Are you 18-25 years old? Like working outdoors? Apply for one of 245 conservation jobs!

The state Department of Ecology announced yesterday that the Washington Conservation Corps will soon be hiring 245 young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 for work on environmental projects around the state.

Most of the new hires will be part of the WCC's "Puget Sound Corps," which was created this year through legislation sponsored by state Rep. Steve Tharinger. Puget Sound Corps crews will work in at least 10 of the 12 counties that border Puget Sound on projects that align with the goals of the Puget Sound Partnership's Action Agenda, which centers around restoring Puget Sound's health by 2020. This includes habitat restoration projects along streams and shorelines.

By working with the state Department of Veterans Affairs, the WCC will also be able to provide work opportunities on Puget Sound Corps crews for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The one-year positions begin in October. An online application for WCC positions can be found here.

Price tags for initiatives now posted

The Office of Financial Management (OFM) is required to provide fiscal impact statements in the voters’ pamphlet for all initiatives on the ballot. These statements can help voters understand the cost and revenue implications of policy proposals. Legislators are provided similar information on bills considered during a legislative session.

This year there are three initiatives that qualified to appear on the November ballot:

• 1125 is an Eyman initiative placing restrictions on tolling funding
  
• 1163 would require background checks and training for long-term care workers
• 1183 is a Costco-back liquor privatization measure
  

The statements for Initiatives 1125, 1163 and 1183 are now posted on the OFM website. They're worth a read.

You might be richer than you think!

Have you ever moved out of an apartment and not gotten those irritating utility deposits back? Did your Nana start you a savings account on your 1st birthday that nobody told you about? Does your insurance company owe you for an accidental overpayment?

You probably don't have any idea if there's a little nest egg out there with your name on it, but the Washington State Department of Revenue just might. At any given time, the department has tens of millions of dollars in unclaimed property and they would love to help you recover any that might belong to you.

The first step is to check this website and enter your name. If something shows up, there are clear instructions on how to get your money or property back.

While most claims are between $50 and $100, there are some big surprises in store for a few lucky people, too. Check out the latest in this Seattle Times story.