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.

You know this paragraph by heart, “The possibility of a worldwide influenza pandemic in the near future is of growing concern for many countries around the globe. The World Bank estimates that a global influenza pandemic would cost the world economy $800 billion and kill tens-of-millions of people. Researchers at the CDC calculate that deaths in the United States could reach 207,000 and the initial cost to the economy could approach $166 billion, or roughly 1.5 percent of the GDP.” Yes, Peter, old news. As my twelve-year old would say, “Tell me something I don’t know.” By now, everyone knows about the devastation of COVID-19. What if I told you that above wording is from the 2007 report “Economic Effects of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic: Implications for a Modern-Day Pandemic” (LINK) and to pull it up would involved a straightforward “1918 flu economic impact” search?

Are you looking forward to May 5?  We are too.  We are hoping you will share this message with others who may be interested in news of opening of fishing, hunting and recreational lands. Governor Jay Inslee, Kelly Susewind, director of the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, Don Hoch, director of the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission, and Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz recently provided a COVID-19 update, including announcing plans to partially reopen some fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation opportunities in Washington starting Tuesday, May 5.

Gov. Jay Inslee will address media Monday via streaming video and telephone to provide an update on the state's COVID-19 response. The governor will be joined by Hilary Franz, commissioner of public lands, Kelly Susewind, director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Don Hoch, director of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. Monday, April 27 2:30 PM - Press conference on COVID-19. The press conference will be livestreamed by TVW.  PROCLAMATION: ADJUSTING STAY HOME -STAY HEALTHY

Conference is in regards to:

• Recreational hunting, fishing, and boating
• Outdoor exercise, including hiking, running, walking and biking
• Golfing
• Day use activities on public parks and public lands

Outdoor recreation is increasingly viewed as a viable industry for jobs and economic growth. According to a Bureau of Economic Analysis study released in September 2019, the U.S. outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2.2 percent ($427.2 billion) of current-dollar gross domestic product in 2017. Inflation-adjusted GDP for the outdoor recreation economy grew by 3.9 percent in that year, faster than the 2.4 percent growth of the overall U.S. economy. Many citizens, business owners and state leaders are creating working groups, nonprofits and state departments to champion this emerging industry, including 14 states with established, formal offices and two with governor-charged task forces. Over the following pages, representatives from three states discuss why and how they’re supporting this fast-growing economy.

Support your favorite Washington small businesses and their employees during the COVID-19 crisis by purchasing a gift certificate online or over the phone.

Maple Valley will receive a burst of business and exposure on Sept. 20 when it’s scheduled to host an Ironman triathlon that is expected to draw 2,700 athletes plus about 8,100 spectators who travel with the competitors. Assuming the coronavirus is no longer an issue by then.

Outdoor Research has pledged to start producing masks for medical workers at a substantial clip—200,000 a day by June, according to an announcement the company made Monday. To do so, the gear and apparel brand will convert its Seattle factory to comply with FDA Class II guidelines, meaning it will be able to produce surgical masks and the much-needed N95 masks, in short supply across the nation, for workers on the front lines of the pandemic.