Walla Walla and Columbia Counties see share of $126 million in outdoor recreation and preservation grants

OLYMPIA—On July 2, The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board announced the award of more than $126 million in grants awarded to 333 projects that build and maintain outdoor recreation facilities and conserve wildlife habitat and working farms and forests around the state.

“The funding creates more places to play, expands habitat for fish and other wildlife, supports clean air and water, and upholds healthy communities across Washington state and improves our quality of life,” said Kaleen Cottingham, director at the Recreation and Conservation Office, which administers the grants.

Following the legislature’s recent approval of the capital budget, grants are being distributed to cities, counties, state and federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations for projects in 37 of the state’s 39 counties. The grants were awarded through seven different grant programs. Revenue comes from a mix of federal grants, the sale of state bonds, gas taxes and user fees.

Columbia County will receive $74,950, awarded to the U.S. Forest Service to be used by the Pomeroy Ranger District to maintain wilderness trails in the Umatilla National Forest. Activities will include logging out downed trees, resurfacing trails, hardening trails, maintaining water drainage structures, and inspecting and maintaining trail bridges.

The project will ensure continued public access and natural resource protection. The primary recreational opportunity provided by this project will be sustainable non-motorized wilderness trail use.

The Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and the Wenatchee Backcountry area are unique in that they are the only wilderness and backcountry areas in the southeast corner of Washington. Columbia, Garfield and Asotin counties serve as portals to these areas, which in turn provide economic support to communities within the three counties.

The ranger district will contribute $75,050 in a federal appropriation, staff equipment, materials, and donations of labor. This grant is from the Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicles Activities program.

Walla Walla County will receive a total of $434,500 through grants to the Blue Mountain Land Trust and the Walla Walla Gun Club.

Blue Mountain Land Trust (BMLT) was awarded $284,500 to protect Eagleson Farmland. The BMLT will use this grant to buy a voluntary land preservation agreement on 652 acres of farmland next to other conserved land.

The land boasts 360-degree views of Walla Walla and the Blue Mountains, making it a prime target for development despite its productivity as farmland. An easement will prevent development, ensuring that the land remains in farmland production.

Blue Mountain Land Trust will contribute $284,500 in a donation of land value and a federal grant. This grant is from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program.

The Walla Gun Club Grant will receive $150,000 to build a firing range. Funds will be used to design and build a covered pistol and small bore rifle range off Middle Waitsburg Road, in Walla Walla County.

This range will be used by the public, law enforcement, schools, 4H clubs, and youth organizations of all types for a myriad of small bore rifle and pistol practice and competitions. The Walla Walla Gun Club will contribute $330,440 in a private grant and donations of cash, equipment, and labor. This grant is from the Firearms and Archery Range Recreation program.