From the desk of Jon Snyder
Outdoor Recreation and Economic Development
Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Jay Inslee
March 2019
MID-SESSION LEGISLATURE UPDATE: These bills have either passed the chamber of origin or could do so this week: 1028: Off-road vehicles/local gov, 1092: Metro parks commissioners, 1436: Snow bikes, 1516: DFW dog training, 1699: De-annexation parks dist., 1723: Active transportation safety, 2044: De-annexation metro parks dist., 5036: White tailed deer pop., 5148: Hunting visible clothing, 5613: Road vacation/body of water.
For more info on a bill input the bill number here:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/
- National public lands bill passes congress, awaits President’s signature:
Here’s what the massive public-lands bill means for conservation, climate change in Washington state
Another Win for Greenway National Heritage Designation!
In Methow Valley, locals hope D.C. lawmakers will stop a copper mine
Big Alaskan land giveaway tucked into sweeping conservation bill
- $738 million King County levy aimed at renovating, expanding parks and trails
- Diverse group of outdoor enthusiasts urges Legislature to fully fund the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
- EPA ices Washington state’s effort to regulate hot water in Columbia, Snake rivers
- Orcas gain increasing clout during fishing season discussions
2019 Legislature news:
Lucinda Whaley: State parks are good public investment for Washington
Senator Hobbs Proposes a Highway Spending Spree and a Carbon Fee to Fund It
Law would create state public lands day
Editorial: Increase state grant funding for parks, wildlands
WA outdoor business news:
Tacoma’s Toughest Entrepreneurs Want You to Ski Uphill With Them
REI leader resigns over undisclosed relationship
Woodland has become a hub of fishing rod manufacturers
Applications open for Camber Outdoors Pitchfest due March 15
Industrial Revolution Hires New President
Governor news:
Inslee climate agenda gets rare wins in Legislature as he begins presidential run
Gov. Inslee Highlights Need to Stop Invasive Species with Awareness Week
Trail news:
Citizen effort to map Washington’s Kettle Crest gains momentum
REI Awards PNTA Grant to Restore Pasayten
Hunting and Fishing news:
State joins tribes, sportsmen in reintroduction of native ‘speed goats’
In a dramatic rescue, two WDFW staff pull hunters from freezing Pend Oreille River
Fish and Wildlife proposal eliminates antlerless whitetail deer hunting in 2019
Major fish recovery project in NE Washington and Idaho gives boost to cutthroat and bull trout
To Protect Imperiled Salmon, Fish Advocates Want To Shoot Some Gulls
The Way Deer Escape Wolves Could Change How Hunters Hunt
Elk shot in Walla Walla County found infected with hoof disease
Additional news:
Eli Francovich: Human-powered backcountry travel disturbs wildlife more than we like to think
Greener Childhood Associated With Happier Adulthood
Bullets on the beach? Don’t Touch! Antique ammo on beach could explode on impact
Is it time to pave the entire Mountain Loop Highway?
Seattle receives the most snow in 70 years, bitter cold temperatures expected
Can this woman save biking in Washington state?
Whatcom Land Trust spends $4 million to protect this Whatcom forest for the future
Chewelah Valley Land Trust looking to purchase well-used Hancock land for outdoor recreation…
Whatcom Land Trust spends $4 million to protect this Whatcom forest for the future
It Happened Here: Indian boarding school established at Fort Simcoe
New environmental center at Saint Edward park
In Hilly Seattle, It’s Electric Bikes or Bust
Bellingham could lose longtime ferry route
Ocean Shores councilman and community stalwart Jeff Daniel killed in jetty surf accident
Difficulties mostly over for winter recreation
Bike sharing may be back this spring with new rules
Border Patrol agents want road reopened through grizzly habitat north of Priest Lake
We are the blue; we are the green; we are the carbon-neutral soccer team
There are reasons Tacoma embraced e-scooters but kicked e-bikes to the curb
Planning opportunities:
Public comment sought on Mount St. Helens Wildlife Area plan
Crowdsourcing Park & Ride Information
Public can comment on proposed changes to suction dredging rules
Survey being held for Chewelah Area Recreation
Upcoming grants:
No Child Left Inside Grants Due 4/1/19
Environmental Justice Small Grants Program
USDOT TIFIA Rural Project Initiative loans
- 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.
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