State Parks urges people to recreate responsibly this Fourth of July
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) asks everyone who is planning a Fourth of July celebration at a park or on the beach to be safe and protect their friends, neighbors, public lands and wildlife.
Parks sees a dramatic increase in visitation during Independence Day celebrations, particularly on its beaches. The increase in traffic also increases the amount of trash left behind. Last year, volunteers collected more than 111,000 pounds of garbage from ocean beaches during Parks’ annual July 5 beach cleanup. That’s equivalent to the combined weight of about seven…
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03/08/2022
Park planners will discuss updated plans for new trail access, parking for Willapa Hills Trail OLYMPIA – March 8, 2022 – Washington State Parks invites the public to a second open house in Pacific County to learn more about updated plans for the Willapa Hills Trail at Menlo.WHEN:6:30 - 8 p.m. Thursday, March, 24WHERE:Willapa Valley High School, 22 Viking Way, Menlo (Driving directions.) WHAT:State Parks planners will seek public input about a proposed trailhead and parking lot at Menlo, in Pacific County. The plan has been updated since the first public meeting was held Jan. 13.The proposed… Read more
03/03/2022
No Discover Pass is required to park on those three daysOLYMPIA – March 3, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites visitors to enjoy a state park on Wednesday, March 9 in honor of Billy Frank Jr.'s birthday, on Saturday, March 19 in recognition of Washington State Parks' birthday and on Friday, April 22 in celebration of Earth Day. Visitors are not required to display the Discover Pass for day-use visits to a Washington state park or on lands managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) on… Read more
03/01/2022
OLYMPIA – March 1, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will host their regularly scheduled work session virtually on March 8. The public may listen to or watch the meeting through the resources listed below. This is a work session between staff and the Commission. The public is invited to attend, but no public comment will be taken. No decisions will be made by the Commission at the work session. WHATCommission work session WHOWashington State Parks and Recreation Commission WHEN9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. WebExAttendee LinkPassword: WAP@rks2022 Attendee Phone Call-In Number(… Read more
03/01/2022
OLYMPIA – March 1, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold virtual meetings later this week to conduct interviews for the agency director position.Members of the public may participate in the meetings remotely – either online or via phone – except during executive sessions. No final action will be taken during the executive sessions. WHO:Washington State Parks and Recreation CommissionWHAT:Director interviews and approval of candidate or candidates to move to next steps in the selection process.WHEN:Friday, March 47:30 a.m. - Call to order (public meeting)7:35 a… Read more
02/22/2022
OLYMPIA – Feb. 22, 2022 – This month, Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Holly Williams of Vancouver as the newest member of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.Williams, an experienced engineer and accountant, received her bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University and moved to Vancouver to work at Hewlett-Packard. After receiving a post-baccalaureate certificate in Accounting from Washington State University Vancouver, she worked as an accountant for Green Empowerment, Mercy Corps and Cascade Forest Conservancy.“Holly is a true public servant with a passion… Read more
02/15/2022
Park planners will discuss design alternatives for Nisqually State Park OLYMPIA – Feb. 15, 2022 – Washington State Parks invites the public to an in-person open house to learn more about plans for day-use facilities and trails at Nisqually State Park.WHEN:6 – 8 p.m. Thursday, March 3WHERE:Eatonville Community Center, 305 Center Street W, Eatonville (Driving Directions).WHAT: State Parks planners will seek public input about design alternatives for day-use improvements at Nisqually State Park.The proposed project would construct a “village center” and the first phase of the park's trail… Read more
02/14/2022
Hundreds of positions available across WashingtonOLYMPIA – Feb. 14, 2022 – Washington State Parks announces its annual statewide recruitment for park aide and senior park aide positions.The available park aide and senior park aide positions are non-permanent. Each summer, State Parks employs around 350 park aides and up to 40 senior park aides to work in Washington state parks from April through September. Park aides register campers, maintain trails, clean campgrounds and comfort stations and perform a variety of custodial maintenance chores. They also may work in park offices, interact… Read more
02/04/2022
State Parks closes parts of Bowman Bay to protect the new pupOLYMPIA – Feb. 4, 2022 – Washington State Parks announces the birth of a new northern elephant seal at Deception Pass State Park.The birth took place on Jan. 31 at Bowman Bay in the park. The pup's mother is one of a small family of elephant seals that visits Whidbey and Fidalgo islands frequently and is well known to residents. This is her first pup.Staff at Deception Pass have closed the Bowman Bay boat launch to all visitors. They have closed the day-use area at Bowman Bay to pets. Visitors hiking the Rosario Head/Lighthouse… Read more
01/18/2022
OLYMPIA – Jan. 18, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regular in-person commission meeting Thursday, Jan. 27 in The Commons at Fort Worden Historical State Park. Commission action items include approval of 2022 agency priorities and a decision regarding obligations of the Fort Worden Public Development Authority.In addition, the commission will hear updates and reports from agency staff about the State Parks Boating Program and long-term planning for several parks from North Puget Sound to the Blue Mountains.A work session is scheduled the day before… Read more
01/03/2022
Park planners will discuss impacts of renovation, expansion on roads and traffic OLYMPIA – Jan. 3, 2022 – Washington State Parks invites the public to attend a virtual public meeting to learn about plans for the expansion of Kopachuck State Park, including potential impacts on traffic and county roads.WHEN: 6 p.m.Tuesday, Jan. 11WHERE: https://bit.ly/3yyIZ5T. Attendees do not need to download Microsoft Teams to join. A web browser and speakers are required to watch and listen to the presentation. For additional information or special accommodations, contact Ken Graham: LandProg@parks.wa.… Read more