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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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#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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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!

Colorado's $4.2 billion outdoor rec industry now has its own office and state director Colorado's $4.2 billion outdoor rec industry now has its own office and state director

Colorado's $4.2 billion outdoor rec industry now has its own office and state director

Denver Business Journal

Colorado now has an office and state director to represent its mulit-billion outdoor and recreation industry.
Gov. John Hickenlooper announced Monday that Luis Guillermo Benitez, a former Vail Resorts executive responsible for leadership development programming and curricula, has been appointed as director of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. The new office and position that will be housed in the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT).
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OIA Rendezvous Experience OIA Rendezvous Experience

OIA Rendezvous Experience

October 5-7, 2015 - Westin Seattle, WA

Register by June 30 and be entered to win an Eagle Creek Load Warrior Duffel 22. Rendezvous registration includes: Access to all educational keynotes and breakout sessions, official Rendezvous welcome reception and meals, participation in the Service Project by Timberland and (1) ticket to the Seattle Night Out at the EMP Museum (Experience Music Project).

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Big Tent Meeting Reminder Big Tent Meeting Reminder

Big Tent Meeting Reminder

Monday, June 8, 2015 at the Nature Conservancy

We wanted to send a quick reminder about the upcoming membership and board meeting this Monday, June 8th.  Read more for an updated agenda, and original meeting materials. 

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ESSB 5843 Signed! ESSB 5843 Signed!

ESSB 5843 Signed!

Tolmie State Park

Many of you attended a great event yesterday at Tolmie State Park for the Governor's signing of ESSB 5843 (outdoor recreation sector lead and No Child Left Inside revitalization). Thank you to everyone who could attend and to those who signed the paddles for Senators Ranker and Parlette - they LOVED them! Linked here are the pictures from the event.

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Big Tent Coalition Meeting Rescheduled for 6/8/2015 Big Tent Coalition Meeting Rescheduled for 6/8/2015

Big Tent Coalition Meeting Rescheduled for 6/8/2015

Location: The Nature Conservance

Due to the bill signing (SB 5843 - Great news!) we have cancelled/rescheduled the Big Tent meeting originally scheduled for 5/13.  The meeting is officially rescheduled for Monday June 8, 2015 at the Nature Conservancy in Seattle.  The membership meeting will begin at 10am and followed by the Board meeting around 11:45am. We will provide an updated agenda next week. Thank you so much for your understanding with regards to rescheduling this meeting. 
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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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