SENATE RESOLUTION
8609



By Senators Rolfes, Pearson, Schlicher, Keiser, Cleveland, Eide, Nelson, Billig, Fraser, Parlette, Frockt, and Harper

     WHEREAS, Outdoor recreation in Washington state is a foundation of our state's quality of life in both urban and rural parts of the state; and
     WHEREAS, Our state's history, identity, and culture is intertwined with the outdoor recreational opportunities provided in this state; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state has an unsurpassed diversity of outdoor recreation for our state's citizens and for people around the world who visit Washington state to experience our state's outdoor recreational opportunities; and
     WHEREAS, Outdoor recreational businesses comprise an important part of our state's economy, from worldwide leaders in retail and manufacturing to small businesses in every corner of the state; and
     WHEREAS, The national Outdoor Industry Alliance has calculated the economic impact of outdoor recreation in Washington state to be eleven billion seven hundred million dollars; and
     WHEREAS, Outdoor recreation supports one hundred fifteen thousand jobs in Washington state; and
     WHEREAS, A diverse group of over two dozen outdoor recreation businesses, user groups, and nonprofits called the Big Tent Outdoor Coalition has established the first-ever recognition of Washington state's outdoor recreation economy;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognizes the significance of outdoor recreation to Washington state's economy, citizens, and quality of life; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate today celebrates outdoor recreation in Washington state; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the members of the Big Tent Outdoor Coalition.