Across the country, Tribal Nations and other communities are calling for the protection of their most sacred places. REI Co-op, together with hundreds of organizations and outdoor brands, is joining their call to designate more national monuments to safeguard spectacular natural spaces—for ourselves, and for future outdoor enthusiasts who follow in our footsteps. It’s our shared obligation to protect these places—so we’re harnessing this network’s power to make it happen. Help us urge President Biden to designate more of America’s incredible public lands as national monuments.

The Outdoors for All Act, a bipartisan bill in both the House and Senate, would ensure that the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program has steady funding for generations to come. This program awards grant funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), supporting the development of new parks and the renovation of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in underinvested urban communities. Since its establishment in 2014 over $45 million in grants have already awarded to 50 communities through ORLP, but a lack of long-term authorization and a minimum population threshold of 50,000 have prevented the program from being accessed by many of the communities that need it most. NRPA asks YOU to weigh in. Join NRPA in urging Congress to pass the Outdoors for All Act.

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.

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.

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.

REI is working with organizations across the country to tell Congress to support this critical program in upcoming spending bills—and we need your voice to get it done. Let’s fund the trails transformation we need. Two years ago, you helped us create this program by taking action through the REI Cooperative Action Network. Now it’s time to get the program fully funded. Tell Congress why safe, equitable and climate-friendly trails are important to you. Join us in Cooperative Action and urge Congress to fully fund safe, equitable, and climate-friendly transportation nationwide.

With the 2023 state legislative session underway, we’re advocating for several bills and funding proposals that would benefit public lands and recreation in Washington. Learn more about our current state policy priorities and how you can help secure important wins for the outdoors in Olympia this year

Big Tent weekly policy calls are open to all interested in staying informed about legislation impacting outdoor recreation in Washington State. Policy calls are hosted weekly on Fridays 8:45 - 9:00 a.m. via zoom throughout the 2023 legislative session. Click the read more for the zoom link -