WWRP receives $42 million

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP), a state grant program administered by the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) and funded by the legislature, was allocated $42 million this legislative session. WWRP funding was up in the air this year as legislators struggled to close a $5 billion budget gap. Advocates for WWRP were afraid that the program would be zeroed in the biennial budget written this year. WWRP pays for acquisition of state lands, restoration of existing areas and trail and trailhead maintenance, among a number of other priorities.

You can take a look at the project list here. WWRP funded the Precipice Trails Additions at Cougar Mountain, which will purchase 55 acres and create a buffer between recreation facilities and local homeowners. The Forest to Sky Trail Corridor II grant funds purchase of a trail corridor that links three parks and two land trust corridors to finalize the 5.5 mile Forest to Sky Trail, which will offer beautiful views and a lovely natural setting. Finally new trail bridges at Tiger Mountain will be built using WWRP funds this year.

These are just a few of the proposals that WWRP will move forward this year. If you're interested in a historical view of WWRP trail projects, click here for the broad perspective.

Sustainable funding for WWRP is very exciting. On top of the Discover Pass and the restoration of NOVA dollars, hikers and the other stakeholders that love Washington's public lands are in much better shape than in past sessions.