Dear Outdoor Recreation friends across Washington State,
Yesterday, on March 23, 2020, Jay Inslee issued a stay home, stay healthy order for Washingtonians. This has been a rough couple of weeks for us all, here in Washington State. We are at the front lines of this global pandemic. We have had to cancel our Parkscriptions Day and week celebration and our expanding EXPO scheduled for May. See updates at bottom of page. Below is our Recreation Round UP of recent articles related to how to best behave in outdoors and what is currently happening in our state!
Thank you to Washington Trails Association for continuing to update best practices for playing outdoors.
I have to interject some humor first:
Washington Trails Association (March 23, 2020)
Jay Inslee to Washingtonians: Stay Home, Stay Healthy
An excerpt from WTA article:
GET A DOSE OF NATURE AT HOME
A stay home, stay healthy order means just that. To the best of your ability, stay home. Right now is a weird and uncertain time, but by respecting this order we can help slow the transmission of coronavirus and ease the load on hospitals and their staff, and that’s the goal. Flatten the curve. The trails we love will be there for us to enjoy when this is over.
Even at home, you can still get some fresh air and a dose of nature. Here’s how:
- Open a window and take a few deep breaths.
- Hang out with your houseplants; they may help relieve stress.
- If you have a yard, go out and sit in it. If it’s big enough, run around in it.
- No yard? Consider running a marathon. On your balcony.
- Soak in these soundtracks or listen to some birdsong recordings
- Enjoy some nature photography. Even digital nature is better than none at all.
- Take in this 10-minute sunrise from the Glacier Peak wilderness.
- If you’re missing your weekly Mailbox ascent, look online. Lots of trainers are teaching digitally right now. Take this opportunity to condition yourself for the future.
- If you hike to socialize, set up some time with a friend and have a phone call or digital catchup session. Share the view from your windows with each other, and maybe take a tour of your houseplants. Companionship is crucial at a time like this.
Washington Trails Association (updated March 23, 2020)
Hiking in the Time of Coronavirus
NEWS RELEASE March 22, 2020
State Parks and Recreation Commission
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Department of Natural Resources
Washington campgrounds to close through April 30
Day use areas and trails remain open
OLYMPIA – Today, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks), Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the closure of all state campgrounds across Washington to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Campgrounds will remain closed through April 30.
The closure includes roofed accommodations like cabins and yurts.
No new campers will be allowed into Parks, WDFW, or DNR lands beginning Monday, March 23. Current campers will be phased out following instructions from land officials.
Day use areas and trails remain open. Due to the volume of people visiting Washington’s ocean beaches, we are asking the public to avoid those areas. People should continue to practice social distancing when recreating outdoors.
State Parks
Campers who have state parks reservations through April 30 will be notified and offered a full refund. Visitors can find the latest information about State Park operations at parks.state.wa.us/COVID19.
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Although camping is not allowed, WDFW wildlife areas and water access areas remain open for public use at this time. However, due to theft and increased usage of their restrooms, visitors should plan to bring their own hand sanitizer and toilet paper. For the latest information about WDFW operations, visit wdfw.wa.gov/about/covid-19-
Department of Natural Resources
DNR’s camping will be closed to dedicated camping areas and dispersed camping or camping outside of designated camp sites. For the most up-to-date information for DNR lands, visit www.dnr.wa.gov/recreation.
National Parks and Recreation Association (March 18th, 2020)
Joint Statement on Using Parks and Open Space While Maintaining Social Distancing
Closer to Home near our Bellingham HQ.
Whatcom County
Parks & Recreation COVID-19 Updates
City of Bellingham
Parkscriptions on Whatcom Talk.com (March 17, 2020)
Amidst COVID-19 Concerns, It’s More Important Than Ever to Get Your Daily Dose of Nature
What is Recreation Northwest doing?
Well, it’s more what we’re not going to do. Read our perspectives below:
We had to cancel our Parkscriptions Day and Parks Week planning for April 18th – 26th.
March Dose of Parkscriptions Inspiration
We also had to cancel our EXPO planned for May 2nd.
Recreation Northwest EXPO Update & Modifying our Mission in response to Coronavirus
With the whirlwind of news, emotions and opinions, let’s do what’s right my fellow Washingtonians! Follow the directions of our local health officials, parks departments and the big guy in Olympia! In the words of Austin Powers, “Oh, Behave”.
Sincerely,
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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