WELCOME TO
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!

Congress must lead to preserve recreation and conservation program Congress must lead to preserve recreation and conservation program

Congress must lead to preserve recreation and conservation program

By Norm Dicks, Special to the Times

TIME is running out for America’s premier conservation and outdoor recreation program. There are fewer than 100 days until the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) expires after 50 years of strong bipartisan support. This wonderful federal program works to secure our natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, and helps open our public lands for outdoor recreation.
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State Parks Outdoor Expo State Parks Outdoor Expo

State Parks Outdoor Expo

June 27, 2015 - At the Capitol, Olympia WA

Second Annual Get Outdoors Adventure Awaits Expo!  Please Join us June 27 from 11:00am-3:30pm for the 2nd annual Outdoor Expo on the oval lawn at the Capitol in Olympia. Free, family-friendly fun including games, giveaways, outdoor gear demonstrations, mascots, live music, food trucks and more!
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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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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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