The Economics of Recreation in Washington 

Monday, March 31 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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Rates: Members = Free, Non-members = $50 + WA tax

About the Webinar

Outdoor recreation is central to Washington's economy and way of life, fueling local businesses, supporting jobs in both urban and rural communities, and offering residents and visitors a deeper connection to nature. In late 2025, the Recreation and Conservation Office published an update to the state's Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation, highlighting the significance of outdoor recreation in Washington's economy. During the webinar, participants will learn about the current, data-driven state of this industry in Washington, including total spending, jobs, wages, and tax contributions. The session will extend beyond traditional economic measures to estimate the value of public benefits, such as consumer surplus and other environmental services, as well as some of the associated costs and barriers to accessing the recreation economy.

Learning Objectives 

• Gain an understanding of the outdoor industry’s role in Washington’s overall economy
• Learn how methods for estimating statewide recreation visitation have changed over time
• Explore non-market benefits and costs of recreation 

About the Speaker

Leah Dobey is a policy specialist at Washington’s Recreation and Conservation Office where she works toward the goal of ensuring that all communities have meaningful access to the outdoors. She began her state service at the Department of Natural Resources working on recreation, legislative, and aquatic issues. Leah attended Western Washington University and received a bachelor of science degree in geology. She now lives in Olympia and enjoys backpacking, volunteering, and playing chess with her young daughter.