Parks and recreation are essential to the fabric of communities across the country, and new data makes that clearer than ever.

RCO is reaching out to let you know we are considering changes to the $14mil Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle grant program available to local Agencies.  This program funds the development of new, or maintenance of existing “backcountry” recreation areas such as trails, campgrounds, hunting-fishing areas, day use sites, boat launches etc.  It also funds ORV parks and law enforcement operations in backcountry areas.

The changes in this document would be implemented in 2026.

The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) 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.

This report examines the economic impact of outdoor recreation alongside the value of ecosystem services provided by recreation-supporting lands. It explores participation, spending, community benefits, and environmental considerations, while highlighting both the opportunities and challenges communities face in growing outdoor recreation economies.

Read the Full Report

The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program’s Manual 10b: Habitat Conservation Account. These changes relate to intent language and evaluation criteria for both the Critical Habitat and Natural Areas funding categories.

Background and proposed changes can be reviewed in the Public Comment Package. Comments can be submitted by completing this web form and will be accepted until11:59 p.m. on December 15, 2025.

After several days of ballot returns, statewide voter turnout stands at 39%. Democrats prevailed in all contested legislative races against Republican opponents, and in the two Democrat-versus-Democrat contests, the more progressive candidates prevailed.

The only change since the initial election report below is that Rep. Edwin Obras will prevail in the 33rdLD House seat. While Kevin Schilling (Burien Mayor) – running as a more moderate Democrat – led on election night, Rep. Obras (D) picked up the late ballot count and will return to Olympia next year.

Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office updated their Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State, and the findings confirm that Washington’s outdoors continue to be a major economic driver for the state.

The report estimates that more than $25.2 billion is spent annually in Washington on recreation trips and equipment. Spending on lodging, equipment, and permits generates additional economic activity because local businesses purchase supplies and services, and their employees spend their wages locally. Altogether, this spending contributes 2.4 percent to the state’s economic production (gross domestic product).

The first round of Washington election results were released around 8:00pm. last night, providing preliminary results for the November general election. Ballots will continue to be counted throughout the week, and several key races remain too close to call, however Democratic candidates are trending to prevail. In Washington, voter turnout is trending low, with 21.31% of ballots counted as of this morning. Counties will certify results on November 25, followed by statewide certification by the Secretary of State in early December. Below are the initial results of the nine legislative races:

• 5th LD – Senate (Hunt v. Magendanz): Appointed Senator Victoria Hunt (D) leads Republican Chad Magendanz 54.54% to 45.34%.
• 26th LD – Senate (Krishnadasan v. Caldier): Appointed Senator Deborah Krishnadasan (D) leads with 52.66% of the vote over her challenger and House seatmate Rep. Michelle Caldier (R), who has 47.26%.
• 33rd LD – Senate (Orwall): Appointed Senator Tina Orwall (D) ran unopposed and will retain her senate seat.
• 34th LD – Senate (Alvarado): Appointed Senator Emily Alvarado (D) ran unopposed and will retain her senate seat.
• 48th LD – Senate (Slatter v. Walen): Appointed Senator Vandana Slatter (D) is leading with 55.9% over her opponent and seatmate in the House, Rep. Amy Walen (D) who has 42.29%.
• 33rd LD – House (Obras v. Schilling): Appointed Rep. Edwin Obras (D) is trailing Democratic challenger Kevin Schilling by 358 votes. Obras has 47.26% of the vote compared to Schilling’s 50.19% currently.
• 34th LD – House (Thomas): Appointed Rep. Brianna Thomas (D) ran unopposed and will retain her House seat.
• 41st LD – House (Zahn v. Whitney): Appointed Rep. Janice Zahn (D) leads Republican challenger John Whitney with 69.42% of the vote compared to Whitney’s 30.43%.
• 48th LD – House (Salahuddin v. Ellis): Appointed Rep. Osman Salahuddin (D) leads Republican Dennis Ellis with 68.24% of the vote over Ellis’ 31.58%.

The next election update will happen on Wednesday, November 5.

RCX Sports

Contact: Alicia Seegers Martinelli

AWC is seeking a senior-level city staff member (e.g., police chief, parks director) to fill a vacancy on the Boating Programs Advisory Council, which advises Washington State Parks on boating programs, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Moderately slower growth in national and Washington economies leads to 0.6% drop in forecast

OLYMPIA – Washington’s projected Near General Fund revenue collections through 2029 decreased by around $903 million from the June 2025 forecast, according to estimates released today by the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council.

The changes in the forecast are primarily the result of a weaker taxable sales forecast for retail and construction, lower state agency revenues, and a reduction in projected real estate excise tax returns, according to the ERFC.

Washington State Department of Health has formed a committee to consider amendments to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 246-260 specifically for bathing beaches, which are designated swimming areas in natural water. You can access our contact form at the weblink below to receive updates or volunteer to be a member of our committee!

Natural Swim Area Contact Form

Colleagues of the Washington Recreation and Park Association Aquatics Network:

Due to legislative changes as well as our rules requiring some general updates, we are wanting to take a comprehensive look at all of our Youth Employment rules.  One of the items we are looking at is the distinction between private and public employers in non-agriculture industries.  Before we decide which topics to include in our rulemaking efforts, we want to hear from potentially impacted parties. We will be holding listening/feedback sessions in the coming weeks. We will send invites to those meetings soon.

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King County’s WaterWorks Grant Program has $4.6 million in funding available for community-driven projects that protect water quality, control pollution, and build healthy communities. Projects must provide an improvement to water quality within the Wastewater Treatment Division service area, and non-profits, Tribes, cities, schools, and special purpose districts are eligible to apply.

Applications are open now and due September 30, 2025. The application process begins by filling out a short Letter of Intent form through the online grant portal. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals in February 2026.

The Washington Community Forestry Council (WCFC) exists to advise the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Commissioner of Public Lands on urban and community forestry issues across Washington State. The Council works closely with DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program staff as designees of the Agency in a collaborative and mutually supportive way. More information on the DNR UCF Program can be found here.

The Council typically meets five times per year in February, April, June, September and November. Meetings are virtual and typically scheduled for 3.5 hours with breaks, during regular business hours. In general the Council is focused on advising the UCF Program on special projects, new initiatives, strategic investments, and other relevant topics of interest. In recent years the council has been instrumental in helping the UCF program incorporate principles of equity and environmental justice into delivery of program services.

Special Legislative Races Updated: August 6, 2025

With initial returns from Washington’s August primary now in, several special legislative races offer early insight into voter sentiment, especially on ideological divides within the Democratic Party, and the durability of appointed lawmakers. While the outcomes won’t shift majority control in Olympia, they are sharpening the narrative ahead of the 2026 session. Ballot counting will continue over the coming days. Latest intel suggests statewide turnout should reach 35%, with most counties reporting close to 20% thus far.

Take advantage of special savings to attend the NAYS Youth Sports Congress + Athletic Business Show in San Diego Nov. 5-8

WRPA members are invited to take advantage of huge savings and join hundreds of passionate recreation professionals from around the world in San Diego for the NAYS Youth Sports Congress + Athletic Business Show on Nov. 5-8.

Greetings!

The Washington Invasive Species Council and the Washington Department of Natural Resources invite you to their free upcoming Urban Forest Pest Readiness Summit on July 29th, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Puyallup Research and Extension Center - 2606 W Pioneer Ave, Puyallup, WA 98371. Coffee and lunch will be served. Please include any dietary restrictions in your registration. This is an in-person event only.