The Outdoor Economy Conference connects, educates, and inspires leaders and doers working to grow the outdoor industry and craft an economy that’s intimately tied to the well-being of their places and communities. Outdoor CEOs, conservation leaders, federal agencies, local officials, state parks to local parks, economic developers to land managers… the Outdoor Economy Conference brings everyone to the table to focus on what matters.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) invites the public to provide feedback on a draft 10-year recreation strategy for WDFW-managed lands. Public input on the draft strategy, which is available in English and Spanish, is welcome through 5 p.m. on Feb. 28.  

This year, Washington State Parks staff are taking a closer look at how the stories we tell, services we provide and visuals we use represent our values to the communities we serve. We’re committed to protecting our most treasured lands, providing memorable experiences and connecting people with the diverse natural and cultural heritage of our state. We want to make sure our outreach work is truly aligning with our mission. We’ve created a survey where folks can share their personal memories, opinions and stories related to Washington State Parks. Survey closes February 15, 2022. Learn more

From its craggy coastlines to its icy volcanic peaks, Washington is home to some of the world’s most stunning geology. This new website by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) helps connect people to the state’s rich and diverse geologic history. See press release

Washington State Parks invites visitors to help celebrate the agency’s 108th birthday on Friday, March 19, by enjoying a state park for free that day.

Outdoor recreation offers opportunities for sustainable economic and community development across the United States. Through interviews with over 60 practitioners - including elected officials, land managers, economic development specialists and business leaders - the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable has developed this toolkit to help your community build an outdoor recreation economy of its own.

The Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition week-long Celebration of Community & Conservation begins today.  Visit www.WildlifeRecreation.org at noon each day to check out what's new.

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.