From the desk of Jon Snyder 

Outdoor Recreation and Economic Development
Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Jay Inslee

November 2019

Outdoor Recreation General election recap:

Legislative: Two appointed legislators easily retained their seats: Sen. Lovelett and Rep. Ybarra.

Ballot measures:

State: The passage of I-976 will mean the loss of snowmobile funds for snow parks, loss of state multi-modal funds for bike/pedestrian projects and transit and also local funds for bike/pedestrian and transit projects and could jeopardize programs such Trailhead Direct among other impacts.

Local: There were 16 local ballot measures for parks and recreation and 14 passed, a success rate of 87.5%, the best percentage I’ve seen in the four years I have been keeping track. The two failed measures were in Camas (a community center with a parks component failed with 90% opposed) and on Shaw Island (formation of a new parks district failed with 80% opposed). Most of the successful measures were from smaller parks and recreation districts that renew levies every one to two years, but also included Shoreline and East Snohomish County.

National: In Texas Proposition 5, a constitutional amendment which dedicates future sales tax revenue on sporting goods (NOT a new, increased sales tax) for parks, wildlife, and historical agencies passed with 88% approval.

1. Audubon warns climate change could put more than half of Washington bird species at risk
2. Wall Street spends millions to buy up Washington State water
3. Bike riders and pedestrians are dying. It’s drawing rare bipartisan focus in Washington, D.C.
4. Management plan adds 61,000 acres of wilderness area to Colville National Forest
5. A hunt for tribal recognition at the U.S.-Canada border

WA outdoor business news:

​REI pilots direct shipping with select brands

LOGE Camps is flipping forgotten motels into basecamps for outdoor lovers

Tanner Merrill Joins GEAR AID as the New Supply Chain Planning Manager

Nuun Expands Availability of Nuun Endurance Into Canada

Trail news:

Trailhead Direct Ridership Increased 75% In Second Full Season

Trail riding can bring “Wallets on Wheels” for rural communities

Hunting and Fishing news:

North Cascades Grizzly Proposal Brings Out Hundreds Opposed (And Some In Favor) In Okanogan

Northern Pike in Washington Reclassified at Highest Threat Level

State, tribes, feds prep for mussel invasion

Conflicting chinook seasons on the Snake

WDFW commission puts brakes on plan to remove bag limits on bass, walleye

Governor news:

How protecting orcas starts with tech

Additional news:

“We are Puget Sound.” Les Purce leading the Orca Recovery Task Force

Westport Light golf course proposal packs McCausland Hall

Guest column: Trust and respect on the Upper Columbia

A New Plan to Make Camping in National Parks Worse

State Parks installs parking lot camera at Wallace Falls State Park

California will let college athletes sign endorsement deals. Will Washington follow suit?

State money pours into Spokane-area recreation, conservation projects in 2019

Okanagan County supports public access to French Creek Rd.

More than 11,000 scientists from around the world declare a ‘climate emergency’

Activists protest plan for new Pioneer Square cruise ship terminal

NTSB wants mandatory bike helmet laws. Bike advocates don’t.

The Navy’s Growler jets bring noise to a quiet place: Olympic National Park

Veradale outdoor preschool among those participating in new licensing program

Planning:

Public input sought: Washington State Parks considering partnership for golf course at Westport Light State Park

Survey on Trailhead Direct bus-to-trails program

It’s Public Comment Season In The P.N.W.: Sea Lions, Wolves, Grizzlies

Upcoming grants:  

None this month

Jon Snyder
Outdoor recreation and Economic Development Senior Policy Advisor to Gov. Jay Inslee
Office: 360-902-0488   Mobile: 360-584-3804