. <http://smartmailerclick.bisgl obal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MTd8aHR0cHM6Ly93aWxkbGlmZXJlY3JlYXRpb24ub3JnL2J1aWxkaW5nLW1vbWVudHVtLWZvci13YXNoaW5ndG9ucy1wYXJ rcy1ncmVhdC1vdXRkb29ycy98MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDkyODYyOHwx0> <https://media2.charityengine.net/WF/_transactionServerFiles/1161/Nancereal.jpg>   Renew Your 2026 Agency & Organization Membership Today If you’ve already renewed your Coalition membership for 2026, thank you! Your support makes our advocacy stronger, more effective, and better able to protect and invest in parks, recreation, and conservation across Washington. If you haven’t yet, we invite you to renew your annual membership and continue supporting our shared work to fund recreation and green spaces throughout our state. Please contact sophia@wildliferecre ation.org <mailto:sophia@wildliferecreation.org> to renew today. If you’re new to the Coalition and represent a municipality, county, nonprofit, land trust, or other organization that benefits from WWRP funding, we invite you to join us in 2026. Your membership helps demonstrate the strength of Washington’s partnership, collaboration, and shared commitment to investing in parks, recreation, and conservation statewide. The power of our Coalition and the strength of our advocacy comes from members like you - join us in 2026 and be part of the movement protecting Washington’s parks and green spaces for all! Organization Membership <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MTh8aHR0cHM6Ly93ZWIuY2hhcml0eWVuZ2luZS5uZ XQvV1dSQ09yZ01lbWJlcnNoaXB8MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDkyODYyOHwx0> Agency Membership <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MTl8aHR0cHM6Ly93ZWIuY2hhcml0eWVuZ2luZS5uZXQvV1d SQ0FnZW5jeVJlbmV3YWx8MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDkyODYyOHwx0>   Save the Date for RCO's Application Webinars Webinars for Spring Programs The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MjB8aHR0cHM6Ly9yY28ud 2EuZ292L3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8OTI4NjI4fDE1> ) will host a series of webinars on February 11, 2026, to start the application cycle for 2026-27. If you are thinking about applying for a grant for your outdoor recreation or conservation project, mark your calendar now. The webinars will include information about the grants offered, eligibility requirements, deadlines, program changes for 2026, and how to apply for a grant. These webinars are for the following programs that have an April 30, 2026, application due date: Parks Application Webinar || 9-10:30 a.m. <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MjF8aHR0cHM6Ly91czA2d2V iLnpvb20udXMvd2ViaW5hci9yZWdpc3Rlci9XTl9EWG1qVUhmeVMzMll2Yy1PS1FuV1lRIy9yZWdpc3RyYXRpb258MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDkyODYyOHwx0> Covers the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MjJ8aHR0cHM6Ly9yY28u d2EuZ292L2dyYW50L2FxdWF0aWMtbGFuZHMtZW5oYW5jZW1lbnQtYWNjb3VudC98MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDkyODYyOHwx0> , Boating Infrastructure Grant <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTM xMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MjN8aHR0cHM6Ly9yY28ud2EuZ292L2dyYW50L2JvYXRpbmctaW5mcmFzdHJ1Y3R1cmUtZ3JhbnQtcHJvZ3JhbS98MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDkyODYyOHwx0> , Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program-Recreation <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MjR8aHR0 cHM6Ly9yY28ud2EuZ292L2dyYW50L3dhc2hpbmd0b24td2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLXJlY3JlYXRpb24tcHJvZ3JhbS1yZWNyZWF0aW9uL3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8OTI4NjI4fDE1> , and Youth Athletic Facilities <http://smartmailerclick.bisg lobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MjV8aHR0cHM6Ly9yY28ud2EuZ292L2dyYW50L3lvdXRoLWF0aGxldGljLWZhY2lsaXRpZXMvfDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfH w5Mjg2Mjh8MQ2> programs. Conservation Application Webinar || 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MjZ8aHR0cH M6Ly91czA2d2ViLnpvb20udXMvd2ViaW5hci9yZWdpc3Rlci9XTl9Qbkt0NlZiWVE2S0pwSjFLUmhaUnZnIy9yZWdpc3RyYXRpb258MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDkyODYyOHwx0> Covers the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program’s habitat <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0M jd8aHR0cHM6Ly9yY28ud2EuZ292L2dyYW50L3dhc2hpbmd0b24td2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLXJlY3JlYXRpb24tcHJvZ3JhbS1oYWJpdGF0L3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8OTI4NjI4fDE1> grant programs. Working Lands Application Webinar || 1-2:30 p.m. <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0Mjh8aHR0cHM6Ly91 czA2d2ViLnpvb20udXMvd2ViaW5hci9yZWdpc3Rlci9XTl9OZmUyVTJXWVFVNnNONHBSUFVyWnV3Iy9yZWdpc3RyYXRpb258MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDkyODYyOHwx0> Covers the Community Forests Program <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0Mjl8aHR0cHM6Ly9yY28ud2EuZ292 L2dyYW50L2NvbW11bml0eS1mb3Jlc3RzLXByb2dyYW0vfDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHw5Mjg2Mjh8MQ2> and the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program’s Farmland <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.a spx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MzB8aHR0cHM6Ly9yY28ud2EuZ292L2dyYW50L3dhc2hpbmd0b24td2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLXJlY3JlYXRpb24tcHJvZ3JhbS1mYXJtbGFuZC1wcmVzZXJ2YXR pb24vfDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHw5Mjg2Mjh8MQ2> and Forestland <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MzF8aHR 0cHM6Ly9yY28ud2EuZ292L2dyYW50L3dhc2hpbmd0b24td2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLXJlY3JlYXRpb24tcHJvZ3JhbS1mb3Jlc3RsYW5kLXByZXNlcnZhdGlvbi98MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDkyODYyOHwx0> preservation programs. The webinars are free, but attendees must register to attend. <https://media2.charityengine.net/WF/_transactionServerFiles/1161/Picture2_2026130175651695.jpg> Whose ancestral land do you recreate on? Click here to find out <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0M zJ8aHR0cHM6Ly9uYXRpdmUtbGFuZC5jYS98MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDkyODYyOHwx0> <https://app-rsrc.getbee.io/public/resources/social-networks-icon-sets/circle-color/facebook.png> <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJv Y2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MzN8aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL3dpbGRsaWZlcmVjfDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHw5Mjg2Mjh8MQ2> Copyright © 2026, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, All rights reserved. A registered 501(c)3, WWRC's mission is to create a greener, healthier, more equitable, and better Washington for all through community outreach, network building, and advocacy for conservation and outdoor recreation funding. Non-profit Tax ID: 91-1190821 Our mailing address is: Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition 6716 East Side Drive NE #1-302 Tacoma, WA 98422 Unsubscribe (we'll miss you!) <https://usercenter.charityengine.net/WashingtonWildlifeRecreationCoalition/communication?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MTJ 8W1NtYXJ0TWFpbGVyX1Vuc3Vic2NyaWJlXXwwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8OTI4NjI4fDE1> Powered by <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDg0NzU0MzR8aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jaGFyaXR5ZW5naW5lLm5ldHwwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8 OTI4NjI4fDE1> <https://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_logClick.aspx?sm_guid=OTMxMTQyfDc5MzUzNjg5fDB8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDB8fDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHw5Mjg2Mjh8MA2>