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HomeMy WebLinkAbout073126 - WWRC July 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: July 2026   Nothing beats a Washington summer. The trails are busy, splashpads are packed, and everyone's trying to squeeze six months of outdoor adventures into three months of sunshine. In other words, millions of people across the state are enjoying the very places the WA Wildlife and Recreation Program has helped create and protect. That's exactly why we're asking our state lawmakers to make a bold investment in the outdoors: $150 million for the WWRP in the 2027–29 capital budget. In this month's newsletter, you'll find our press release announcing our WWRP funding ask for the upcoming budget cycle, highlights from recent project tours and ribbon cuttings, and the story of a rare ecological gem in Snohomish County. The places and projects you'll read about - and the people who make them possible - are worth celebrating. We hope you'll join us on October 1 for our annual Fall Celebration as we gather with partners from across the state to celebrate this year's progress and build support for the work ahead. Register today to reserve your spot! <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick. aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzUzfGh0dHBzOi8vd2ViLmNoYXJpdHllbmdpbmUubmV0L1dXUkNGYWxsMjAyNnwwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8MTkxNDEwN3wx0> Cheers, Nathaniel Rees Policy & Communications Manager, WWRC <https://media2.charityengine.net/WF/_transactionServerFiles/1161/FallCelly2026.jpg>   Coalition Seeks $150 Million for State’s Premier Conservation and Recreation Grant Program <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzU0fGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LndhZ2l2ZXMub3JnL2RvbmF0ZS9XaWxkbGlmZVJlY3ww fDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8MTkxNDEwN3wx0> Demand for parks, trails, wildlife habitat, and working lands in Washington is growing - and we're calling for a strong investment to meet it. The Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition has officially launched its campaign for $150 million for the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Program in the 2027–29 state capital budget. Learn why this investment matters for communities, conservation, outdoor recreation, and Washington's economy in our latest press release. Read more. <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZi b2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzU1fGh0dHBzOi8vd2lsZGxpZmVyZWNyZWF0aW9uLm9yZy9jb2FsaXRpb24tc2Vla3MtMTUwLW1pbGxpb24tZm9yLXN0YXRlcy1wcmVtaWVyLWNvbnNlcnZhdGlvbi1hbmQtcmVjcmVhdGlvbi1ncmFudC1wcm9ncmF tL3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8MTkxNDEwN3wx0>   WWRP Projects in Action: From Kent to Bremerton to Camas, Communities Are Reaping the Rewards <https://media2.charityengine.net/WF/_transactionServerFiles/1161/Rep.jpg> Summer is park season – and we’ve been making the most of it. Over the past few weeks, we celebrated a grand reopening, toured two incredible WWRP-funded parks, and spent time with the legislators and local partners whose support helps bring these projects to life. From Camas to Kent to Bremerton, one thing was clear: investments in outdoor recreation are paying off in a big way. Making a Splash in Camas What better way to kick off a summer road trip than with a ribbon cutting – and a splash pad? The City of Camas officially celebrated the grand re-opening of Crown Park <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS 51c3w4OTA5NzU2fGh0dHBzOi8vd2lsZGxpZmVyZWNyZWF0aW9uLm9yZy9wcm9qZWN0cy9jcm93bi1wYXJrLWltcHJvdmVtZW50cy1waGFzZS1pL3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8MTkxNDEwN3wx0> , and the community was ready to celebrate. Families poured into the park to enjoy the brand-new interactive splash pad, inclusive playground, shaded gathering spaces, accessible pathways, and all the other improvements that have transformed this beloved neighborhood park into a thriving community center. Made possible in part by a $500K WWRP Local Parks grant, the project has given Crown Park a fresh new chapter as a place where everyone can play, cool off, and spend time together. The celebration featured a Cowlitz Tribe land acknowledgement and blessing, remarks from local and state leaders, a community festival, relay races, food vendors, lawn games, and even a concert. Read more. <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzU3fGh0dHBzOi8vd2lsZGxpZmVyZWNyZWF0aW9uLm 9yZy93d3JwLXByb2plY3RzLWluLWFjdGlvbi1mcm9tLWtlbnQtdG8tYnJlbWVydG9uLXRvLWNhbWFzLWNvbW11bml0aWVzLWFyZS1yZWFwaW5nLXRoZS1yZXdhcmRzL3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8MTkxNDEwN3wx0> <https://media2.charityengine.net/WF/_transactionServerFiles/1161/crownparksplashpad.jpg>   Seattle Gathering Continues Momentum for Washington’s Outdoors <https://media2.charityengine.net/WF/_transactionServerFiles/1161/crew.jpeg> The Coalition’s final Meet the WWRC gathering of the summer brought supporters, partners, and community leaders together on July 14 at the Wallingford home of Coalition Philanthropy Chair Chris Johns. The informal evening celebrated our shared commitment to conserving Washington’s