The goal of this toolkit is to provide state legislators, agency staff, and partners with a framework and resources for establishing state-level outdoor opportunity funds and grant programs. It aims to offer ideas for place-based flexibility acknowledging resource differences among states. The toolkit is intended to be used in conjunction with input from grassroots/local organizations and communities. Included in the toolkit is an introduction to outdoor opportunity grant programs, program structure considerations, an overview of existing programs, case studies, and key resources.

Today the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, released national and state economic data showcasing the incredible year the outdoor recreation economy had in 2022. This analysis demonstrates outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact on the U.S. economy and jobs as the nation continued to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic and Americans continued to prioritize time outside. 

These new government data show outdoor recreation generated $1.1 trillion in economic output, comprised 2.2% of U.S. GDP, and supported 5 million jobs — 3.2% of all employees in the country. “If there’s one thing to take away from today’s BEA presentation it’s this: the state of the outdoor recreation economy is strong, and sustained investment in outdoor recreation and our shared public lands and waters pays dividends for our local and national economies and quality of life,” said Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). “Our industry continues to provide benefits to communities across the country — big, small, urban, and rural alike. To ensure that this success is sustainable and that our public lands and waters will continue to be accessible to all Americans for generations to come, we will continue to work together with leaders on the passage of America’s Outdoor Recreation Act by the end of this year. We are thrilled to once again see the data reflect what we hear every day, that outdoor recreation is not a nice to have — but a necessity for healthy people, places, and economies." [See the new data]

The REI Cooperative Action Fund is announcing a $4 million investment in 40 nonprofit organizations collectively creating a more equitable outdoors. This investment includes the addition of 18 new organizations to the Fund’s growing nationwide network of nonprofit partners, as well as renewed support for 22 existing partners. As a community-supported nonprofit, the Fund is fueled by donations from REI Co-op, its customers, members, and employees, as well as corporate partners, and foundations. Since the Fund’s launch in 2021, more than 800,000 people have donated.

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.