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Recreation and Conservation Office

@rcowashington.bsky.social
392 followers 82 following 379 posts

Official Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office account. Agency manages grants to protect and improve Washington’s natural and outdoor recreation resources. www.rco.wa.gov

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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Would you like fries with that, small fry? Juvenile Chinook salmon typically eat tiny aquatic insects that fall in the river & small crustaceans like copepods & amphipods. Yum! Unfortunately, the food salmon rely on has decreased due to habitat destruction, poor ocean conditions, & climate change
Lunch box showing all the foods that Chinook salmon prefer
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
We’re hiring an IT system admin-journey. This position is essential to supporting web-based and map-based communications to state lawmakers, agency stakeholders and the public, and to foster effective agency staff collaboration.
We're Hiring
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Introducing . . . Ts’ele7álhse! (tsuh-luh-ALTH-suh) Previously known as J63, this baby Southern Resident orca has been officially named by the Samish Indian Nation. Ts’ele7álhse means “the heart of the Salish Sea” in Coast Salish. She has truly stolen all of our hearts!
Ts’ele7álhse! (tsuh-luh-ALTH-suh), baby Southern Resident orca
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Fall is here! While we enjoy pumpkin spice life, nothing compares to our love of salmon & the outdoors. Why not enjoy both by watching salmon returning to their natal waters? Thanks to WDFW, we’ve got a list of some of the best places to watch salmon return: wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go...
Salmon jumping from water
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Like Widow’s Bay, WA State offers lots of things to do that draw in tourists, like our 23k+ miles of hiking trails. Unlike Widow’s Bay though, those trails aren’t cursed and supernatural events rarely occur. We love hiking and so do visitors to the state. It’s the second most popular activity here.
Man looking miserable and woman looking joyful
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board has announced the award of $21.5 million in grants for projects to restore salmon habitat around the state. There were 75 grants awarded to projects in 27 counties with the goal of restoring habitat to help struggling salmon populations statewide.
$21.5 million in grants for projects to restore salmon habitat around the state
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
We’re seeking people experienced in the archery and/or shooting discipline to serve on the Firearms and Archery advisory committee. As an advisor, your expertise is essential to ensuring our grant programs remain open and competitive and that the state is investing in essential projects.
Man with safety goggles teaching child how to hold a bow
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Nooksack Valley High School District is hosting a ribbon cutting event this Friday to celebrate its brand new turf field. The field enables year-round usability despite adverse weather conditions for sports like soccer, football, lacrosse, and field hockey. (1/3)
Before and after of Nooksack Valley High School sports field
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Which summer destination would you choose? Salmon would choose the same! Salmon prefer cold, clean, connected, & complex water —the Four Cs. Spring chinook migrate hundreds of miles upstream in the summer. They need clean rivers, streamside shade, flowing fish passages, & diverse habitat. (1/2)
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
We’re highlighting some incredible salmon recovery work being done at Zis a ba by the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians. Recently, the Tribe completed one of the largest estuary restoration projects in the Whidbey Basin to help recover ailing Chinook salmon populations. (1/4)
two images showing the before and after of the restoration work at zis a ba II
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
For National Parks Week, we’re celebrating the places that inspire us & the partnerships that protect them. RCO has a long history of partnering with the NPS to support recreation & conservation opportunities on federal lands. (1/3)
River in front of snow-capped mountainLoose rock trail between two large rocky peaksPeople walking through dense forestMeadow of purple, white, and yellow wildflowers with ragged snow-capped mountains in the distance.
