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.

#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

Big Tent Legislative Agenda

2022

With a short session, we are focused on engaging on the highest priorities amongst members of our coalition and the Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition community. This legislative agenda reflects the platform of Big Tent's members. We hope that the legislature will consider the following policy priorities as it works to pass bills and a supplemental budgets during the 2022 legislative session.

Washington State Parks: Memories, experiences, and expectations survey

Washington State Parks

This year, Washington State Parks staff are taking a closer look at how the stories we tell, services we provide and visuals we use represent our values to the communities we serve. We’re committed to protecting our most treasured lands, providing memorable experiences and connecting people with the diverse natural and cultural heritage of our state. We want to make sure our outreach work is truly aligning with our mission. We’ve created a survey where folks can share their personal memories, opinions and stories related to Washington State Parks. Survey closes February 15, 2022. Learn more

New economic report showcases outdoor recreation economy’s strength & resiliency during difficult year

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released economic data for 2020 on outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact on the U.S. economy today. These new numbers show outdoor recreation generates $689 billion in economic output and creates 4.3 million jobs. The report, a snapshot in time of a challenging and uncertain year, includes national and state-level data.

State Asking for Public Comments on Recreation

RCO

Washington State’s Recreation and Conservation Office is asking people to help determine how funding should be spent by taking a survey about what kind of outdoor recreation they do. The State is updating its statewide recreation and conservation plan, which includes a state trails plan, to unlock grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This federal fund provides $6 million to Washington State to build parks and trails and to conserve wild areas.

Washington Rocks: New DNR Geotourism Website Helps People Explore State’s Geology

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

From its craggy coastlines to its icy volcanic peaks, Washington is home to some of the world’s most stunning geology. This new website by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) helps connect people to the state’s rich and diverse geologic history. See press release

Legislative Session Recap

Big Tent

As April drew to a close, the Zoom squares of the weekly Big Tent policy call were full of smiles. Advocates were thrilled to see strong support for outdoor recreation during the 2021 Washington State Legislative session. After a roller coaster of a year where we expected budget cuts to outdoor programs, the strong support for outdoor recreation was a welcome surprise. Legislators clearly saw the need to invest in outdoor recreation and education following the pandemic, and as a result, our priorities saw near record support.

World Parks Week - April 24th to May 2nd

International Urban Parks

World Parks Week is April 24th to May 2nd! With COVID-19 remaining a reality for many across the globe, the theme for World Parks Week extends from last year’s #NatureNeverCloses theme by encouraging people to think about what their local neighborhoods/communities have to offer and what these local spaces mean to them. Thinking #Hyperlocal helps us to build deeper connections with our communities in a time where connection is paramount!  Learn More

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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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