Join King County Play Equity Coalition this Friday for KCPEC's Thrive Outside Day to learn more about collective efforts and opportunities to elevate barrier-free access to outdoor experiences and connection. KCPEC is the backbone organization to Thrive Seattle - the Thrive Initiative is a national collective and effort under the Outdoor Foundation to increase regional access and remove barriers to the outdoors so all communities can benefit from outdoor recreation, education, and nature connection. What is it: Thrive Outside Day is a day where all Thrive Communities across the nation recognize and celebrate our collective work to address equity barriers, connect with outdoor providers, and explore opportunities to be engaged in our work. When: October 20, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Pacific Tower, 1200 12th Ave S, Seattle. Coffee and light snacks will be provided for breakfast. Korean bowls will be provided for lunch. [Register]

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today it will lift its campfire and other remaining fire restrictions on most Department-managed lands starting today, Sept. 29. “We have seen major decreases in the fire danger statewide since last week as the recent round of storms came through this past weekend,” said Cynthia Wilkerson, WDFW’s lands division manager. “We know folks are eager to enjoy the outdoors this fall season and are pleased to be able to repeal these restrictions today. Fire danger remains high in the White Salmon and Chelan areas, but most eastside areas have moved from high to moderate and remains low in Blue Mountains due to recent rain events.”

The Recreation and Conservation Office is working on a new grant program, the Community Outdoor Athletic Facilities (COAF) program. COAF will support the development and renovation of athletic facilities in communities that lack recreational opportunities, have underserved populations, and possess limited financial capacity. Head to the COAF web page to learn more about this opportunity. Sign up to receive future emails about final policies, application deadlines, and webinars as they become available later in the year.

Leave No Trace, where we unite to safeguard our beautiful planet! Their course is designed to introduce you to the essence of Leave No Trace and how we can work together to protect nature. The fresh and FREE 45-minute online training course is accessible to everyone. Take the course now!

NATIONWIDE – The Confluence of States and Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals released the first-ever Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) Comparison Report. This report compares SCORPs to each other, shares differences and/or similarities, and raises the visibility of each plan's impact on a community. SCORPs are critical for ensuring the availability and sustainability of outdoor recreation resources. This report is for members of the outdoor recreation community including SCORP leaders who want to learn what other states are doing.

SAVE THE DATE: The 2023 Burien Solar Punk Festival will be held on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. at the New Start Community Garden. There are few opportunities in Burien where BIPOC (Black, Ingenuous , People of Color) people and businesses can sit down, connect, network, and celebrate the culture together. Join us for a full day of engagement, networking and an evening opportunity to camp under the stars, watch a culturally relevant movie and enjoy everything from locally crafted beer to AR Art wall or even drink harvested rainwater.”

The Biking on Long-Distance Trails (BOLT) Act will identify at least 10 existing long-distance bike trails and identify at least 10 areas where there is opportunity to develop or complete such trails. The bill will also allow the Department of Interior to publish and distribute maps, install signage, and distribute promotional materials.