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.

#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

We Represent Outdoor Recreation

Information about National Efforts in Outdoor Recreation

Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition News

We wanted to make you aware of two bills working its way through the federal process that directly relate to our mission - The first is intended to increase access to outdoor recreation. The second would require the Secretary of Commerce to conduct an assessment and analysis of outdoor recreation to the nation's economy. 

State Shifts Spending Focus From Park Buying To Park Fixing

Kitsap Sun

The state's largest fund for parks and conservation areas is being reshaped to put more money into fixing up existing parks and less money into buying new ones.

A bill passed by the Legislature last week offers several concessions to critics of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, which distributes tens of millions of dollars to purchase and improve public lands for outdoor recreation, habitat conservation and farming.

Recreation Business Activities Could be Coming to Local State Parks

KXRO.com

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has announced three public meeting workshops, including one in Grays Harbor, relating to the establishment of Recreation Business Activity (RBA) zones in state parks.

Recreation Business Activity zones are areas for potential development of park visitor amenities such as cabins or food service, by private business or other outside entities.

Washington State Parks says the purpose of the zones is not to privatize the park system, but rather to provide park visitor amenities that are beyond State Parks’ financial capacity, while generating lease revenue to help operate the park system.

National Get Outdoors Day - Saturday June 11, 2016

Washington Parks Foundation

Your organization is invited to Washington's third annual Get Outdoors Adventure Awaits Expo! The cost is free to all participants. This year's event on Saturday, June 11 promises to be even bigger than last year with lots more options for recreation and outdoor activities for everyone. Come celebrate National Get Outdoors Day at beautiful Millersylvania State Park just outside of Olympia.

WWRP Bill Passes Legislature

Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition

On March 8th, the Senate voted to concur on the House amendments to SSB 6227 by a 45-2 vote. At a moment when much of the buzz in Olympia is focused on bipartisan conflict, a bill modernizing a successful 25-year old program has received remarkable bipartisan and bicameral support. The Senate’s decision clears the way for the bill to be signed into law by the Governor later this month. Once the paperwork is completed, it will be transmitted to the Governor, where he will have up to 20 days to take action.

Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition May Board Meeting

Save the Date: May 23, 2016

Announcing the next meeting of the Big Tent board will be 10 am - 12 pm, Monday May 23, 2016 at REI headquarters in Kent.  Members and guests welcome, however due to facility security measures rsvp is required in advance for entry.  RSVP to info@bigtentcoalition.info by May 18, 2016 so that your attendance can be confirmed.

Washington Legislative Sportsmen's Fish-In & Annual Shootout at Littlerock Events

Monday, February 15, & Tuesday February 23, 2016

The truth is we had decided to do a fish-in instead of a shootout this year. We thought it might be easier during the short 60 day session. The shootout was so popular among legislators and staff that we had to add it back in so now we are doing both! 

Today, Monday, is President Day and kids are out of school and many come to the Olympia campus. Have we got a treat for them! Troutlodge is bringing a portable pool and 400 fish. Plenty of rods and wonderful volunteers will be helping.
 

Your State Parks

Washington State Park Foundation

Because of your support, the Washington State Parks Foundation is able to share your love for parks in countless ways. See our two minute video that shows some of the ways and how to get involved, from Executive Director John Floberg.

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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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