lands, waters, and wildlife while introducing new friends to the Coalition’s mission and the lasting impact of the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Program. Guests heard brief remarks from Yvonne Kraus, the Coalition's Executive Director, and Coalition Board member Tom Vogl of The Mountaineers, who spoke about the importance of continued investment in recreation and conservation across the state. The evening also welcomed an outstanding group of attendees, including Casey Sixkiller, Director of the Washington Department of Ecology; Seattle Sounders midfielder Paul Rothrock; Paul and Scott Tupper of Onda Origins and Fresh Flours Coffee; Troy Wichterman, CFO of BioLife Solutions; and actor Matt Hallet, known as Fred Savage's photo double in The Wonder Years. Thank you to Chris Johns for hosting such a memorable evening and to everyone who joined us in celebrating Washington's outdoor legacy!   12 Months of WWRP: Riparian Protection <https://media2.charityengine.net/WF/_transactionServerFiles/1161/woodslake.jpg> Tucked away in Snohomish County, Woods Lake is a pristine 21-acre freshwater lake surrounded by forested wetlands, mixed upland forest, and a rare freshwater bog ecosystem. Its quiet shoreline supports an impressive diversity of bog-associated plants, including bog cranberry, sphagnum moss, skunk cabbage, and Labrador tea, while surrounding western red cedar, western hemlock, shore pine, and red alder help maintain the delicate hydrology that keeps the ecosystem healthy. With the support of a $282K Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) Riparian Protection grant, Forterra acquired approximately 40 acres surrounding Woods Lake and transferred ownership to the Tulalip Tribes. The completed acquisition permanently protects one of Snohomish County’s most ecologically significant landscapes while honoring its deep cultural importance. The project built upon decades of thoughtful private stewardship that had kept the property remarkably intact, with healthy forests, thriving wetlands, and minimal invasive species. Because the property adjoins state-owned forestlands, the acquisition expanded permanent protection to approximately 93 percent of Woods Lake’s riparian shoreline, creating a nearly continuous corridor of conserved habitat that will benefit water quality, wildlife, and the surrounding ecosystem for generations. Read more, <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.asp x?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzU4fGh0dHBzOi8vd2lsZGxpZmVyZWNyZWF0aW9uLm9yZy8xMi1tb250aHMtb2Ytd3dycC1yaXBhcmlhbi1wcm90ZWN0aW9uLTgvfDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwf HwxOTE0MTA3fDE1> and watch this video <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzU5fGh0dHBzOi8vdmltZW8uY2 9tLzExNDIyNDMwMDB8MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDE5MTQxMDd8MQ2> , generously donated to the WWRC by the Tulalip Tribes in 2025, to learn about the project's lasting impact.   Support the Coalition's 2026 Advocacy - Renew Your Membership or Donate Today If you've already renewed your Coalition membership or made a donation for 2026, thank you! Your support strengthens our advocacy and helps us secure critical investments for parks, recreation, and conservation across Washington. If you represent a municipality, county, nonprofit, land trust, or other organization that benefits from Washington Wildlife & Recreation Program funding, please renew your membership or consider joining the Coalition in 2026. Your membership demonstrates the broad, statewide partnership behind Washington's investments in parks, recreation, and conservation. If you're an individual supporter, the sooner you make your 2026 donation, the better prepared we'll be for the 2027 legislative session. We've launched our campaign to secure $150 million for the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Program in the 2027–29 budget cycle, and we're already building the materials, outreach, and strategy needed to make that goal a reality. If you're able to make a gift today, we'd be grateful for your support as we prepare to secure critical investments for the parks, trails, and natural areas we all love! To renew your membership, contact catherine@wildliferecreation.org <mailto:catherine@wildliferecreation.org> <mailto:catherine@wildliferecreation.org> . To make a donation, donate here <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzYwfGh0dHBzOi8vd2ViLmNoYXJpdHllbmdpbmUubmV0L1dXUkMlMjBEb25hdGUv fDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHwxOTE0MTA3fDE1> . Thank you. Organization Membership <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzYxfGh0dHBzOi8vd2ViLmNoYXJpdHllbmdpbmUub mV0L1dXUkNPcmdNZW1iZXJzaGlwfDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHwxOTE0MTA3fDE1> Agency Membership <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzYyfGh0dHBzOi8vd2ViLmNoYXJpdHllbmdpbmUubmV0L1d XUkNBZ2VuY3lSZW5ld2FsfDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHwxOTE0MTA3fDE1>   2026 Public Lands Fee-Free Days Featured Stories & Events Upcoming 2026 Public Lands Fee-Free Days <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzYzfGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lnd0 