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THE BIG TENT FOR 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.

#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

Millersylvania State Park: February 15, 2025 Hikes For Healing

Meet in nature rain or shine for a guided casual hike. These hiking experiences are complimentary and designed for participants of the Outdoor Recreation Caucus, policy makers and influencers, friends and family. Millersylvania State Park is dog friendly. Bring your water bottle and good walking shoes, and dress for the weather. Meet at the main parking area for a warm welcome, snacks and orientation to the route. 9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. guided hike. RSVP is encouraged but not required. Sponsored by the Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition and the Outdoor Equity Coalition and in partnership with the Outdoor Recreation Caucus. Hikes for Healing will be offered monthly during the legislative session. Stay tuned for more hikes in the Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater area in the months ahead. Contact Alison (206) 919-0778 with questions.

Squaxin Park: January 25, 2025 Hikes For Healing

Meet in nature rain or shine for a guided casual hike. These hiking experiences are complimentary and designed for participants in the Outdoor Recreation Caucus, policy makers and influencers, friends and family. Squaxin Park (formerly Priest Point Park) is dog friendly. Bring your water bottle and good walking shoes, and dress for the weather. 9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Welcome, snacks and orientation to the route. 9:15 a.m. guided hike. RSVP is encouraged but not required. Sponsored by the Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition and the Outdoor Equity Coalition and in partnership with the Outdoor Recreation Caucus. Hikes for Healing will be offered monthly during the legislative session. Stay tuned for more hikes in the Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater area in the months ahead. Contact Brit (360) 481-5010 with questions.

Together Outdoors Hosts Webinar on Equitable & Impactful Grant-Making in Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

Oct 30, 2024 - Together Outdoors hosted a webinar with industry leaders and philanthropists discussing best practices around equitable and impactful grant-making in outdoor recreation. These efforts were made possible by the generous support of Winnebago Industries and will be followed by the release of a new business learning guide next week outlining the essential role that grant funding can play in breaking down barriers and supporting those working hard to increase access to the Great Outdoors for underrepresented communities. Learn more.

ORR Released New Recreation Funding Report

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) released a groundbreaking report, "Recreation Funding in America: Current Results and Future Insights.” This comprehensive study, conducted by Southwick Associates, Inc. on behalf of ORR, aggregated and analyzed current federal funding streams for outdoor recreation and identified potential future threats to these funding sources. These threats include changing energy demands, evolving participation, inflation, weather events and climate change, and stagnant appropriation trends.

Out & Back with Alison Mariella Désir

The Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle

Today, Alison had the pleasure of meeting Geordan Newbill, president of the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle, and taking her first horseback riding lesson with Jerome Young, a Black rancher and owner of Legends Ranch. During her visit, Alison discovered the often-overlooked history of Black riders and learned how the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle are inspiring the next generation of riders.

A Costume Climbing Tradition: Anywhere, Anytime

The Mountaineers

In this feature from Mountaineer magazine, read about the Mother's Day tradition, taking fabulously-dressed climbers to summits around the PNW. One of the Pacific Northwest’s grand traditions - a right of passage for many aspiring mountaineers - is climbing Mt. St. Helens, in a dress, on Mother’s Day. Inspired by the famous 1987 red dress of Kathy Phibbs, photographed and featured on the cover of the Seattle Times, thousands of aspiring summiteers flock to the flanks of Helens each May, donning their Sunday best. But as the tradition has grown and permits have become more restricted, many are taking their dress-game elsewhere.

 

Visit ORR’s Workforce Hub

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Association

The outdoor recreation industry is a growth industry that provides 5 million good jobs across the United States. Outdoor recreation jobs sustain economies, increase rural prosperity, improve public health outcomes, and promote environmental stewardship and conservation. Through various initiatives, ORR is working to help industry leaders, policymakers, and prospective workers understand how these jobs provide outstanding quality of life, support conservation goals, strengthen local economies, and connect Americans to the great outdoors. Visit ORR’s Workforce Hub and check out some of the other resources created to support and sustain the outdoor workforce.

Visit ORR’s Workforce Hub

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Association

The outdoor recreation industry is a growth industry that provides 5 million good jobs across the United States. Outdoor recreation jobs sustain economies, increase rural prosperity, improve public health outcomes, and promote environmental stewardship and conservation. Through various initiatives, ORR is working to help industry leaders, policymakers, and prospective workers understand how these jobs provide outstanding quality of life, support conservation goals, strengthen local economies, and connect Americans to the great outdoors. Visit ORR’s Workforce Hub and check out some of the other resources created to support and sustain the outdoor workforce.

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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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