Congratulations to Washington’s Outdoor Recreation Guides and Outfitters!
We had success last week with a positive response to the letters submitted on behalf of our Outdoor Recreation Guides and Tours working groups as part of the Washington Outdoor Business Alliance. The Paddlesport Outfitter letter was sent May 4th and the industry wide letter sent officially on May 12th. Thank you to all who signed on: Outdoor Recreation Guides & Tours Working Group Letter to the Governor.
The state was able to respond with directions for Outdoor Recreation Phase 1 Clarifications and Phase 2 COVID 19 Requirements. Inslee issues additional guidance for outdoor recreation in Phase 1 and Phase 2 (May 14th)
Covered here for Phase 1 and 2:
– Staffed outdoor tennis facilities public and private
– Guided ATV, paddle sports, and horseback riding
– Guided fishing
– Go-cart tracks, ORV/motocross facilities, and participant-only motorsports
– All other activities substantially similar in operation and equally able to meet the requirements mandated by this memorandum.
For reference: This is the Governor’s website for all businesses and where you can look for other industries guidance and resources: COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Businesses and Workers
Essential Business Guidance
Outdoor Guidance – issued April 27
Phase 1 & 2 Business Activity Guidelines
Outdoor Recreation – issued May 14
About Recreation Northwest & The Washington Outdoor Business Alliance
Founded in 2013, Recreation Northwest, a non-profit 501(c) 3 charitable organization, based in Bellingham, WA, has evolved its program work in recreation economy advocacy to launch a statewide association. In 2019, the Washington Outdoor Business Alliance formed to bring cohesion and representation to the growing sector of outdoor recreation in Washington State on our local, state and national economies.
The Washington Outdoor Business Alliance is an association of individuals, businesses, organizations and land managers that work from the shared values and varied interests of advancing the position of our recreation economy, increasing outdoor participation and protecting our public lands.

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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