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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!

State Renews Tourism Marketing Efforts with Launch of New Board

From the office of the Governor

Congrats to Rob Sendak of WWRC for earning a spot on the new Washington Tourism Authority Board established by the state to kick-start tourism promotion efforts in WA.  Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the appointment of nine members to the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority Board. The members, from a diversity of backgrounds and regions throughout the state, will oversee a new fund to promote tourism in Washington state.

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Outdoor School Outdoor School

Outdoor School

Oregon State University

This is an exciting time for Oregon and for Oregon’s 5th and 6th grade students as OSU Extension works in collaboration with schools, partners, and communities to launch the statewide Outdoor School program, building on a legacy that began in 1966.

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Washington State Tourism Marketing Plan

Tourism is Washington's fourth largest industry.  It provides more than 177,000 jobs, brings in more than $21 billion to our economy annually, and returns $2.50 to $20 in tax revenue for every $1 spent on tourism marketing.  The big-picture achievements we are trying to accomplish have been outlined by the Washington State Tourism Marketing Committee, composed of members of the WTA, state DMOs, the Washington State Department of Commerce, and the WSDMO and other interested stakehoders.  View the recently produced marketing plan designed to attract domestic and international visitors to our wonderful state of Washington.

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Big Tent Gathering in June Big Tent Gathering in June

Big Tent Gathering in June

Wenatchee

Outdoor recreation gathers: The Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition will have two upcoming festive gatherings that are scheduled for Wednesday, June 27 and Thursday June 28 in Wenatchee. We will will be holding our board retreat on June 28, and to maximize our time together we plan to meet for some fun the evening before as well as post retreat. Please join us if your schedule allows. These two events will be relaxed, no-host, and allow for us to spend some time together as we think about the future of outdoor recreation in Washington State. Please R.S.V.P. or for further info - or to say hello at info@bigtentcoalition.info.

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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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