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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 ]

 

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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!

Final Passage of ESSB 5843 - Now Heads to the Governor's Desk! Final Passage of ESSB 5843 - Now Heads to the Governor's Desk!

Final Passage of ESSB 5843 - Now Heads to the Governor's Desk!

Outdoor Recreation Bill

We have great news to share regarding the passage of a bill we at the Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition have been supporting.  The bill is Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5843 on outdoor recreation - and its on its way to the Governor's desk!

A day after the House insisted on its position on 5843, the Senate took a vote to concur with the House Amendments to the bill. The vote count from the Senate yesterday is below. What this means:


  • Creation of a new Outdoor Recreation senior policy adviser in the Governor's Office.  There will be performance metrics the outdoor job will have to strive for and report on;
  • Specific statutory eligibility language in the No Child Left Inside for programs that utilize veterans in their implementation or administration;
  • An earlier Senate amendment to require confirmation of the new senior policy adviser, is dropped out of the bill;
  • There is specific funding in the Senate's budget - $1M for the NCLI and $331K for the new outdoor recreation position - will still need to work to ensure that in the final budget.
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The Outdoors Summit The Outdoors Summit

The Outdoors Summit

From Colorado's backyards to the backcountry

Save the Date: June 11, 2015 - Denver CO.  Sponsored by Governor Hickenlooper, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, and Great Outdoors Colorado, The Outdoors Summit is an unprecedented gathering of national and state leaders, advocates and visionaries to launch new initiatives to protect, preserve and enhance Colorado’s great outdoors, and to close the widening gap between our youth and nature that threatens their future and the future of Colorado’s way of life and outdoor brand.

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Whatcom Recreation Economic Study Released by Recreation Northwest Whatcom Recreation Economic Study Released by Recreation Northwest

Whatcom Recreation Economic Study Released by Recreation Northwest

Outdoor Recreation Generates $705 Million in Annual Spending in Whatcom County

BELLINGHAM, WA, April 21, 2015—Recreation Northwest, Whatcom County, City of Bellingham, Port of Bellingham and Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism announce the findings of a groundbreaking new study: The Economic Contribution of Outdoor Recreation to Whatcom County, Washington.
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Klobuchar, Wyden Call On Administration To Conduct National Report Detailing Economic Benefits of Outdoor Economy

Washington D.C.

While the federal government currently collects certain data on the benefits of the outdoor economy, we lack clear and comprehensive data on its contributions to growth and job creation at the national level. In a letter to the Secretaries of the Departments of Commerce and the Interior, Klobuchar and Wyden urged the Administration to undertake a new nationwide study that will provide businesses and policymakers with the data they need to make informed decisions and ensure our outdoor economy continues to thrive.
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Earth Month Roundup 2015 Earth Month Roundup 2015

Earth Month Roundup 2015

EarthShare

The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 was the catalyst that helped jumpstart the modern environmental movement, inspiring citizens around the world to demonstrate their commitment to a healthy and sustainable world. Earth Day is just one day, but there are opportunities to get involved all month long, thanks to EarthShare member charities and affiliates.  Here’s our roundup of just some of the activities you can join this April. If you don’t see an opportunity in your area, enter your zip code into our volunteer widget to search for events, or visit Idealist.org. 

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House Budget a Step in the Right Direction House Budget a Step in the Right Direction

House Budget a Step in the Right Direction

Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, which brings together 280 businesses and non-profits, applauds the state House’s capital construction budget. The budget announced today includes $75 million in funding for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) and preserves the integrity of the program. The WWRP is the state’s premiere conservation and recreation program. It is the largest source of funding for local parks and trails and the only Washington state program that preserves farmland. WWRP funded projects have also done more to protect and restore Puget Sound than any other program.
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ESSB 5843 Has Passed Out of the Senate

Good Legislative News - Outdoor Recreation

We wanted to make sure you all knew that ESSB 5843, Sen. Ranker and Sen. Parlette's bill to create an outdoor recreation lead in the Governor's office and fund the No Child Left Inside program, passed out of the Senate with a vote of 46-3. Woohoo! The bill now moves to the House.

On the Floor, two amendments were added to the bill - one requiring that the outdoor recreation lead in the Governor's office be subject to Senate confirmation, and another further defining the roll of this sector lead. We'll make sure to let you know how the process goes as the bill advances through the House. 
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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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