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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!

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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Visit State Parks for a "Free Day" March 19 Visit State Parks for a "Free Day" March 19

Visit State Parks for a "Free Day" March 19

Washington State Parks

Washington State Parks turns 102 years old on Thursday, March 19, and visitors are invited to help celebrate by getting out to enjoy a state park for free that day.

With the 2015 spring and summer seasons just around the corner, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission reminds the public that there are recreation opportunities available in more than 100 parks, trails and recreation sites all over the state. March 19 is the third of 12 State Parks “free days” in 2015, when visitors are not required to display the Discover Pass to visit a park.
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Rally Day Follow Up Rally Day Follow Up

Rally Day Follow Up

Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition

We wanted to thank all of you who helped make the Big Tent Rally Day a success. From the 22 organizations that had booths, to the Friends of State Parks groups that helped staff the hospitality room, and to those who helped craft the press release and organize the noon-hour, thank you all for your help and participation. We had a lot of great feedback.

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State Senators, Representatives Highlight the Importance of Outdoor Recreation Economy

Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition

Olympia, WA - The Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition, a 501 (c)(6) umbrella organization made up of several dozen individual organizations and state natural resource agencies, will be in the State Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 24, for its third Annual Rally Day to highlight the importance of outdoor recreation to our state.  The Rally Day will include a press event featuring legislative leaders speaking about the economic impact of outdoor recreation and its role in the state budget process.

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Guest: Our state parks are heavily used but underfunded

Seattle Times - Published January 27, 2015

State parks get 33 million visitors a year, yet funding cuts have them operating with “bailing wire and duct tape,” write guest columnists John R. Floberg, Mark O. Brown and Jim van Loben Sels.

STATE parks need everyone’s support this legislative session. Years of underfunding and layoffs have left the state with one of the most awesome park systems in the country that is held together, as Gov. Jay Inslee says, “by bailing wire and duct tape.” The equivalent of 200 positions out of 595 at state parks were lost in the recession, and the condition and hours of operation for park facilities have continued to decline. 
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Washington State Parks - Legislative Update

By Daniel Farber, Policy and Governmental Affairs Director

The legislative session is of course off and running and a number of State Parks-related bills are already being considered.  See the links below for a summary of the most significant bills and the basic analysis of each bill by State Parks staff.  You can read any of the bills by going to http://app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/ and typing in the bill number in the block provided.  If you have any questions or comments on the bills, feel free to contact me at any time and I’ll be happy to provide you whatever information I can and hear any thoughts you have about each bill.

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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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