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Recreation and Conservation Office

@rcowashington.bsky.social
391 followers 82 following 383 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 · 08/10/2026
For more information on the progress of salmon recovery in Washington, visit stateofsalmon.wa.gov
stateofsalmon.wa.gov
Home - State of Salmon
This website reports on the state of salmon in Washington watersheds, both the achievements and challenges, statewide and regionally.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Looking at the ridges & lines in the otolith, scientists can tell a salmon’s age, when it migrated to saltwater, its growth history, & more. Tracking data like this is important because it tells scientists how salmon populations are doing in different habitats & if recovery efforts are working.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Happy National Salmon Day! Fun fact: a tree trunk & a salmon’s ear have more in common than you’d think. Tree rings can tell you the age of a tree & details of the environment it lived in. Did you know that a structure in a salmon’s inner ear (an otolith), provides similar details about salmon?
Photo of a salmon’s internal ear structure next to a long piece of cut wood, both containing unique rings and ridges on the inside.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Orca Recovery Day is nearly here! On October 17, join conservation districts and other volunteers to take part in events throughout the state to raise awareness and support endangered Southern Resident orcas. Find a recovery event near you: betterground.org/in-your-comm...
Orca Recovery Day is October 17
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Learn more about the challenges facing salmon and what the State is doing to overcome them: stateofsalmon.wa.gov/progress/ Photos courtesy of a University of Washington study about juvenile salmon diets in the Lower Columbia: www.estuarypartnership.org/nov-5-2024-s...
stateofsalmon.wa.gov
Progress - State of Salmon
Recovery focuses key factors causing salmon declines: habitat loss, blocked migration, dams, fishing, hatcheries, and predation.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Washington State’s salmon recovery organizations coordinate and lead projects across the state to address this issue along with many others like barriers to fish passage, warming and polluting of waters, and habitat loss.
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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
This person acts as a GIS systems admin and web systems admin and leads the administration of RCO GIS applications & services, develops maps & mapping applications, ensures the security of websites and GIS data, services, & applications, & more. Learn more: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wash...
governmentjobs.com
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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
With Orca Recovery Day coming up in less than a month, now is the time to start planning how you can do your part to protect our Southern Resident orcas. Find an Orca Recovery Day event: betterground.org/in-your- community/events/ord/partner-events-throughout-the-region/
betterground.org
In Your Community - Better Ground
IN YOUR COMMUNITY Howdy, neighbor. Let's get to work. Better Ground is about building communities. We can all affect change, and where better to start than with your friends and neighbors? Contact us ...
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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
For an extra adventure, check out this list of “8 Trails to View Salmon in the Fall” from our friends at the Washington Trails Association: www.wta.org/go-outside/s... © PhotoSpirit/Adobe Stock
wta.org
8 trails to view salmon this fall
It’s that time of the year again, leaves are falling and turning their bright and brilliant reds and so are the salmon. In Washington, we have the incredible opportunity to witness salmon complete a s...
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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
Learn more about each program: - Recreational Trails Program: rco.wa.gov/grant/recrea... - Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities Program: rco.wa.gov/grant/nonhig... - Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities Program (Education): rco.wa.gov/grant/nonhig... Applications are due November 3
rco.wa.gov
Recreational Trails Program - Recreation and Conservation Office
Learn more about Recreational Trails Program grants, which provide funding to maintain backcountry trails and facilities and educate visitors.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
That’s one of the reasons we’re excited to tell you about grants we’re currently accepting applications for. These programs provide funds to rehabilitate and maintain backcountry trails, develop and manage backcountry recreation opportunities, and more!
rco.wa.gov
Recreational Trails Program - Recreation and Conservation Office
Learn more about Recreational Trails Program grants, which provide funding to maintain backcountry trails and facilities and educate visitors.
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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
Salmon were first designated as at risk of extinction in Washington in 1991. Today, fourteen populations of salmon and steelhead are listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. See which counties were awarded grants and get descriptions of each project: rco.wa.gov/state-board-...
rco.wa.gov
State Board Funds $21.5 Million in Projects to Restore Salmon Habitat - RCO
The Salmon Recovery Funding Board awarded $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 · 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
Advisors would review and rank the applications for the grant program. The work is done from your home and usually takes place over a few days in the fall. Learn more/apply: rco.wa.gov/get-involved...
rco.wa.gov
Firearms and Archery - RCO
The Firearms and Archery Range Recreation Advisory Committee evaluates applications for grants in the Firearms and Archery Range Recreation program. These projects acquire, develop, and renovate shoot...
