Here’s a re-cap of some of the noteworthy recreation economy stories from the past month.

City enters agreement to secure recreational use of Galbraith Mountain
City, Whatcom Land Trust, and Galbraith Tree Farm reach purchase and sale agreement

Washington joins 8-state pact to champion outdoor recreation
Washington was one of eight states on Wednesday to sign the first Confluence Accords, a bipartisan interstate agreement to commit to advancing outdoor activities and conservation, and to bolster commerce related to outdoor recreation. The two-page document, signed at Denver’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, outlines four focus areas: economic development, conservation and stewardship, education and workforce training, and public health and wellness.

Pushing for progress in outdoor diversity
Founder of the advocacy organization African American Nature and Parks Experience, Teresa Baker, is asking outdoor industry CEOs to sign her Diversity Pledge.

GET SCHOOLED IN OUTDOOR PRODUCT DESIGN
Universities across the West are launching college degree programs to help train the next generation of outdoor leaders and product developers with sustainability at the helm.

Amazon’s War on Gear
The e-commerce behemoth is on its way to becoming the biggest marketplace for outdoor-recreation products and its influence over the industry grows every day. Is this the apocalypse for the shops and brands that have fueled our love of adventure? Or can they learn to fight back without destroying one another?

25 years and counting: Will KAVU ever grow up?
The apparel company known for its funky prints and the iconic Strapcap will always stay focused on fun, but founder Barry Barr has learned a lot about business since he stitched up his first hats on an old Singer sewing machine back in the late 80s.

Teresa Baker, Activist and Hiker, on Why Kids Are the Future of Our Public Lands
Instagram feeds and internships are encouraging young people of color to join the environmental movement. But we can do more.

VERMONT PLANS THE EAST COAST’S FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT, HUT-SUPPORTED MOUNTAIN BIKE ROUTE
Six chapters of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association are joining forces to plan the Velomont Trail, a 130-mile route proposed from Killington to Stowe through the Green Mountains.

April Claxton

April is a co-founder and former co-Executive Director for Recreation Northwest. She has a passion for place and loves exploring, experiencing and sharing the beauty of the pacific northwest.  She is currently working with Ocean Conservancy to protect our oceans, specifically the Arctic.