Interested in learning more about what significant reductions in the federal land management workforce mean for public lands in Washington and Mountaineers programs? Join the Mountaineers virtually Friday, April 4 to hear the latest policy developments, what these cuts might mean for your recreation experience this year, and how The Mountaineers and our partners are responding to this threat.

Enjoy photos from this event HERE. The 2025 Outdoor Recreation Reception, inspired by Outdoor Recreation Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Andrew Barkis and Senator Ron Muzzall, and hosted in partnership with the Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition and the Outdoor Equity Coalition was held Thursday, March 27, 2025, 6:00 p.m.– 7:30 p.m., at The Cove, Event Room, 311 Capitol Way N, Olympia. Outdoor Recreation Caucus co-chairs and State agency leaders shared on how the agencies are navigating challenging times.

Meet in nature rain or shine for a guided casual hike. These hiking experiences are complimentary and designed for participants of the Outdoor Recreation Caucus, policy makers and influencers, friends and family.  Bring your water bottle and good walking shoes, and dress for the weather. 9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. guided hike.  Sponsored by the Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition and the Outdoor Equity Coalition and in partnership with the Outdoor Recreation Caucus. Hikes for Healing will be offered monthly during the legislative session.

Meet in nature rain or shine for a guided casual hike. These hiking experiences are complimentary and designed for participants of the Outdoor Recreation Caucus, policy makers and influencers, friends and family. Bring your water bottle and good walking shoes, and dress for the weather. 9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. guided hike. Sponsored by the Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition and the Outdoor Equity Coalition and in partnership with the Outdoor Recreation Caucus. Hikes for Healing will be offered monthly during the legislative session. Stay tuned for more hikes in the Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater area in the months ahead.

Former President Biden signed the groundbreaking, bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act into law at the start of this year. The law streamlines management processes, supports local economies, and increases access to our public lands and time outdoors. “The EXPLORE Act will supercharge the outdoor recreation industry,” said Jessica Wahl Turner, President of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “We are thankful to our congressional champions and their staff, and all who helped pass this crucial legislation into law and are proud to celebrate this moment with the nation and our ORR members who really led the way.”

Meet in nature rain or shine for a guided casual hike. These hiking experiences are complimentary and designed for participants in the Outdoor Recreation Caucus, policy makers and influencers, friends and family. Squaxin Park (formerly Priest Point Park) is dog friendly. Bring your water bottle and good walking shoes, and dress for the weather. 9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Welcome, snacks and orientation to the route. 9:15 a.m. guided hike. Sponsored by the Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition and the Outdoor Equity Coalition and in partnership with the Outdoor Recreation Caucus. Hikes for Healing will be offered monthly during the legislative session. Stay tuned for more hikes in the Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater area in the months ahead.

Today the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, released national and state economic data for 2023, revealing that outdoor recreation continues to be a major driver of the U.S. economy, jobs, and local communities. This is the seventh consecutive year that the BEA has released government data on this critical industry sector. This new government data shows outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output, comprised 2.3% of U.S. GDP, and supported 5 million jobs — 3.1% of all employees in the country.

The Outdoor Equity Coalition offers complimentary membership through December 2025. Members commit to promoting justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in outdoor spaces, especially for marginalized communities. To join, you must complete a pledge affirming these values and opt into further communications if desired. For more details or to sign up, visit the official Outdoor Equity Coalition membership page. Our vision is to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive outdoor recreation community that reflects the rich diversity of our state and nation.