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 ]

 

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!

Governor, Lands Commissioner, Lawmakers & Outdoor Recreation Leaders from Washington and Colorado Governor, Lands Commissioner, Lawmakers & Outdoor Recreation Leaders from Washington and Colorado

Governor, Lands Commissioner, Lawmakers & Outdoor Recreation Leaders from Washington and Colorado

Big Tent Rally Day - Feb 15, 2017

(OLYMPIA) -- Governor Jay Inslee, newly elected Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz, leaders on Washington’s and Colorado's outdoor recreation policy, and Washington State Legislators will join over 60 organizations that have a deep passion for the outdoors in celebrating the 5th Annual Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Rally Day.  Festivities take place midday February 15th on the State Capitol grounds. 
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Big Tent Outdoor Coalition Rally Day Big Tent Outdoor Coalition Rally Day

Big Tent Outdoor Coalition Rally Day

Wednesday, February 15, 2017: Advance Registration Recommended (free entry)

Join the Big Tent Coalition on the grounds of the capitol as we bring awareness to the critical economic importance of the outdoor recreation economy in Washington State.

AGENDA
10:00am - Registration and Big Tent Displays Open
11:00am-1:00pm - Legislative & Industry Presenters
(Hear from those shaping the future of the Washington State Outdoor Recreation Industry.)
2:00pm - Big Tent Closes

Lunch and refreshments will be served throughout the event. Grab a cup of Ivar's Chowder, coffee. snacks or hot chocolate and explore the displays of over 30 outdoor recreation organizations. This event is FREE and open to industry partners and the public. Please register so that you have a pre-printed name badge and quick access to the event and to join the Big Tent information list to receive updates and news from our coalition.  

Register Here
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Big Tent Board Meeting Big Tent Board Meeting

Big Tent Board Meeting

Monday, May 23, 2016 - REI Headquarters in Kent

Just a quick reminder that our next board meeting is scheduled for 10am-12noon on Monday May 23, 2016 at REI headquarters in Kent.  Board meetings are open to the membership, however, due to facility security protocol at REI, if you plan to attend this meeting we require your RSVP to Doug Levy at levy4@msn.com and Brit Kramer at info@bigtentcoalition.info by May 19, 2016 in order to ensure facility access for you.  The most up to date information about the Big Tent board and meeting schedule can be found on our website board page. 

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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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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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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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