From the desk of Jon Snyder
Outdoor Recreation and Economic Development
Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Jay Inslee
February 2019
Here’s my monthly round-up of interesting WA state outdoor recreation news.
- Federal government shutdown ends, outdoor recreation impacts continue:
Frustration is mounting outside the gates of Mount Rainier as Trump’s shutdown drags on
Government shutdown likely to delay Skagit steelhead fishery
‘Nature doesn’t wait for politics’: A furloughed biologist’s shutdown worries
Atop Mount Rainier, digging out from the government shutdown means epic snow plowing
Steelhead permit writers scrambling to make up time
As shutdown ends, rural Washington considers life without feds
Editorial: Leaving National Parks open during shutdown is ill-advised
- WDFW Fish-Hunt Fee Hike, Other Bills Introduced In Olympia
- President Trump Nominates David Bernhardt as Secretary of the Interior (outdoor organizations respond)
- The Great American Rail Trail Runs Through Washington State:
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy launches campaign to build trail from Seattle to DC – UPDATED
The Push to Build a Coast-to-Coast Trail for Cyclists and Pedestrians
The Great American Rail-Trail Is on the Way
WA outdoor business news:
Boating and fishing make a splash ahead of the 2019 boat show
Women Are Not Treated Equally in the Outdoor Industry
Portland Outdoor Brand Poler Closes Without a Word
Indigitous Agency Achieves Amazon Advertising Accreditation
Governor news:
In Inslee’s State of the State, climate dominates
‘It was heaven’: 50 years ago, Ingraham, with future governor Jay Inslee, dominated Washington hoops
Trail news:
This Couple Created a New Thru-Hike in the Northwest
New Trail Connections Bridge Recreation Gaps in the Valley
One Step Closer to Finishing the East Lake Sammamish Trail
Hunting and Fishing news:
State of Salmon in Watersheds 2018 (RCO report)
Bi-partisan bill would end gillnetting
Headwaters mineral withdrawal would prevent adverse effects (Washington Fly Fishing Club)
Three Washington bills deal with cougars, hounds
Man pleads guilty to 15 charges related to poaching ring
Razor clam dig cancelled due to government shutdown
Additional news:
Step on up: Getting fit on Snohomish County’s public stairways
No Child Left Inside grant featured on q13 Healthy Living
Poll: After 2018’s smoke and dead orcas, voters want environmental action
Lawmaker pitches target-shooting areas on some state-managed lands
EIS for system of Columbia, Snake dams sped up
Planning opportunities:
WDFW seeks public participation in Scatter Creek Wildlife Area planning
WDFW seeks public comment on the Blue Mountains Wildlife Areas Plan
- Clark County RTP Open for Public Comment until Feb. 25.
- Email with feedback on Tacoma’s dockless scooter/bikeshare program
- Willapa Hills Trail/SR 6 crossing survey from State Parks
Upcoming grants:
No Child Left Inside Grants Due 4/1/19
Environmental Justice Small Grants Program
USDOT TIFIA Rural Project Initiative loans
Health and Climate Solutions: 2018 Call for Proposals (up to $350K) (ends 2/8)
- Feb. 15: EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants Program applications due
- Apr. 26: Federal Highways Bridge Program applications due to WSDOT Local Programs Division.
- Did you know? USDOT TIFIA Rural Project Initiative loans can be used to construct pedestrian/bicyclist infrastructure
Some information form Grants and Planning came from WSDOT Active Transportation email update, another great resource. Click here if you would like to subscribe to that WSDOT list.
Jon Snyder
Outdoor recreation and Economic Development
Senior Policy Advisor to Gov. Jay Inslee
Office: 360-902-0488

Todd Elsworth is one of the many “Mossy-haired lunatics roaming the dripping peninsulas”, described in “I’m Here for the Weather” by Tom Robbins. As executive director, he works to fulfill our mission to teach the health benefits of nature, promote outdoor recreation, and steward the places where we play.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.