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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.

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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!

Big Tent Outdoor Coalition Rally Day Big Tent Outdoor Coalition Rally Day

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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Statewide Tourism Marketing Program Ready for Legislators

The Suburban Times

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.
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The Outdoor Industry Is About to Become a Serious Political Force The Outdoor Industry Is About to Become a Serious Political Force

The Outdoor Industry Is About to Become a Serious Political Force

Outside

Outdoor recreation is an economic colossus: its reach is massive, its wealth enormous, and its influence continues to grow as more boots hit the ground. You can see it in Joshua Tree’s crowded campgrounds or in Mount Tam’s trailhead parking lots; in the Appalachian Trail’s thru-hiking numbers or in REI’s record sales. Americans are heading outdoors in huge numbers and paying handsomely for the privilege. But how much, precisely? For years the industry’s contribution to the nation’s economy was as much guesswork as fact.
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Sales of Discover Pass Increasing, Funding Still Short

Heraldnet, Everett WA

OLYMPIA — Discover Pass sales are on the rise as residents and tourists grow accustomed to paying a fee to visit state parks and recreation lands. But it is unlikely the program will ever generate enough money to cover the full cost of operating Washington’s public parks system as lawmakers envisioned when they created the user fee program in 2011.
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Colorado's Outdoor Recreation Industry Tries Innovation, Education To Spur Job Creation Colorado's Outdoor Recreation Industry Tries Innovation, Education To Spur Job Creation

Colorado's Outdoor Recreation Industry Tries Innovation, Education To Spur Job Creation

Colorado Matters

When you think of job creators in Colorado the agriculture and tech sectors might come to mind. However, the state's outdoor recreation industry supports 125,000 workers earning $4.2 billion annually. Its economic impact is over $13 billion. This election, both Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump have talked extensively about U.S. job security and job creation.  Dan English, CEO and founder of Voormi, a Colorado-based outdoor clothing company, says his company creates jobs in small towns across Colorado. 
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Open House to Kick Off Recreation Planning for Teanaway Community Forest

Washington Department of Natural Resources

OLYMPIA – The public is invited to share ideas about the future of recreation in the Teanaway Community Forest at an open house on Tuesday, Oct. 25, in Cle Elum. The Washington departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are developing a recreation plan with significant input from the public and a community-based advisory committee. The open house will provide an introduction to the planning process, which was outlined in the agencies’ 2015 management plan for the 50,241-acre forest, located in the Yakima River Basin headwaters. The management plan is available at http://file.dnr.wa.gov/publications/em_tcf_managementplan.pdf.
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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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