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 Coalition and Members Support Racial Justice

Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition News

Hello Friends,

The events of the last few weeks have helped to remind us that we, as the Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition, are committed to eliminating barriers that prevent all Washingtonians from enjoying the outdoors. There is no equal access to the outdoors without a just and equitable society. We stand with the Black community and support the fight for racial justice in our state and country. Please take a moment to read a selection of statements by Big Tent members:

Recreation and Tourism Mapping to Support the Recovery

Hometown Washington

Washington Hometown, a recreation mapping and app company, is looking ahead to what we can do to support our community and the recreation and Hospitality industry as the “stay-home, stay-safe” restrictions begin to be loosened. We will be launching Re-Discover WA, a web map and apps for Apple and Android, that will help people find up-to-date information on open recreation opportunities and businesses. We anticipate that the reopening will be done in stages making access to complete and current information critically important. Initially, the rules will vary based on the type of recreation, the managing agency, the location, and even the specific facility as some high demand resources may remain off-limits while other less popular ones are opened.

OUTDOOR ALLIANCE STATEMENT ON EQUITY AND RACISM IN THE OUTDOORS

Outdoor Alliance

All people deserve to have safe, accessible places to get outside. In recent months, as cities and states across the country have been sheltering in place, the outdoors have been more important than ever for our mental and physical health. Recent events, including Ahmaud Arbery being murdered while he was out for a jog, and Christian Cooper being threatened while birdwatching in Central Park, are the latest in a long and shameful string of injustices toward Indigenous, black, and brown individuals outdoors. These events are horrifying, and they highlight longstanding inequities in who is welcome and safe in the outdoors. The history of America’s public lands and waters is inextricably linked to our history of slavery and racial discrimination, from the displacement of Indigenous communities to the history of racial segregation not only in National Parks, but most public spaces.

Recreate Responsibly: COVID-19 Information

Mountains to Sound Greenway

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of our lives and caused a great deal of uncertainty, including how we get outdoors. This new set of guidelines will help us protect ourselves, others, and places we love when we adventure outside. Whether you are hiking,  paddling, or riding (a horse, mountain bike, or an ORV), these six tips offer advice on how to #RecreateResponsibly during this public health crisis:

Join us to #RecreateResponsibly // New coalition and toolkit launching Wednesday // Amplification starting 5/21

#RecreateResponsibly coalition

I want to bring to your attention developments underway this week. In anticipation of Memorial Day weekend, I want to highlight the launch of a new #RecreateResponsibly coalition and it’s simple messages. We hope you might join us and consider sharing this note with your own network of NGO, business and agency partners. If you can’t join now, we’d love to know of your interest in the longer term effort.

May 2020 Outdoor Rec Hotlist and Planning + Grant Opportunities

By Jon Snyder, Senior Policy Advisor to Gov. Jay Inslee

View Jon's comprehensive monthly round-up of interesting Washington state outdoor recreation news including coronavirus resources; May hotlist; outdoor business news; Governor news; hunting and fishing news; trails; grants and more.

President's Letter

Peter Schrappen, CAE

You know this paragraph by heart, “The possibility of a worldwide influenza pandemic in the near future is of growing concern for many countries around the globe. The World Bank estimates that a global influenza pandemic would cost the world economy $800 billion and kill tens-of-millions of people. Researchers at the CDC calculate that deaths in the United States could reach 207,000 and the initial cost to the economy could approach $166 billion, or roughly 1.5 percent of the GDP.” Yes, Peter, old news. As my twelve-year old would say, “Tell me something I don’t know.” By now, everyone knows about the devastation of COVID-19. What if I told you that above wording is from the 2007 report “Economic Effects of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic: Implications for a Modern-Day Pandemic” (LINK) and to pull it up would involved a straightforward “1918 flu economic impact” search?

Responsible Recreation Guidelines

Recreation to open May 5

Are you looking forward to May 5?  We are too.  We are hoping you will share this message with others who may be interested in news of opening of fishing, hunting and recreational lands. Governor Jay Inslee, Kelly Susewind, director of the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, Don Hoch, director of the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission, and Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz recently provided a COVID-19 update, including announcing plans to partially reopen some fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation opportunities in Washington starting Tuesday, May 5.

RSS
123468910Last

Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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