Campfires banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area
SEDRO WOOLLEY, Wash – Effective Thursday, July 3, campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which includes North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. This ban includes all National Park Service lands and campgrounds along State Route 20 as well as Hozomeen and the entire Stehekin Valley. Pressurized or
Housing infrastructure grants workshop set for July 10
Commerce will begin accepting applications for Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP) grants next month, and an application workshop is scheduled July 10. CHIP is a competitive grant program that helps local governments encourage the creation of affordable housing. It works by reducing or covering the cost of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure associated with housing development.Virtual application workshop July 10 The virtual application workshop will present program
County employment data for May 2025 released
OLYMPIA – County unemployment rates and employment data for May 2025 are now available on the Employment Security Department website. Visit the labor force page to view historic and current data on the unemployment rate. To learn more about monthly job gains and losses from payroll data, check out the employment estimates.Please keep in mind: Unemployment rates and employment estimates at the county level are not seasonally adjusted because the sample size is too small to accommodate the additional
Washington state unemployment rate increases slightly to 4.5%
OLYMPIA – Washington’s economy increased by an estimated 400 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in May 2025, and the monthly unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.5%. “The Washington economy picked up 400 jobs in May – a slight increase following three consecutive months of net job losses. Total nonfarm employment in May 2025 was down relative to May 2024. Job growth has effectively stalled,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist at the Employment Security Department. She added, “The number of
Provide feedback on Washington’s draft Comprehensive Climate Action Plan
Attend the kick-off meeting, listening sessions, or complete the public comment form. Washington has made progress on climate action and setting emissions limits, but we haven't had a comprehensive, economy-wide climate plan in more than a decade. The Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) serves as a roadmap for reducing emissions and building a sustainable future. It evaluates current policies, incorporates community input, and recommends new strategies developed through broad collaboration with
Second webinar for state workers to learn about Washington benefits and reemployment services set for June 25
OLYMPIA – The Employment Security Department, along with state and local partners, will host a layoff assistance webinar for state of Washington employees and contractors. The webinar is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 25. Registration is free and is open until the event starts. There is no limit to the number of participants who can register. Register for the June 25 webinar. The webinars, part of the state’s rapid response efforts for large layoffs, are intended to help state workers who
National Park Service invites public input on Ross Lake National Recreation Area visitor use planning
Sedro Woolley, WA–North Cascades National Park Service Complex will open a 60-day public comment period June 12 to gather input that will inform a new frontcountry planning process for Ross Lake National Recreation Area and adjacent areas along State Route 20. Submit your thoughts online or by mail by August 11, 2025. Public input will play a vital role in helping identify meaningful solutions to protect park resources, improve access, and ensure a positive experience for all. The National Park Service
Stehekin Trail, Camp, and Area Closures
Update 6/8/25 Park officials have opened Stehekin area trails, road, and areas for day use in coordination with the Chelan County Sheriff's Office. Overnight stays on previously closed trails, including backcountry camps and cross-country zones, remain closed through June 12.Authorities are still searching for the suspect, and we encourage visitors to the area to remain alert. For further information and a description of the suspect, visit https://www.facebook.com/chelancountysheriffsoffice or
Washington’s average wage increased to $95,160 in 2024
OLYMPIA – Washington’s average annual wage grew by 6.8% in 2024 to $95,160, according to the state Employment Security Department. The average wage grew more in 2024 than in 2023, when it grew by 5.9%. Employment Security uses the average annual wage to calculate:Minimum and maximum unemployment insurance (UI) benefit levels for new claims opened on or after July 6, 2025.Paid Family & Medical Leave maximum benefit levels for new claims filed on or after Jan. 1, 2026.Employers’ unemployment taxes
