It’s the first weekend of the NFL playoffs, so the most pressing outdoor issue on your mind is probably, “Can I squeeze in a side trip to the Grand Canyon on the way to Glendale, Arizona, to watch the Seahawks play in the Super Bowl?”

Well, if you don’t do it now, you’ll pay for it later. The cost to visit national parks will likely increase by 67 percent in 2015.

SEATTLE — A new state study finds that people in Washington spend nearly $22 billion each year hiking, skiing, boating, golfing, and in other outdoor pursuits.

The report released Thursday estimates that residents spend on average about 56 days a year on outdoor recreational activities. And they spend money while doing so — on hotels, recreational equipment, food and other items.

(A message from Director Hoch to State Parks staff)  The Governor rolled out his 2015-17 state Budget, with the theme, “Reinvesting in Washington.”  To balance his state Operating budget, he included $400 million in cuts and savings and additional proposed funding from new revenue sources.

The Inland Northwest needs comprehensive solutions to ensure the high-quality outdoor access we have come to expect. Spokane joins many other communities across 33 counties asking for state grants to complete more than 200 projects ranging from preserving working farms to protecting hunting and fishing access, improving our state parks, and building trails and neighborhood playgrounds.

The mid-term elections are over, although a bit of ballot counting remains.  The State Senate will remain much as is, with 25 Republicans and one maverick Democrat, and the State House will narrow to 51 Democrats and 47 Republicans.  Each majority has only one vote to spare.