YS5vcmcvZ28tb3V0c2lkZS9wYXNzZXMvZmVlLWZyZWUtZGF5c3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8MTkxNDEwN3wx0> August 9 - Smokey Bear's birthday Washington State Parks Washington Department of Natural Resources Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife August 25 - National Park Service’s 110th birthday National Park Service September 17 - Constitution Day U.S. Forest Service National Park Service Bureau of Land Management September 26 - National Public Lands Day Washington State Parks Washington Department of Natural Resources Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife U.S. Forest Service October 10 - World Mental Health Day Washington State Parks Washington Department of Natural Resources Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife October 27 - Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday U.S. Forest Service National Park Service Bureau of Land Management Spokane's First New Park in 23 Years Breaks Ground in Indian Trail Neighborhood <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvb i53YS51c3w4OTA5NzY0fGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmt4bHkuY29tL25ld3Mvc3Bva2FuZXMtZmlyc3QtbmV3LXBhcmstaW4tMjMteWVhcnMtYnJlYWtzLWdyb3VuZC1pbi1pbmRpYW4tdHJhaWwtbmVpZ2hib3Job29kL2FydGljbGVfNDBiYmQxNGMtNTQxNi00MTBjLWFm ZDgtZWZlZjk5N2QxZTk1Lmh0bWx8MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDE5MTQxMDd8MQ2> _____________________ New State Parks Survey Reveals Strong Public Support for Sustainable Funding, Better Visitor Access, and Long-Term Conservation Across America's Outdoor Tourism Network <http://smartmailerclick.bisgl obal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzY1fGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRyYXZlbGFuZHRvdXJ3b3JsZC5jb20vbmV3cy9hcnRpY2xlL2t0NHI4bmp6MmxtOC8_c2hlbT1 kc2RmLHNoYXJlZm9jLGFnYWRpc2NvdmVyc2RsLCxzaC94L2Rpc2NvdmVyL20xLzQjZ29vZ2xlX3ZpZ25ldHRlfDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHwxOTE0MTA3fDE1> _____________________ What's at Stake: How Budget Reductions Impact Fish, Wildlife and People <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c 3w4OTA5NzY2fGh0dHBzOi8vd2Rmdy5tZWRpdW0uY29tL3doYXRzLWF0LXN0YWtlLWhvdy1idWRnZXQtcmVkdWN0aW9ucy1pbXBhY3QtZmlzaC13aWxkbGlmZS1hbmQtcGVvcGxlLWM5YThjMjM4ODllZnwwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8MTkxNDEwN3wx0> <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzY3fGh0dHBzOi8vZm9ybXMub2ZmaWNlLmNvbS9wYWdlcy9yZXNwb25zZXBhZ2UuY XNweD9pZD1GLUxRRVU0bUNrQ0xvRmZjd1NmWExjSnFmOVJhQWZ4TGhUTDEyYkZ1OVQxVVJVbEZVRUZDTUZGV1NrMVdVa2d4TnpsQ1VrMDFOVTVKTlM0dSZyb3V0ZT1zaG9ydHVybHwwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8MTkxNDEwN3wx0> Learn more about how recent budget cuts will impact the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife's ability to protect and preserve their managed lands. _____________________ Noticing: A Conversation with Richard Louv and Sally Jewell <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzY4f Gh0dHBzOi8vdG93bmhhbGxzZWF0dGxlLm9yZy9ldmVudC9ub3RpY2luZy98MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDE5MTQxMDd8MQ2> Wednesday, August 12 at 6:30pm The Wyncote Northwest Forum Join co-hosts Children & Nature Network and REI for an evening with Richard Louv, the internationally bestselling author of Last Child in the Woods, in conversation with Sally Jewell, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and CEO of REI. Rich and Sally will explore the ideas at the heart of Louv’s newest and most personal book, Noticing: Intimate Encounters with the Natural World. Get your tickets here <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzY5fGh0dHBzOi8vdGlja2V 0aW5nLnRvd25oYWxsc2VhdHRsZS5vcmcvZXZlbnRzLzAxOWVmNmRkLWUzMmUtNTY4YS01MjhlLTU2MjAyYWFiNjFhM3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8MTkxNDEwN3wx0> . <https://media2.charityengine.net/WF/_transactionServerFiles/1161/kidswingblueskybymylestanonunsplash_2026615175725644.jpg> Whose ancestral land do you recreate on? Click here to find out <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5N zcwfGh0dHBzOi8vbmF0aXZlLWxhbmQuY2EvfDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHwxOTE0MTA3fDE1>   <https://app-rsrc.getbee.io/public/resources/social-networks-icon-sets/circle-color/facebook.png> <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZi b2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzcxfGh0dHBzOi8vaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS93aWxkbGlmZXJlY3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8MTkxNDEwN3wx0> 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=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzQ 5fFtTbWFydE1haWxlcl9VbnN1YnNjcmliZV18MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDE5MTQxMDd8MQ2> Powered by <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwxfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3w4OTA5NzcyfGh0dHA6Ly93d3cuY2hhcml0eWVuZ2luZS5uZXR8MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8 fDE5MTQxMDd8MQ2> <https://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_logClick.aspx?sm_guid=MTAyNTMxMXw3OTM1MzY4OXwwfGplZmZib2NjQGNvLmplZmZlcnNvbi53YS51c3wwfHwwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8MTkxNDEwN3ww0> fice.UXPlatform.PPTFailFastMidRuleEnabled