Wins for trails: Legislature funds forest conservation and work with tribes
Each year, WTA works with hikers like you, partner organizations and lawmakers during the state legislative session to get trails and public lands the funding they need. The 2024 state legislative session ended on March 7 with good news for trails and public lands. Nearly every priority that WTA was supporting ended up funded in the final state budget.
Each year, WTA works with hikers like you, partner organizations and lawmakers during the state legislative session to get trails and public lands the funding they need. WTA believes that everyone deserves opportunities to experience the outdoors, and the state budget should be a reflection of those values.
The 2024 state legislative session ended on March 7 with good news for trails and public lands. Nearly every priority that WTA was supporting ended up funded in the final state budget. Here are the priorities we were focusing on for this session of the Legislature, and how they ended up.
Funding wins from this year's legislative session include support for the state's Community Forest Program. Photo of Teanaway Community Forest. WTA staff photo.
Legislation
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)
We supported WDFW’s proposal to add language to its statutes that will allow the agency to more easily manage trails, water access sites and conservation and recreation areas in partnership with nonprofit organizations, volunteers and other agencies for stewardship activities.
Where did it end up? This bill passed the Legislature and is headed to the governor’s desk for signing into law.
Operating Budget
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
We advocated for funding for DNR’s Conservation Corps program ($1.82 million) to ensure that restoration work on public lands continues. We also requested funding for the Youth Education and Outreach Program ($1.65 million) to enable DNR to provide workshops to educators on natural resource management and create programming for youth to take part in field-based experiential learning opportunities to learn more about careers in natural resources.
Where did it end up? The Conservation Corps program was funded at $1.82 million. Unfortunately, the Youth Education and Outreach Program was not funded this session.
Washington State Parks (WSP)
We advocated for increased investments within WSP’s tribal relations team and for staff housing. With increasing efforts to engage tribal organizations across Washington state, additional capacity ($153,000) within the tribal relations team at WSP is essential for State Parks to successfully build and maintain relationships with Washington’s tribes. And to increase and diversify its workforce, WSP must provide more affordable housing options. Due to Washington state’s higher cost of living, State Parks has had difficulty recruiting and retaining many of its temporary workers during the summer season. A $500,000 investment will provide employee housing for several park locations.
Where did it end up? Both measures were fully funded.
Capital Budget
Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO)
We supported an additional investment in RCO’s Community Forest Program ($5.78 million) to complete the funding provided in the 2023-2025 capital budget to support two critical projects on Whidbey Island and in the city of Hoquiam.
Where did it end up? Funded at $5.7 million.
Washington State Parks (WSP)
We advocated for funding for Nisqually State Park ($3.7 million) to enable WSP, in partnership with the Nisqually Tribe, to construct a roundabout at the entrance to Nisqually State Park and ensure efficient traffic flow.
Where did it end up? Funded at $3.5 million.
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