#wwrc

[cr4shdummy]

beatriz neila just graduated with a master's degree in international law!

[certifiedbi]

Wsbk WHERE are my pictures of my beloved Alyssia whitmore? Show her to me

[robertlauchey94]

From my time at WWRC completing the PREP program!

[aryburn-trains]

Wilmington & Western 98 by John Hepp Via Flickr: The Santa Claus Express at Greenbank station in December 1977.

[riteflyt-330l]

Reaper is repaired! #wwrc #giantscalercairplane #profiles #theprofilebrotherhood

[wildliferecreation]

Thank You Karen + Trudy!

The Coalition thanks two valuable staff members as they transition to new positions (left to right: Trudy Soriano and Karen Withers).

Last month, the Coalition said a fond farewell to two of our staff members: Karen Withers, Office Manager and Executive Assistant, and Trudy Soriano, Program Assistant. While we are sad to see them go, we are excited for them in their new adventures!

Karen Withers started working at the Coalition in February 2014 and has been a steadfast member of the team through a time of transition and changes to the WWRP program, managing daily operations and administration at the Seattle office. The Coalition is deeply grateful for her hard work, institutional knowledge, and fun-loving attitude. Karen will be moving on to work in a small family practice on Bainbridge Island. Best of luck, and our heartfelt thanks, Karen!

Trudy Soriano began as a fellow for the Coalition in Spring 2015, and was promoted to Program Assistant in October 2016. She has been instrumental in helping the Coalition with a wide variety of projects, ranging from organizing ribbon cuttings to helping with graphic design projects. Trudy is now using her knowledge and passion for the great outdoors at her new position with Snohomish Parks and Recreation. Thank you for your tireless work, Trudy!

The Coalition is truly grateful for the hard work and determination that both Karen and Trudy have contributed to our organization over the years.

[wildliferecreation]

Rob’s Road Notes: Building Strong Partnerships

External Affairs Manager Rob Sendak reflects on building meaningful partnerships with existing Coalition stakeholders and welcoming in new members.

As the days are now beginning to get longer, my mind drifts towards summer while I sift through charts and maps of trails and waterways that are yet unknown (to me anyway) in the state of Washington. I normally get to take an overnight kayaking trip up in the San Juan Islands every August, and my planning begins now. 

With trail and wilderness exploration on my mind, my work with the Coalition feels even more important than ever. This past month, the Coalition leaned into some nonprofit partnerships and welcomed some new WWRC members with open arms: the Northwest Avalanche Center and the Student Conservation Association. Both groups will attend our Legislative Day on February 13th. We are so very proud to have these great organizations as stakeholders advocating for the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Program. SCA’s mission is “to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.” I’m not sure if I can think of a better mission statement than that.

Two other notable stakeholder collaborations this month took place with the Mountaineers and Islandwood. Having had the opportunity to go out to Bainbridge Island a few years ago and attend a meeting on Islandwood’s campus, I can tell you firsthand how impactful their programming is with kids. They are able to propel our youth into a different stratosphere in the outdoor education environment. And the Mountaineers….all Washingtonians know about this group, and their advocacy efforts are starting to be recognized on a national level. The Mountaineers have been longtime WWRC partners and have helped the Coalition recently by promoting our sign-on letter, which was sent to Governor Inslee in November recommending WWRP be funded at $120 million. We are still encouraging sign-ons, and are now over 1400 signatures strong! The Mountaineers also aided the Coalition by promoting our Legislative Day on February 13th. There are still a few spots available to advocate during our Leg Day—so come to Olympia, meet with your elected official,s and let them know why you believe funding the WWRP is so important! You can register here: http://bit.ly/LegDay2017.

Many thanks go out to all of these Coalition stakeholders for the work they do getting more folks outside, while taking care of the places where Washingtonians love to play. The hard work does not go unnoticed and the Coalition is very grateful for these efforts. These organizations are a part of the heart and soul of the Coalition…their members use the trails, waterways and parks that are so important to all of us that call Washington state our home. Thanks for supporting the Coalition and for advocating for WWRP!

[wildliferecreation]

Governor’s Budget is a Great Step Towards $120 Million for WWRP

The Coalition continues to advocate for $120 million for WWRP, and is heartened by Governor Inslee’s budget proposal. Photo Credit: Craig Romano.

The Coalition commends Governor Inslee for including $100 million for WWRP in his recently-released budget for the 2017-19 biennium. His proposal is a great step towards meeting the current needs of the program, which are steadily increasing due to our state’s growing population. 

As Washington’s incredible natural beauty and abundance of outdoor opportunities continue to attract top employers and people from across the nation, the need for continued upkeep and protection of outdoor spaces is paramount.

And that need is apparent: in 2016 alone, 220 applications for WWRP grants were submitted by local, state, tribal, and non-profit groups for funding in the next biennium to acquire, develop, and restore habitat and recreation lands in every region of Washington. 

“As the WWRP’s primary advocate, the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition is thrilled that Governor Inslee has funded the program at this well-deserved historic level. His budget recognizes how important it is for this program to keep pace with our state's rapid population growth,” said Coalition Executive Director Andrea McNamara Doyle. “The multiple economic and environmental benefits of these investments will help ensure Washington remains such a special place where people choose to live, work, and recreate in our great outdoors."

The Coalition continues to advocate for $120 million for WWRP to the legislature. Without adequate funding, the program will not be able to fund vital projects that will greatly benefit Washington’s diverse communities.

Read more in the Coalition press release.