#wwrc

The Coalition thanks two valuable staff members as they transition to new positions (left to right: Trudy Soriano and Karen Withers).

Last month, the Coalition said a fond farewell to two of our staff members: Karen Withers, Office Manager and Executive Assistant, and Trudy Soriano, Program Assistant. While we are sad to see them go, we are excited for them in their new adventures!

Karen Withers started working at the Coalition in February 2014 and has been a steadfast member of the team through a time of transition and changes to the WWRP program, managing daily operations and administration at the Seattle office. The Coalition is deeply grateful for her hard work, institutional knowledge, and fun-loving attitude. Karen will be moving on to work in a small family practice on Bainbridge Island. Best of luck, and our heartfelt thanks, Karen!

Trudy Soriano began as a fellow for the Coalition in Spring 2015, and was promoted to Program Assistant in October 2016. She has been instrumental in helping the Coalition with a wide variety of projects, ranging from organizing ribbon cuttings to helping with graphic design projects. Trudy is now using her knowledge and passion for the great outdoors at her new position with Snohomish Parks and Recreation. Thank you for your tireless work, Trudy!

External Affairs Manager Rob Sendak reflects on building meaningful partnerships with existing Coalition stakeholders and welcoming in new members.

As the days are now beginning to get longer, my mind drifts towards summer while I sift through charts and maps of trails and waterways that are yet unknown (to me anyway) in the state of Washington. I normally get to take an overnight kayaking trip up in the San Juan Islands every August, and my planning begins now. 

With trail and wilderness exploration on my mind, my work with the Coalition feels even more important than ever. This past month, the Coalition leaned into some nonprofit partnerships and welcomed some new WWRC members with open arms: the Northwest Avalanche Center and the Student Conservation Association. Both groups will attend our Legislative Day on February 13th. We are so very proud to have these great organizations as stakeholders advocating for the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Program. SCA’s mission is “to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.” I’m not sure if I can think of a better mission statement than that.

Two other notable stakeholder collaborations this month took place with the Mountaineers and Islandwood. Having had the opportunity to go out to Bainbridge Island a few years ago and attend a meeting on Islandwood’s campus, I can tell you firsthand how impactful their programming is with kids. They are able to propel our youth into a different stratosphere in the outdoor education environment. And the Mountaineers….all Washingtonians know about this group, and their advocacy efforts are starting to be recognized on a national level. The Mountaineers have been longtime WWRC partners and have helped the Coalition recently by promoting our sign-on letter, which was sent to Governor Inslee in November recommending WWRP be funded at $120 million. We are still encouraging sign-ons, and are now over 1400 signatures strong! The Mountaineers also aided the Coalition by promoting our Legislative Day on February 13th. There are still a few spots available to advocate during our Leg Day—so come to Olympia, meet with your elected official,s and let them know why you believe funding the WWRP is so important! You can register here: http://bit.ly/LegDay2017.