Surfrider Washington Policy Manager Peter Steelquist recently traveled to our nation’s capital to discuss the impacts of outdoor recreation alongside other industry advocates as part of the Outdoor Alliance Grass Tops Hill Days.
The Outdoor Alliance is a national coalition of human-powered recreation groups, including American Whitewater, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), the Access Fund (National Climbing Association), and several national hiking and paddling organizations. Together, these groups represent millions of outdoor enthusiasts advocating for policies that protect our public lands and waters.
This year’s trip took place during a particularly challenging and unprecedented time in our nation’s history—coinciding with the second week of a federal government shutdown and several other major events occurring throughout the D.C. metro area. Despite these challenges, Hill staff and Members of Congress remained available and took time to meet with our outdoor recreation delegation.
As part of the Washington Outdoor Alliance, our team met with every member of the Washington State congressional delegation, as well as numerous key committee staffers who oversee policies relevant to our issues.
OA WA with staff from Senator Maria Cantwell's office.
If you’re a Washingtonian, we met with your elected officials to discuss our top priorities, including:
Protecting the Coastal Zone Management Act
Preventing Offshore Oil
Ensuring continued funding for NOAA
Advancing clean water protections
OA WA Meeting with Senator Patty Murray
We were joined in D.C. by Surfrider Foundation’s Federal Outreach Director, Katie Day, and had the valuable opportunity to learn from her and other expert advocates about how to be effective, informed voices for outdoor recreation and environmental protection.
OA WA meeting with the office of Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez (WA-3)
While the government shutdown created an unusual atmosphere on Capitol Hill, it also allowed for more meaningful conversations with congressional offices, as many had additional time and bandwidth to engage. The trip was highly successful in strengthening relationships with key staff and policymakers.
OA WA meeting with the office of Emily Randal (WA-6)
“Read the Outdoor Alliance Trip Report here
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about how to engage with your elected officials through Surfrider, please reach out! There are dozens of ways to take action—including participating in our 2026 Federal Hill Days, which will take place on April 29–30, 2026.
OA WA with Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-2)