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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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2025 Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition Weekly Policy Calls

January 17 - end of session
Fridays 12:00 p.m. - 12:15 p.m.
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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 ]

 

SPONSORS

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!

WWRP Bill Passes Legislature WWRP Bill Passes Legislature

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.
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Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition May Board Meeting Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition May Board Meeting

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

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.
 

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Your State Parks Your State Parks

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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Governor, Former Sounders Keeper, Mountaineering Legend, Lawmakers Highlight “Big Tent” Rally Day to Showcase Economic Power of Outdoor Recreation Governor, Former Sounders Keeper, Mountaineering Legend, Lawmakers Highlight “Big Tent” Rally Day to Showcase Economic Power of Outdoor Recreation

Governor, Former Sounders Keeper, Mountaineering Legend, Lawmakers Highlight “Big Tent” Rally Day to Showcase Economic Power of Outdoor Recreation

Big Tent Rally Day - Wednesday, February 3, 10am - 2pm

OLYMPIA – Governor Jay Inslee, mountaineering legend Jim Whittaker, former Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann, and State Senators Andy Hill (R-Redmond) and Kevin Ranker (D-Orcas Island) along with State Representative Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island) will headline a rally of outdoor recreation businesses, vendors, non-profit groups, and local and state agencies on Wednesday, Feb. 3.  The rally will spotlight Washington’s outdoor recreation sector that generates $22 billion  in revenue and nearly 200,000 direct jobs throughout urban and rural Washington.

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Are You In? R.S.V.P. Today for Rally Day! Are You In? R.S.V.P. Today for Rally Day!

Are You In? R.S.V.P. Today for Rally Day!

Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition Rally Day - February 3, 2016

Participate in raising the profile of the critical economic importance of the outdoor recreation economy in Washington State.  RSVP to enter the Big Tent where Governor Inslee, Jon Snyder and outdoor recreation industry leaders, legislators, outdoor enthusiasts and specialty retailers will gather just steps from the Legislature. Learn how to easy it is to participate!

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Jon Snyder Selected as First Outdoor Recreation Economic Policy Advisor to the Governor Jon Snyder Selected as First Outdoor Recreation Economic Policy Advisor to the Governor

Jon Snyder Selected as First Outdoor Recreation Economic Policy Advisor to the Governor

Washington's First Outdoor Recreation Economic Policy Advisor

Jon Snyder joined Governor Inslee's policy office on January 1, 2016 as the first ever person to hold this position in Washington State. He brings passion for the outdoors and almost a decade of experience as the owner and publisher of Out There Monthly magazine, an award-winning guide to outdoor recreation in the Inland Northwest. He's been an elected official in Spokane, and understands setting priorities and working together to achieve them. Jon's lived and worked on both sides of the state and will bring valuable perspective to the office.
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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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