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Since 1990, RCO has offered the Firearms and Archery Range Recreation program grant, which provides funding for places where gun and bow enthusiasts can practice and train safely.
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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
Hope to see you there! Learn more: nv.k12.wa.us/index.php?pa... (3/3)
nv.k12.wa.us
Nooksack Valley School District -
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
RCO is proud to have helped fund the field with a $1.2 million grant. Festivities begin at 5PM, prior to the Pioneers’ first home game of the season and include a community tailgate barbeque hosted by the NV Athletic Club, ribbon cutting ceremony, and a special announcement from the Seahawks. (2/3)
nv.k12.wa.us
Nooksack Valley School District -
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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
Unfortunately, chinook populations are suffering severe declines with some stocks dropping to near extinction levels. The time is now for us to make Washington State a healthy place for fish to thrive. Learn more about what’s being done to recover salmon: stateofsalmon.wa.gov (2/2)
stateofsalmon.wa.gov
Home - State of Salmon
This website reports on the state of salmon in Washington watersheds, both the achievements and challenges, statewide and regionally.
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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
With the completion of this second phase of work, more than seven hundred acres of estuary habitat have now been restored within the Stillaguamish Delta. Thank you, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians! (4/4)
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The recently completed second phase of work reconnected more than 230 acres of historic tidal wetlands between Hatt Slough and the Old Stillaguamish Mainstem and restored critical estuary habitat for juvenile salmon. (3/4)
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
This project is a small part of their goal of restoring 850 acres of essential tidal marsh habitat, which serves as a nursery for young Chinook salmon and enables them to gain size before heading out to sea and improves their chances of survival. (2/4)
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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
We invite you to celebrate National Parks Week with us by getting outside and discovering and exploring Washington’s incredible public lands. (3/3)
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Our grants have helped visitors explore our iconic landscapes by funding trail maintenance, improving access, & replacing bridges & boardwalks, as well as strengthening the places our fish & wildlife call home by restoring watersheds, improving salmon habitat, & restoring native forests. (2/3)
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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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Reposted by Recreation and Conservation Office
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
RCO is proud to have provide a $500,000 grant to help fund these improvements. Grand opening celebration starts at 5 p.m. and is near the Eastside Community Center. Learn more about the project: secure.rco.wa.gov/prism/search... (2/2)
secure.rco.wa.gov
PRISM Project Snapshot - Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
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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
With this third phase of work complete, the Scriber Creek Trail now connects Lynnwood’s Regional Growth Center and City Center Sub-Area, the Interurban Regional Trail, and the Lynnwood City Center Station. The ribbon cutting is at 10:30 a.m. (2/2)
Map showing location of ribbon cutting and parking for the event
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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
RCO is proud to have provided $3.2 million in grants that helped fund the project—a dedicated pedestrian-bike trail that connects to Wilson Way Bridge, the Pagoda, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, the Environmental Learning Center, and Owen Beach. (2/2)
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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
Nonhighway and Off-road Vehicles Activities and Recreational Trails Program webinar (1 p.m.–2 p.m.): us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... (3/3)
us06web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: RCO's Application Webinar - Backcountry Trails (NOVA and RTP). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
This webinar will include information about the grants offered, eligibility requirements, deadlines, program changes for 2026, and how to apply for a grant.
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Register to attend the webinars: Firearms and Archery Range webinar (9 a.m.–10 a.m.): us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... Boating Facilities Program webinar (11 a.m.–12 p.m.): us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... (2/3)
us06web.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: RCO's Application Webinar - FARR. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
This webinar will include information about the grants offered, eligibility requirements, deadlines, program changes for 2026, and how to apply for a grant.
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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
Learn more about the project: secure.rco.wa.gov/prism/search... (2/2)
secure.rco.wa.gov
PRISM Project Snapshot - Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
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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
If you’re interested in presenting at the professional learning event, fill out and submit this form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... (2/2)
docs.google.com
Washington's Environmental Education Conference - November 2026 - Session Proposals Application
We invite you to present at our in-person professional learning event at the Cispus Learning Center in Randle, Washington on November 13-15, 2026. Due Dates: Please submit your session proposal using...
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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
● South Park Community Center; Seattle: Features include a spray park, two play areas, restrooms, dog off-leash area, indoor basketball court, and a loop trail. ● William A. Bush Park; Lacey: Features include a playground, picnic shelter, and open play area. (4/4)
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Recreation and Conservation Office @rcowashington.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
● Lakeside Park; Chelan: Features include improved beach and swim area, a playground, restrooms, and new t-dock. ● Stewart Heights Park; Tacoma: Features include a swimming pool, playground, restrooms, newly renovated skate park, and sports fields. (3/4)
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