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Puget Sound Partnership @pspartnership.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Save the date! We are co-hosting the Puget Sound Nutrient Management Exchange w/ @nwifc.org - Oct 1st & 2nd at Suquamish Clearwater Resort. Partners will come together to discuss nutrient management in Puget Sound & next steps for restoration. Register for free by Sept 21: nwifc.org/nutrientforum
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
The First Creek Trailhead in Tacoma is making its debut, and you’re invited to attend the celebration Wednesday at 5 p.m. The trailhead features fitness equipment, picnic tables, wayfinding signage, and new trail connecting the Eastside Community Center, Pipeline Trail, & Swan Creek Park. (1/2)
First Creek trailhead fitness equipment
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Construction on the Scriber Creek Trail in Lynnwood is finally complete! Come check it out at the ribbon cutting event on September 8. The City of Lynnwood used an RCO grant and other funds to widen the trail, add bridges and boardwalks, and restore habitat. (1/2)
Invitation to attend Scriber Creek Trail ribbon cutting on September 8 at 10:30 a.m.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
We’re hiring an assistant section manager for our Recreation And Conservation Grants section. This position leads a team of 5-8 outdoor grants managers, which manage a sizable portfolio of grant applications and funded projects. Learn more/apply: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wash...
Purple and pink wildflowers growing in a grassy plain in front of a snow-capped mountain.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Thanks everyone who came out to celebrate the grand opening of the newest section of the Point Defiance Loop Trail! The 1.6-mile expansion gives walkers, runners, and cyclists a safer, vehicle-free way to explore the park. (1/2)
Paved section of newly expanded Point Defiance Loop Trail
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
We kickoff our Fall grant round tomorrow with three webinars to provide details about each program and give you an opportunity to have your questions answered. This round's grants fund backcountry trails, shooting ranges, and the renovation or development of motorized boating facilities. (1/3)
Register to attend a fall grant round webinar on August 4.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Celebrate the groundbreaking of Meadowglen Park, Spokane’s first new park in twenty-three years, tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. The 14-acre park that will have 2 playgrounds, a multipurpose court, a restroom, parking lot and trailhead, paved pathways and bridges, soft surface/nature trails, and more. (1/2)
Meadowglen Park groundbreaking ceremony promo. Groundbreaking is July 22 from 9:30–10 a.m.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
E3 Washington is seeking session proposals for the Washington's Environmental Education Conference that occurs November 13–15 at the Cispus Learning Center in Randle, Washington. The application deadline has been extended, and applications are now due July 19. (1/2)
Students conducting water tests in a pond
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Looking for a place for your kids to have some summer fun? Try one of these new or newly renovated parks that was partially funded by an RCO grant: ● Crown Park; Camas: Features include a splash pad, multiple playgrounds, and restrooms. (1/4)
Seven new or newly renovated parks partially funded by RCO grants
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
The City of Camas is celebrating the re-opening of Crown Park tomorrow and you’re invited to attend! The City used an RCO grant and other funds to build a splash pad, playground, restroom, new paved pathways, improved lighting, and more. (1/2)
Crown Park in Camas
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Who's that orca? It’s L130! This calf was spotted just a couple weeks ago, and hasn't been given a name yet and its sex is unknown. Like other calves, L130 is welcomed as a ray of hope for the endangered Southern Residents. (1/3)
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Who's that orca? It's Windsong! Also known as L121, Windsong is an 8–11-year-old male Southern Resident orca that’s part of L Pod (its family). He’s the second calf of L94 Calypso and has an older sister, L113 Cousteau, and a younger half-sibling, L127 Scuba. (1/3)
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
The renovations at Kitsap Lake Park are now complete! The City of Bremerton used 2 RCO grants & other funds to replace the old fishing dock, build better seating, add a new picnic shelter overlooking the water, upgrade the restrooms and showers, and repave the parking lot and other pathways. (1/2)
Kitsap Lake Park
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Who's that orca? It's Element! She gets her name from the phrase, “element of surprise” because her mother’s name is “Surprise” and it was an unexpected birth. Nobody knew Surprise was pregnant until she showed up with a month-old orca. (1/3)
Orca named L125, also known as Element.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
