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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 ]


 

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2021 Big Tent Legislative Agenda


Working in close collaboration with elected officials, opinion leaders, and community leaders in Washington State, with local governments, and with the business community and the public, the Big Tent will focus on raising the profile of outdoor recreation and the substantial economic, social, and health benefits that come with doing so.

Saturday is National Public Lands Day

Washington Trails Association

Saturday is National Public Lands Day, and this year it seems more important than ever to celebrate the outdoors. Our wild places and nearby green spaces have provided much needed solace during the coronavirus pandemic, and as a result, parks and trails are getting a lot more use. Now, it’s time to pay it back to our public lands by pitching in to pick up trash, protecting Icicle Canyon climbing areas, and speaking up for more outdoor recreation opportunities to meet increased demand. The smoke and wildfires of the past few weeks have weighed heavily on our hearts and minds. Hear about how wildfires and other effects of climate change are impacting the places we love - and what you can do to help - by attending a special conversation with Conrad Anker this Thursday. And with perhaps no place more affected by climate change than the Arctic, we also encourage you to learn more about our conservation imprint Braided River’s legacy of protecting this wild landscape through books and impact campaigns. -Betsy Robblee, Conservation and Advocacy Director

[Webinar] Outdoor Recreation Now & Near Future

Visit with Jon Snyder, Outdoor Recreation and Economic Development Senior Policy Advisor

The Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition invites you to an interactive webinar with Jon Snyder, Governor Inslee’s outdoor recreation and economic development advisor, on Tuesday, June 9, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Please share widely - This hour-long visit with Jon will give you the opportunity to:

  • Hear what the state of outdoor recreation is in Washington.
  • What’s in store for the immediate future?
  • A chance to get your questions answered about outdoor recreation during the time of COVID-19.

Register and submit your questions in advance for Jon here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5262703962025706764

President's Letter

Peter Schrappen, CAE

You know this paragraph by heart, “The possibility of a worldwide influenza pandemic in the near future is of growing concern for many countries around the globe. The World Bank estimates that a global influenza pandemic would cost the world economy $800 billion and kill tens-of-millions of people. Researchers at the CDC calculate that deaths in the United States could reach 207,000 and the initial cost to the economy could approach $166 billion, or roughly 1.5 percent of the GDP.” Yes, Peter, old news. As my twelve-year old would say, “Tell me something I don’t know.” By now, everyone knows about the devastation of COVID-19. What if I told you that above wording is from the 2007 report “Economic Effects of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic: Implications for a Modern-Day Pandemic” (LINK) and to pull it up would involved a straightforward “1918 flu economic impact” search?

A Message From the Board President

Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition News

Did you know that the outdoor recreation economy is larger than agricultural economy in the United States? It’s true. Just as importantly, outdoor recreation provides countless health, environmental and society benefits that are not as easy to measure. But wait, it gets better. As you know, the outdoor recreation voice is not a lone one in the woods. Thanks to a core group of volunteers with a shared vision and the support of REI, the collective outdoor recreation advocates are organized under the formal IRS structure and ar  shouting from the rooftops that outdoor fun is good for the mind, body, soul and wallet for the Evergreen State. Please take a look at this newsletter and think about getting more involved. (By “getting more involved”, I mean anything from writing a letter to the editor on behalf of the outdoors, to joining us for our advocacy day to something creative that’s on your mind. The skies the limit).

2020 Legislative Session Preparation - Call For Legislative Proposals

LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT REQUEST FORM

The Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition will take a position of support for legislative policy or funding proposals when there is consensus at the board level that the priority aligns with the mission and strategic goals of the Big Tent Coalition. The Coalition does not endorse candidates for elected or appointed office. To request an endorsement or action from the Big Tent on a relevant public policy issue, please submit the online form with any relevant attachments.

Big Tent Reception

March 14, 2019 - Olympia Yacht Club

Who should attend: Elected officials, legislative and agency staff, opinion leaders, community leaders, the business community and the public with interest in outdoor recreation and raising the profile of the substantial economic, social, and health benefits.  Tickets are complimentary if registered by March 8.  Donations appreciated.

Mind the Skills Gap

Big Tent President, Peter Schrappen, CAE

Malcom Dunston’s handshake is a bone-crusher. The strapping 19-year-old works full-time at CSR Marine in Ballard and has climbed the ranks of the boatyard since he was hired the same day he turned 18. “Last year, I started out and I cleaned boats and took out the trash, and now I paint bottoms of boats,” said Dunston. Proudly wearing his CRS white (okay, white with dirt and stray paint) coverall uniform with his name emblazoned on it, Dunston sat down recently to talk about his background, his current position and his long-term plans. “Some of my friends were in jail for murder, and some were in college playing sports. I’m not sure where I was going to go after high school, but the CSR job meant that I have a way to build upon something I love to do, which is to work with my hands and to hopefully make a lot of money doing it,” he said.

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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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