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

The Path Ahead // A New Report From REI On Why We All Ought to #OptOutside

REI

On Monday last week, we launched #OptOutside for 2017. Our focus, once more, is to celebrate hardworking people dedicated to a life outdoors and to get more Americans outside. We’re introducing a number of things to do that this year. Today, we’re especially happy to share a new report with you, the nonprofit and government leaders who have built #OptOutside. Entitled The Path Ahead, it captures trends that affect the future of life outdoors. It doesn’t present the answers. It’s designed to provoke discussion by exploring nine ‘brutal truths’ juxtaposed with nine ‘beautiful possibilities.’ Together, they paint a picture of what could happen if we stay inside as a species, or #OptOutside. You can access the content at www.rei.com/blog/the-path-ahead. It includes a compelling animation, which also can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8scLX_eL2Q.

How to Improve Outdoor Recreation In Washington State

The William D. Ruckelshaus Center

Public land management agencies in Washington State are working with Washington State University to identify opportunities to simplify the State’s recreation pass and permit system, help increase access to our public outdoor recreation lands, and find ways to ensure our public lands are adequately funded. To understand these issues, Washington State University is conducting a survey of Washington residents to understand your outdoor recreation activities on public lands, and your perspectives on the current pass and permit system and funding of public lands. Your responses to this brief survey (approximately 10-15 minutes) will remain confidential and help us develop informed recommendations on how to improve our state’s recreation pass and permit system. If you have any issues accessing or completing the survey, please contact Season Hoard, the survey coordinator, at (509) 335-4093 or hoardsa@wsu.edu.

State Seeks Comment on Outdoor Recreation Plan

RECREATION AND CONSERVATION OFFICE

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board wants to know what you think the priorities should be for outdoor recreation.  The board has a draft statewide recreation and conservation plan that is meant to be a guide for decision-makers when they prioritize recreation and conservation efforts for the next 5 years.

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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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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