Surfrider is a proud member of the Outdoor Alliance (OA), which unites paddlers, mountain bikers, hikers, climbers, surfers, and backcountry skiers to conserve public lands and protect human-powered outdoor recreation. We play a key role in advocating for ocean recreation and coastal protection within the Alliance, while leveraging our political connections from coastal states.
In Washington, Surfrider is a member of OA on a state level, whose members include The Mountaineers, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, American Whitewater, Washington Trails, Access Fund, Washington Climbers Coalition, and the American Alpine Club. On February 13, Washington Policy Manager, Peter Steelquist, joined OA Washington members in Olympia to discuss legislative priorities for human-powered outdoor recreation in 2025.
Our main priority this year is securing funding for state land management agencies and Tribes to better manage recreation, protect natural and cultural resources, and address Tribal concerns about the impacts of recreation on treaty rights. Specifically, we are advocating for $3.4 million in funding for Tribal participation in the State-Tribal Recreation Impacts Initiative, as well as $984,000 for the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and $724,000 for State Parks to address recreation impacts.
In addition to meetings with state agencies like State Parks, WDFW, Governor Ferguson’s office, and DNR Commissioner Dave Upthegrove, we met with budget writers from the House and Senate to advocate for our funding priorities.
We also spoke in each meeting about the dire need to fund maintenance and operations for all of our state lands. It is critical to ensure there is sufficient money and staff for everything from emptying trash cans and outhouses to trail safety and resource enforcement.
The day concluded with a reception at the Governor’s mansion, where we networked with leaders across Washington’s conservation and recreation sectors.
It was a long but productive snowy day in Olympia!
The OA team working hard to protect and enhance outdoor recreation in Washington!