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

This year's 5th annual rally day was held -- appropriately -- in a large tent on the Capital
grounds in Olympia, and it was open to the public. Some 60 vendors and organizations had information and display booths on site. Representatives describe their part of the outdoor recreation sector.

(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. 

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.

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.