OUTDOOR ALLIANCE WASHINGTON POLICY PRIORITIES

Investing in the Outdoors

Chronic underfunding and understaffing of public land management agencies have reached a tipping point. A hollowed out workforce has left state and especially federal agencies hamstrung in their ability to keep up with current management demands, let alone proactively respond to climate impacts and growing outdoor recreation. Moreover, without more agency capacity, we will be unable to deliver on new funding streams from the Great American Outdoors Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Our organizations have a unique perspective on how resource constraints have affected conservation and outdoor recreation, and our members are eager to speak up for a bold investment in the outdoors. Outdoor Alliance Washington advocates for increased federal appropriations, increased operating budgets for state agencies, successful implementation of new funding streams like the Great American Outdoors Act, and targeted recreation policy improvements.

Protecting Special Places

The special places we love to explore are increasingly threatened by the climate and biodiversity crisis. As outdoor recreationists, we have a unique view into the shifts occurring on our public lands and waters, from changes in snowpacks and glaciers to changing river flows. Our forests are ravaged by intensifying wildfires and development pressures, our coasts are unprepared for sea level rise, and our rivers are vulnerable to extreme weather events. Fortunately, protected natural landscapes can play a major role in combating climate change and building climate resilience. The outdoor community vows to do our part to protect our special places and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the outdoors. Outdoor Alliance Washington advocates for land and water conservation and climate solutions to protect public lands and communities.

POLICY LETTERS