From the desk of Jon Snyder
Outdoor Recreation and Economic Development
Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Jay Inslee
January 4, 2019
Here’s my monthly round-up of interesting WA state outdoor recreation news.
- Outdoor recreation and the federal government shutdown:
Limited Access to Olympic National Park during government shutdown
‘A total joke.’ In the shadow of Mount Rainier, it’s hard to find a fan of the government shutdown
Here’s how the federal shutdown is affecting hunting and Hanford
It’s a mistake to keep parks open during the shutdown
Federal Shutdown: What It Means for Washington Hikers
- U.S. Government doesn’t approve Methow Valley protections (mining controversy)
- 2018 Year in the review for the outdoors:
2018: The year outdoors (Spokesman)
America’s 10 best new bikeways of 2018 (Seattle #1)
2018 Northwest Fish And Wildlife Year In Review, Part I
- Support for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program:
Governor Inslee’s Budget Includes Record $115 Million for WWRP
Investing in what we love about Washington
- Inclusion in the outdoors in 2019:
Barrier breakers: The fight to make the outdoors a more inclusive space
The Colors of Green: James Rasmussen
Equity & Inclusion Update: Community Feedback and Steering Committee (Mountaineers)
WA outdoor business news:
Lacey scuba gear business fined $197,000 for dumping hazardous waste in toilet, storm drain
Therm-a-Rest’s Senior Product Developer Jim Marson Retires After 31 Years
Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival Expands to Two Days
The Bear Bowl Breaks New Ground
Governor news:
Gov. Jay Inslee unveils ambitious legislative climate package
Inslee’s 2019 Climate Plan Won’t Include Carbon Pricing
Bold or tired? Inslee climate policy aims at decade-old goal
Gov. Inslee stops pushing carbon fee. Potential presidential candidate Inslee should keep the faith
The $1.1-billion orca plan could be a gamechanger
Gov. Inslee speaks at orca rally in Olympia after unveiling $1.1 billion recovery proposal
Trail news:
Packwood Trail Project Seeks Outdoors Access for All
Missing Link: Cascade’s statement on today’s appeal decision
Washington’s beautiful trails didn’t repair themselves
Hunting and Fishing news:
Changes to dams on Columbia, Snake rivers to benefit salmon, hydropower and orcas
State investigating catastrophic salmon deaths at Pierce County hatchery
Susewind’s Hatchery Statement Rare For A WDFW Director To Make
State to release chinook fry after millions killed during Pierce County power outage
Study finds littleneck clams declining in Salish Sea, West Coast
Additional news:
Researchers will use drone to collect data on Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits
Attention hikers: Stop building cairns. You’re hurting nature.
Here’s how to win on climate-change policy
Washington state builds new bridge for migrating wildlife
New Bainbridge park commissioner is no-show at most meetings
Target shooting in Tahuya State Forest upsets nearby residents; DNR struggles to relocate site
Ryan Zinke’s most lasting failure is his lack of stewardship
Trump vets Interior candidates who don’t share his vow to keep federal lands intact
Dodging development pressure, Issaquah expands Cougar Mountain
New idea: Carbon fee for transportation, environmental work
Hundreds of Tri-Cities volunteers assemble 1,725 bikes with time to spare
Government agencies release Icicle Creek stream flow plan
State asks city to reconsider approval of Black Rock Terrace
Six Reasons the 2018 Farm Bill is A Big Win for Outdoorists
Mt. Spokane Ski Patroller Wins National Award
Boy Scouts shedding camp properties across Puget Sound region as losses mount
Zinke’s broken promise on North Cascades grizzlies stings
Urgently needing friends: America’s most endangered public lands
Your maples are being stolen and your property is being trashed. DNR officers try to stop it
Upcoming grants:
Environmental Justice Small Grants Program
USDOT TIFIA Rural Project Initiative loans
Health and Climate Solutions: 2018 Call for Proposals (up to $350K)
- Jan. 11: Applications open for Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leaders. program
- Jan. 16 (in Spanish), Jan. 23, Jan. 31: Informational calls with EPA to address questions about the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program
- Jan. 18: Engaged Cities Award applications due
- Jan. 31: Rails to Trails Conservancy Doppelt Family Trail Development Fund applications due.
- Feb. 15: EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants Program applications due
- 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.
Planning opportunities:
WDFW seeks members for advisory group on hydraulic regulations that protect fish life
Survey: Road map to Washington’s Future
Friends of Mt. Spokane looking for board members
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.
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