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

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.

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.

Up until now the outdoor recreation businesses in Vermont have not had a statewide advocacy group.  Governor Phil Scott signed and executive order creating a collaborative to support the industry.

Legislation has been introduced in the Senate and House to remove barriers to outdoor recreation and boost rural economies across the country.