You’re invited to attend tomorrow’s free workshop about the challenges of addressing cumulative threats to salmon while also creating collaborative recovery solutions in a rapidly changing environment. The workshop will highlight work by Simon Fraser University’s Watershed Futures Initiative. (1/2)
Salmon habitat restoration knowledge exchange workshop; June 16 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
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Puget Sound Partnership @pspartnership.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
June is Orca Action Month - all about raising awareness and taking action for the endangered southern resident killer whales! So, we asked our orcas visitors to leave Puget Sound a review. What do you think? And how do you think orcas would rate Puget Sound? Learn more: bit.ly/4ecUUwS.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Summer plans are a lock because Lakeside Park in Chelan is finally re-opening! Chelan Parks & Recreation Department used a $600,000 RCO grant along with other funds to give the park a complete makeover. (1/2)
Development site plan
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Orca Action Month, I choose you! Each week in June, we'll reveal a Southern Resident orca behind these mysterious silhouettes. Orca Action Month events are super effective! They allow us to celebrate these awesome whales and learn how we can make positive change for future generations. (1/3)
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Looking for something to do this weekend? Come check out the new Curtin Creek Community Park in Vancouver at the grand opening event this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The new park is located at 12603 NE 72nd Ave. Vancouver, WA 98686. (1/2)
Aerial of park showing play area, picnic shelter, walking paths, and restroom.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Make sure your friend keeps their glasses on when boating this summer! If you are coming into Puget Sound for the World Cup next month, remember to stay at least 1,000 yards away from any Southern Resident orcas. Giving orcas space allows them to forage and travel safely. (1/3)
Two images: top image of Southern Resident orca leaping from water, bottom image is the same but has a cartoon-style eyeball on the orcaTwo images: top image of Southern Resident orca leaping from water, bottom image is the same but has a cartoon-style eyeball on the orcaTwo images: top image of Southern Resident orca emerging from water, bottom image is the same but has a cartoon-style eyeball on the orca
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Puget Sound Partnership @pspartnership.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Next week! Join us for Swimming Upriver: Learning from Our Setbacks to Adapt & Move Forward - two mornings of shared learning, case studies, & conversation. When: May 19 & 20, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PDT Location: Zoom Save your spot now by scanning the QR code or at this link bit.ly/4uq9Blr.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
We’re considering making a couple of changes to our acquisition projects manual to respond to increasing costs and align with changes in federal policy. Before we do though, we want to hear what you think of the changes. (1/3)
Purple wildflowers in a grassy field in front of a large tree.
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Puget Sound Partnership @pspartnership.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Meet the “Sounders”, the inspiration behind Nora Nickum’s new children’s book, A Whale Migration Adventure. In the newest edition of Making Waves, Nora sits down with 11-year-old Maia to talk about the inspiration behind the book and the amazing journey of these whales. bit.ly/4e2nSQo
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Physical activity outdoors improves mental health, reduces stress, and enhances our sense of place, but not everyone has a park or recreation area near them where they can spend time outdoors. (1/3)
Promo for the Planning for Recreation Access grant program and webinar being hosted on May 13. Child holding a soccer ball and three children peering through a climbing net.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
The South Park Community Center and site redevelopment is complete and there’s a grand opening event this weekend to celebrate! (1/3)
Aerial of new community center, synthetic field, and playground
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Because what do you mean they were just born and are already swimming with the whole family!?! Southern Resident orca calves and their mothers need plenty of food to grow strong and their meal of choice is Chinook salmon. (1/4)
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Tomorrow, the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new multipurpose field. The new fields can be reserved for your team's next soccer, football, lacrosse, t-ball, or ultimate frisbee game year-round and day or night. (1/2)
Aerial of the new sports fields at the Gig Harbor sports complex.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Time is running out to submit your application for your community’s next boating facility, park, trail or another outdoor recreation or conservation need. (1/3)
Aerial of the City of Bremerton’s docks and moorage, which were built using a grant from the Recreation and Conservation Office. Text on graphic: Accepting applications for spring grants.
