Press - Big Tent Refresh

WE BELIEVE

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Matters.

WELCOME TO THE BIG TENT

The Umbrella Organization for the voice of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State.

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

What we do: The Big Tent advocates for sustainable state funding for recreation and conservation lands as well as sustainable and equitable development and human interaction with those lands.

Vision: The Big Tent envisions a Washington where elected leaders, businesses, nonprofits, and residents are working together to create a more inclusive and equitable outdoor experience for all. We want to find ways to use outdoor recreation to fuel economic activity and sustain healthy outcomes in our communities.

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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 ]

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!

Study Confirms State Parks Provide Significant Economic and Ecosystem Benefits

Washington State Parks

Sunday, September 27, 2015

A study initiated by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has confirmed that state parks remain a significant economic driver in Washington, with a total estimated contribution of $1.4 billion a year. According to the study, “Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation at Washington State Parks,” by Earth Economics of Tacoma, travel and consumer spending associated with state park visits generated an estimated $64 million in tax receipts to the state’s General Fund during the 2013-15 study period. During the study period, the park system generated six times the tax receipts State Parks was allocated in its budget to operate the system.

Hunting Works For America Expands Presence in Pacific Northwest with Washington Chapter

National Shooting Sports Foundation

Sunday, September 13, 2015

“Hunting in Washington has a $614 million ripple effect,” said Dolnack. “Hunters spend over $163 million on trip-related expenses, and over $156 million on hunting equipment. All that spending supports 5,600 jobs in Washington and translates into nearly $211 million in salaries and wages.”

WDFW Invites Public to Help Identify Conservation & Recreation Priorities

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

OLYMPIA – State fish and wildlife leaders are asking people to share their views on the values and priorities that should drive the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) over the next several years. The opportunity is part of WDFW’s new multi-year initiative, “Washington’s Wild Future: A Partnership for Fish and Wildlife,” which is an effort to strengthen the department’s relationships with communities, increase support for conservation and outdoor recreation, and help ensure WDFW programs and services meet the public’s needs. People can talk with WDFW managers at six regional forums in September and October. Comments will also be accepted through Oct. 31 on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/wildfuture/ and by email to WildFuture@dfw.wa.gov. People may also participate in the conversation through the WDFW Facebook page.

Innovation in the Windy City

NRPA - Samantha Bartram

Thursday, September 3, 2015

In today’s political and economic climate, creative tactics for retaining funding and growing revenue are essential items in the park and recreation professional’s toolbox. Comprehensively measuring and leveraging the economic impact of our facilities and programming goes beyond tallying the amount of taxes and fees collected in a given year — we must also consider how parks and recreation impacts the surrounding economy.

A Rising Tide for Outdoor Recreation

By Avery Stonich

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

When word got out that Luis Benitez, the new director of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, was coming to Angler’s Covey in Colorado Springs, people came out of the woodwork. More than 40 outdoor industry representatives packed the fly-fishing shop on August 12 to discuss issues facing outdoor recreation businesses in Colorado. The atmosphere in the room was electric—and hopeful.

“Because of him coming here, there was a lot of energy,” says David Leinweber, owner of Angler’s Covey, which has been operating in Colorado Springs since 1996. “He’s helping rally the troops.”

Administration Launches Every Kid in a Park Pass

Fourth Graders Can Now Obtain Pass that Grants Free Access to Federal Lands and Waters Nationwide for them and their Family

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

WASHINGTON – As part of President Obama’s commitment to protect our nation’s unique outdoor spaces and ensure that every American has the opportunity to visit and enjoy them, the Obama Administration today formally launched the new Every Kid in a Park program.

Western Wildfires: What, Where, Why and What Else

By Deborah Williams

Friday, August 21, 2015

As the Washington wildfires rage on, we’ve rounded up some incredible images and articles that help explain the magnitude of the current situation there and across the country, how we’ve gotten to this point, and what can be done to prevent such devastation from becoming a recurring theme each summer across the drought-ridden West.

Wildlife and Recreation Program: Restored and Funded!

WWRP Blog - July 9

Sunday, July 12, 2015

You made your voices heard, telling your elected officials that protecting our great outdoors matters to Washingtonians, and Olympia listened. Thanks to all of your hard work, last week the legislature passed a budget that restored WWRP and funded valuable conservation projects across our state that support recreation in our urban spaces and our great outdoors. We are thrilled to be able to share that the budget passed last week by our state legislature and signed by the Governor restored the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) and invested $55 million in the grant program. The Coalition is grateful for this bipartisan compromise which saved WWRP and ensured that our state continues to invest in our great outdoors.

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