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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!

State Parks Director Don Hoch Receives National Distinguished Service Award State Parks Director Don Hoch Receives National Distinguished Service Award

State Parks Director Don Hoch Receives National Distinguished Service Award

Washington State Parks

OLYMPIA –Sept. 19, 2017– Washington State Parks Director Don Hoch has been awarded the National Association of State Parks Directors’ (NASPD) top award for 2017—the Distinguished Service Award. The honor was presented at the association’s 2017 annual meeting in Missoula on Sept. 7.
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How to Improve Outdoor Recreation In Washington State

The William D. Ruckelshaus Center

Public land management agencies in Washington State are working with Washington State University to identify opportunities to simplify the State’s recreation pass and permit system, help increase access to our public outdoor recreation lands, and find ways to ensure our public lands are adequately funded. To understand these issues, Washington State University is conducting a survey of Washington residents to understand your outdoor recreation activities on public lands, and your perspectives on the current pass and permit system and funding of public lands. Your responses to this brief survey (approximately 10-15 minutes) will remain confidential and help us develop informed recommendations on how to improve our state’s recreation pass and permit system. If you have any issues accessing or completing the survey, please contact Season Hoard, the survey coordinator, at (509) 335-4093 or hoardsa@wsu.edu.
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State Seeks Comment on Outdoor Recreation Plan

RECREATION AND CONSERVATION OFFICE

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board wants to know what you think the priorities should be for outdoor recreation.  The board has a draft statewide recreation and conservation plan that is meant to be a guide for decision-makers when they prioritize recreation and conservation efforts for the next 5 years.
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Outdoor Recreation Economy Continues to Grow in Washington Outdoor Recreation Economy Continues to Grow in Washington

Outdoor Recreation Economy Continues to Grow in Washington

WA Governor's Office

National trade association calculates $26.2 billion in statewide annual economic report.  Washington's natural splendor plays a major role in its economy, generating an annual $7.6 billion in wages and salaries and $2.3 billion in state and local tax revenue through outdoor recreation, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. 
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Simplicity, Consistency, and Equity in Recreation Fee Systems in Washington Mid-Project Update

The William Ruckelshaus Center

Nearly 40% of the state is primarily managed by nine agencies.  In recent decades, these agencies have instituted various user-based fees.  Currently more than 20 unique recreation passes and permits are available in Washington.  The myriad of pass permutations results in public land users who are uncertain about what pass is needed where, when and why.  View the mid-project report to learn status of how these challenges are being addressed.
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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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