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

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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 ]

 

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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!

WWRC Annual Breakfast WWRC Annual Breakfast

WWRC Annual Breakfast

Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition

Bringing together nearly 700 business leaders, politicians, community leaders, philanthropists, and Coalition partners, this annual event will recognize great leaders in protecting and promoting Washington's outdoor spaces. Join us for breakfast as we celebrate our shared success preserving our outdoor legacy.  Thursday, September 29
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.  Click here to RSVP! 
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National Get Outdoors Day - Saturday June 11, 2016 National Get Outdoors Day - Saturday June 11, 2016

National Get Outdoors Day - Saturday June 11, 2016

Washington Parks Foundation

Your organization is invited to Washington's third annual Get Outdoors Adventure Awaits Expo! The cost is free to all participants. This year's event on Saturday, June 11 promises to be even bigger than last year with lots more options for recreation and outdoor activities for everyone. Come celebrate National Get Outdoors Day at beautiful Millersylvania State Park just outside of Olympia.
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Your State Parks Your State Parks

Your State Parks

Washington State Park Foundation

Because of your support, the Washington State Parks Foundation is able to share your love for parks in countless ways. See our two minute video that shows some of the ways and how to get involved, from Executive Director John Floberg.

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Outdoor Recreation Summit Outdoor Recreation Summit

Outdoor Recreation Summit

Bellingham, WA

We are inviting you to participate in the 2016 Recreation Northwest EXPO as a member of the Recreation Community. Friday, February 26th. With special events on Thursday and Saturday as well.  We will be hosting outdoor recreation businesses, organizations and events from the region to join us and share what you have to offer. We are adding the Outdoor Recreation Summit to the morning Friday 9:00 am – 1:30 pm. Our SUMMIT keynote speaker is Tim Niemier, founder of Ocean Kayak.
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Clipper Round the World Clipper Round the World

Clipper Round the World

Visit Seattle

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, which benefits UNICEF, is the world’s longest ocean adventure and regarded as one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet. Spanning 40,000 nautical miles, the race takes almost a year to complete and consists of 12 teams competing against each other on the world’s largest matched fleet of ocean racing yachts. Seattle will be one of 14 host ports throughout the race, welcoming the crews of all competing yachts in April 2016 at the end of the Mighty Pacific Leg 6 from Qingdao, China.



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Several National, State Parks Waive Fees for Visitors as Black Friday Alternatives Several National, State Parks Waive Fees for Visitors as Black Friday Alternatives

Several National, State Parks Waive Fees for Visitors as Black Friday Alternatives

Mashable

Retailer REI announced in October it would close its stores on Black Friday — falling this year on Nov. 27 — and instead encourage people to #optoutside. Nearly 1 million people have since joined in on the idea, sharing photos and ideas of what they're going to do instead of spending hours in store lines. To make opting out more attractive, several parks are waiving entry fees for the day, including redwood state parks and two national parks in Washington state.
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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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