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Puget Sound Partnership @pspartnership.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
The final day of #PugetSoundDayOnTheHill 2026 is a wrap and we’re about to head home inspired (and a little exhausted - but in a good way). Thank you to our federal and local partners, Tribal leaders, speakers, and everyone who attended and shared their passion for #PugetSound.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Soccer, football, lacrosse, t-ball, ultimate frisbee, and more can now be played at the new sports fields at the Gig Harbor sports complex. The fields can be reserved year-round by teams, clubs, organizations, or individuals, and thanks to ample lighting, for evening use as well! (1/3)
Aerial of the new sports fields at the Gig Harbor sports complex.
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Puget Sound Partnership @pspartnership.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Thank you to @repkimschrier.bsky.social for meeting with us today during #PugetSoundDayOnTheHill. We had a great discussion about the work being done to promote salmon & #PugetSound recovery, and why it deserves strong funding. Thank you to Congresswoman Schrier for your continued support!
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Reminder: We're hiring an outdoor grants manager and the position closes tomorrow at 11:59 p.m. If you’re friendly, detail-oriented, and passionate about outdoors recreation and conservation, get your application in: tinyurl.com/498b2b53
Grassy field full of white petalled-wildflowers with a large mountain looming in the distance and a lake of water at its base. Text on graphic: We’re hiring; applications close April 14 at 11:59 p.m.
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Puget Sound Partnership @pspartnership.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Day 1 of Puget Sound Day on the Hill is in the books! Thank you to everyone who attended today - we’re just getting started. We’re back at it tomorrow, continuing to advocate for #PugetSound recovery. Follow our social media channels for update throughout the week & learn more at psdoth.org
psdoth.org
Puget Sound Day on the Hill – Raising awareness to recover Puget Sound!Puget Sound Day on the Hill – Raising awareness to recover Puget Sound!
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Puget Sound Partnership @pspartnership.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
As part of Puget Sound Day on the Hill, hear from leaders across the fishing industry, policy, & Tribal communities in the live panel: How Habitat & Clean Water Support American Seafood. - Tuesday April 14 - 12:00–1:00 PM PT - Watch on TVW: bit.ly/4c7zksv Learn more: bit.ly/4263qXo
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Say “Hello!” to the new and improved Wards Lake Park! There’s a dog park, bird blind, playgrounds, walking trails, an off-road bike track, and more. (1/4)
Map of Wards Lake Park with new features highlighted, which include the dog park, bike track, pump track, a new restroom and playground. Text on image: Swipe left for more photos.
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Puget Sound Partnership @pspartnership.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Next week, we’re meeting with members of Congress in Washington DC for Puget Sound Day on the Hill to advocate for investment in Puget Sound recovery! Even if you're not attending you can livestream events and keep up to date via our social media channels: psdoth.org #PSDOTH #SaveOurSound
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
We’re hiring an outdoor grants manager for the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section. This is a full-time position that can be done anywhere in Washington state but will need to occasionally travel to Olympia for meetings and other functions. (1/3)
Grassy field full of white petalled-wildflowers with a large mountain looming in the distance and a lake of water at its base. Text on graphic: We’re hiring
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
In May, we’ll be offering a grant for communities wanting to create more outdoor recreation access. This grant can be used for a variety of planning projects and would prepare the applicant to apply for funds in the future to develop the plan. (1/3)
Graphic encouraging people to serve on the Planning for Recreation Access advisory committee. A child dangling from bright green monkey bars. Text on graphic: Join the Advisory Committee. Advisors help ensure state money is invested in planning projects for communities that have limited access to outdoor recreation opportunities. As an advisor you will provide feedback on grant applications, score grant applications, and occasionally, offer policy input. Apply now at rco.wa.gov/advisor
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Get ready, Eatonville! The school district is cutting the ribbon on the renovated Arrow Lumber Stadium & B.W. Lyon Field on May 1, just in time for Community Day. The ribbon cutting is at 12 p.m. at the field. Stick around afterward because the Community Day festivities start soon after. (1/2)
Images showing the old field and track conditions and an aerial of the new field, with the track still being worked on.
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