So, you want to save Washington’s economy? Well then get out of town and go jump in a lake. A new report from Tacoma nonprofit Earth Economics shows that prior to the pandemic, people spent $26.5 billion on outdoor recreation in Washington; and with new research indicating that outdoor activities are much safer than indoor, investing in the state’s natural resources could help dig us out of the horrible economic catastrophe that’s looming over us all.

The Great American Outdoors Act ends a history of underfunding the Land and Water Conservation Fund and not addressing the maintenance backlog on federal public lands - efforts that have been attempted in the past and have been unable to move through the legislative process. It provides $9.5 billion to address that backlog, and $900 million annually for the LWCF.

OLYMPIA–People spend $26.5 billion annually in Washington to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity, according to a report released July 30. The report, Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State, found that residents and tourists spend $18.8 billion annually on outdoor recreation trips, including trips to local, state and national parks. In addition, they spend $7.7 billion annually on outdoor recreation gear, equipment and repair services. As that spending reverberates through Washington’s economy, outdoor recreation spending supports $40.3 billion in total economic activity, supporting 264,000 jobs or
6 percent of all jobs in Washington. This places outdoor recreation on par with Washington’s aerospace industry, which reported 237,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2017.

Action Alert! This week could be historic for our public lands. Tomorrow, we have a unique opportunity to pass public land protections, including Wild Olympics. And on Wednesday, the House will vote on the Great American Outdoors Act, a major bipartisan bill to fund parks and public lands. Help us make history by taking a minute to contact your House representatives right now. Even if you’ve taken action before on these issues, we’re asking you to reach out again to help get these bills over the finish line.” https://secure.everyaction.com/HxhszfWD7kOzijEDH4zHXA2

The Recreation and Conservation Office is kicking off the fall grant application round with a Webinar on August 10, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. You won’t want to miss it if you are thinking of applying for a grant!

The Webinar will give you information about grant programs, deadlines, requirements, changes for 2020, and how to apply for a grant. This Webinar will focus on the following grant programs with a November 1, 2020, due date:

• Boating Facilities Program (BFP)
• Firearms and Archery Range Recreation (FARR)
• Nonhighway and Off-road Vehicle Activities (NOVA)
• Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

Register for the Webinar Here

View Jon's comprehensive monthly round-up of interesting Washington state outdoor recreation news including coronavirus resources; May hotlist; outdoor business news; Governor news; hunting and fishing news; trails; grants and more.

We're thrilled to report that the Senate passed the Great American Outdoors Act, a historic bipartisan bill to fund parks and public lands. This legislation includes major new funding to restore and maintain public lands, and finally ensures full and permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). In total, the bill means as much as $2.8 billion a year on public lands, outdoor recreation, maintenance and restoration, and new green spaces! However, the legislation still needs to taken up by the House of Representatives and passed, then ultimately be signed by the President to become law. To maintain the momentum, we need to ask our House Representatives to move quickly to pass the legislation and thank our senators for supporting this bill. Take action today!

Ashburn, Va. (June 17, 2020) — Today, the Senate voted to pass the Great American Outdoors Act. The legislation will finally fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the most important source of federal funding to create and develop local parks, trails, boat launches, sports fields and other recreation areas that enrich our communities.