Building on momentum at the state and national level we are bringing Recreation Industry Professionals – retailers, manufacturers, tourism promoters, land managers and stewardship organizations – together to explore and share ways to grow and promote Washington State’s flourishing recreation economy.

KENT, Wash., Feb. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier today, the State of North Carolina announced its intention to host the second-ever "Confluence Summit" for state-level outdoor recreation leaders in Asheville this July. There are currently eight states – Colorado, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming – with an office, director or task force dedicated to the well-being of the outdoor recreation industry and to greater public access to outdoor experiences.

“These grants are important to strengthening Washington’s economy and retaining our way of life,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “They will build parks, trails and boating facilities, and conserve working farms and critical wildlife habitat – all the things that make Washington a great place to live, work and operate a business.

The newly formed Outdoor Recreation Caucus that we had a major role in organizing will hold its first meeting in Olympia on Thursday January 11, 2018, and will meet on a weekly basis through the session. Please find the agenda here for the Outdoor Recreation Caucus meeting on January 11, 2018 at 7 am in the Senate Rules Room.

As Chair of the Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, Senator Ranker is interested in expanding outdoor recreation credentials at higher education institutions in Washington. He has taken note of the efforts of Colorado’s Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry to establish the following degree programs, and he would like to do something similar in Washington.