WE BELIEVE
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Matters.
WELCOME TO THE BIG TENT
The Umbrella Organization for the voice of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State.

The mission  of the Big Tent  is to promote sustainable, diverse, equitable, and inclusive outdoor experiences in Washington state through advocacy and education.

What we do:  The Big Tent advocates for sustainable state funding for recreation and conservation lands as well as sustainable and equitable development and human interaction with those lands.

Vision:  The Big Tent envisions a Washington where elected leaders, businesses, nonprofits, and residents are working together to create a more inclusive and equitable outdoor experience for all. We want to find ways to use outdoor recreation to fuel economic activity and sustain healthy outcomes in our communities.

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#RecreateResponsibly to Protect Yourself, Others, and the Outdoors

During this public health crisis, spending time in outdoor spaces has become even more important for many Americans. Yet these unusual circumstances mean that all of us, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to families heading out to their local park for the first time, could use a little guidance about how to stay safe. The Recreate Responsibly guidelines offer a starting point for getting outside to keep yourself healthy and to maintain access to our parks, trails, and beaches. [ LEARN MORE ]

 

SPONSORS

We Represent Outdoor Recreation

The power of the Big Tent lies not with any individual or with any shiny advertising or marketing campaigns, but with the combined weight of dozens of organizations and agencies who believe in the collective value of outdoor recreation.

We are an organic group, with no Executive Director.  We come together periodically, meet on an as-needed basis, and gather each year in Olympia to show policy-makers and opinion leaders that outdoor recreation is a critical sector in Washington, one that brings jobs, revenue, active and healthy living, and tourism to a state blessed with mind-numbing natural beauty.  
 
On this website you will find a statement about who we are and how we came to be; a listing of our current members; contacts; information about how you can join us; meeting announcements; links to press releases and topical articles; and of course some background pictures of the outdoors.
 
We hope you find this site helpful, and that you won’t hesitate to tell us how we can add to it and improve.  It belongs to all of us who marvel at the stunning natural resources which make Washington a special place in which to live, work, and play.  Thanks for stopping by!

Situation Assessment of Recreation Access Fee Systems in Washington State

The William D. Ruckelshaus Center

Prepared for the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission, Washington Department of Natural Resources,and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: The Ruckelshaus Center conducted the situation assessment between August 2016 and January 2017. The information collection and analysis and collaborative process will take place February through November 2017. A final report, which will include both the findings of the situation assessment, research findings, and the output of a collaborative process, will be delivered to the Washington State Legislature by December 1, 2017.  Read Full Report
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Governor, Lands Commissioner, Lawmakers & Outdoor Recreation Leaders from Washington and Colorado Governor, Lands Commissioner, Lawmakers & Outdoor Recreation Leaders from Washington and Colorado

Governor, Lands Commissioner, Lawmakers & Outdoor Recreation Leaders from Washington and Colorado

Big Tent Rally Day - Feb 15, 2017

(OLYMPIA) -- Governor Jay Inslee, newly elected Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz, leaders on Washington’s and Colorado's outdoor recreation policy, and Washington State Legislators will join over 60 organizations that have a deep passion for the outdoors in celebrating the 5th Annual Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Rally Day.  Festivities take place midday February 15th on the State Capitol grounds. 
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Big Tent Outdoor Coalition Rally Day Big Tent Outdoor Coalition Rally Day

Big Tent Outdoor Coalition Rally Day

Wednesday, February 15, 2017: Advance Registration Recommended (free entry)

Join the Big Tent Coalition on the grounds of the capitol as we bring awareness to the critical economic importance of the outdoor recreation economy in Washington State.

AGENDA
10:00am - Registration and Big Tent Displays Open
11:00am-1:00pm - Legislative & Industry Presenters
(Hear from those shaping the future of the Washington State Outdoor Recreation Industry.)
2:00pm - Big Tent Closes

Lunch and refreshments will be served throughout the event. Grab a cup of Ivar's Chowder, coffee. snacks or hot chocolate and explore the displays of over 30 outdoor recreation organizations. This event is FREE and open to industry partners and the public. Please register so that you have a pre-printed name badge and quick access to the event and to join the Big Tent information list to receive updates and news from our coalition.  

Register Here
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Statewide Tourism Marketing Program Ready for Legislators

The Suburban Times

Washington would no longer be the only state in the nation without a statewide tourism marketing program under legislation introduced in both the state House and Senate this week.  The legislation would create an industry-led Tourism Marketing Authority and provide performance-based industry funding mechanisms without additional taxes.  Both HB1123 and SB 5251 (the same legislation but entered in both the Senate and House) have bipartisan support from legislators representing urban and rural districts throughout the state.
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The Outdoor Industry Is About to Become a Serious Political Force The Outdoor Industry Is About to Become a Serious Political Force

The Outdoor Industry Is About to Become a Serious Political Force

Outside

Outdoor recreation is an economic colossus: its reach is massive, its wealth enormous, and its influence continues to grow as more boots hit the ground. You can see it in Joshua Tree’s crowded campgrounds or in Mount Tam’s trailhead parking lots; in the Appalachian Trail’s thru-hiking numbers or in REI’s record sales. Americans are heading outdoors in huge numbers and paying handsomely for the privilege. But how much, precisely? For years the industry’s contribution to the nation’s economy was as much guesswork as fact.
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Support for $2 Million Budget Request for No Child Left Inside Grant Program

Islandwood letter to Governor Inslee

Thank you for your strong support of the No Child Left Inside grant program, which is helping young people from 11 districts (2,5,7,10,12,13,14,20,35,39,42) across the state participate in outdoor education and recreation programs this year.  We appreciate all of your efforts to help young people connect with the natural world. (View entire letter)
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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

View the 2020 Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State for details