The Path Ahead // A New Report From REI On Why We All Ought to #OptOutside REI Monday, November 6, 2017 On Monday last week, we launched #OptOutside for 2017. Our focus, once more, is to celebrate hardworking people dedicated to a life outdoors and to get more Americans outside. We’re introducing a number of things to do that this year. Today, we’re especially happy to share a new report with you, the nonprofit and government leaders who have built #OptOutside. Entitled The Path Ahead, it captures trends that affect the future of life outdoors. It doesn’t present the answers. It’s designed to provoke discussion by exploring nine ‘brutal truths’ juxtaposed with nine ‘beautiful possibilities.’ Together, they paint a picture of what could happen if we stay inside as a species, or #OptOutside. You can access the content at www.rei.com/blog/the-path-ahead. It includes a compelling animation, which also can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8scLX_eL2Q. Read more
State Parks Director Don Hoch Receives National Distinguished Service Award State Parks Director Don Hoch Receives National Distinguished Service Award Washington State Parks Tuesday, September 19, 2017 OLYMPIA –Sept. 19, 2017– Washington State Parks Director Don Hoch has been awarded the National Association of State Parks Directors’ (NASPD) top award for 2017—the Distinguished Service Award. The honor was presented at the association’s 2017 annual meeting in Missoula on Sept. 7. Read more
State Funding Mechanisms for Outdoor Recreation State Funding Mechanisms for Outdoor Recreation Outdoor Industry Sunday, September 10, 2017 BOULDER, Colo. – September 6, 2017 – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today released the State Funding Mechanisms for Outdoor Recreation report featuring case studies on seven states across the country that are investing in the public lands and waters that support the outdoor economy. See full report Read more
How to Improve Outdoor Recreation In Washington State The William D. Ruckelshaus Center Thursday, August 17, 2017 Public land management agencies in Washington State are working with Washington State University to identify opportunities to simplify the State’s recreation pass and permit system, help increase access to our public outdoor recreation lands, and find ways to ensure our public lands are adequately funded. To understand these issues, Washington State University is conducting a survey of Washington residents to understand your outdoor recreation activities on public lands, and your perspectives on the current pass and permit system and funding of public lands. Your responses to this brief survey (approximately 10-15 minutes) will remain confidential and help us develop informed recommendations on how to improve our state’s recreation pass and permit system. If you have any issues accessing or completing the survey, please contact Season Hoard, the survey coordinator, at (509) 335-4093 or hoardsa@wsu.edu. Read more
State Seeks Comment on Outdoor Recreation Plan RECREATION AND CONSERVATION OFFICE Wednesday, August 9, 2017 The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board wants to know what you think the priorities should be for outdoor recreation. The board has a draft statewide recreation and conservation plan that is meant to be a guide for decision-makers when they prioritize recreation and conservation efforts for the next 5 years. Read more