House creates outdoor recreation commission to develop statewide strategy

A first‑substitute to House Bill 283 establishing an outdoor recreation strategic planning commission passed the House 52-20 on Feb. 25.

Representative Stenquist/Stankquist (as shown in the floor record) described the commission's purpose: to inventory outdoor recreation assets, identify needs and obstacles, and recommend where resources should be targeted. The substitute added a sunset date of July 1, 2025. Sponsor said the commission’s membership would include representatives from legislative and executive branches, state agencies, private sector, conservation groups and local government with both rural and urban representation.

Members asked how the commission would treat federal lands. Representative Christiansen and others sought clarity; the sponsor said the commission will require coordination with federal agencies and the state's federal delegation but should remain focused on recreation priorities rather than becoming a forum to litigate federal lands policy. Representative Albrecht suggested including a representative of extractive industries because many trails and access routes have historic ties to mining and resource roads; sponsor said those stakeholders could be included among appointed private‑sector seats but expressed concern about bloating the commission.

Supporters presented the commission as a way to protect and enhance recreation assets amid growing visitation and tourism; critics warned against allowing the body to be “weaponized” for unrelated agendas. The substitute passed the House and will be transmitted to the Senate.