WE BELIEVE
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Matters.
WELCOME TO THE BIG TENT
The Umbrella Organization for the voice of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State.

The mission  of the Big Tent  is to promote sustainable, diverse, equitable, and inclusive outdoor experiences in Washington state through advocacy and education.

What we do:  The Big Tent advocates for sustainable state funding for recreation and conservation lands as well as sustainable and equitable development and human interaction with those lands.

Vision:  The Big Tent envisions a Washington where elected leaders, businesses, nonprofits, and residents are working together to create a more inclusive and equitable outdoor experience for all. We want to find ways to use outdoor recreation to fuel economic activity and sustain healthy outcomes in our communities.

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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 ]

 

SPONSORS

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!

Are You In? R.S.V.P. Today for Rally Day! Are You In? R.S.V.P. Today for Rally Day!

Are You In? R.S.V.P. Today for Rally Day!

Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition Rally Day - February 3, 2016

Participate in raising the profile of the critical economic importance of the outdoor recreation economy in Washington State.  RSVP to enter the Big Tent where Governor Inslee, Jon Snyder and outdoor recreation industry leaders, legislators, outdoor enthusiasts and specialty retailers will gather just steps from the Legislature. Learn how to easy it is to participate!

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Jon Snyder Selected as First Outdoor Recreation Economic Policy Advisor to the Governor Jon Snyder Selected as First Outdoor Recreation Economic Policy Advisor to the Governor

Jon Snyder Selected as First Outdoor Recreation Economic Policy Advisor to the Governor

Washington's First Outdoor Recreation Economic Policy Advisor

Jon Snyder joined Governor Inslee's policy office on January 1, 2016 as the first ever person to hold this position in Washington State. He brings passion for the outdoors and almost a decade of experience as the owner and publisher of Out There Monthly magazine, an award-winning guide to outdoor recreation in the Inland Northwest. He's been an elected official in Spokane, and understands setting priorities and working together to achieve them. Jon's lived and worked on both sides of the state and will bring valuable perspective to the office.
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Outdoor Economics Fact Sheet Outdoor Economics Fact Sheet

Outdoor Economics Fact Sheet

Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State

Washington’s outdoor recreation is a driving force for the state’s economy, creating jobs and building rural businesses. It also is a way of life in the Pacific Northwest. Washingtonians Love to Be Outside. Washingtonians participate in outdoor recreation more than 445 million days each year, or on average, we spend 56 days a year recreating outdoors. Of all the places there are to go, local parks are the most visited. This report is the first comprehensive analysis of the recreation economy in Washington. It offers economic impact data by geography, by county, and by activity.

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Next Big Tent Coalition Meeting Next Big Tent Coalition Meeting

Next Big Tent Coalition Meeting

Thursday November 12, 2015

The next meeting of the Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition is scheduled for Thursday November 12, 2015, from 10am - 12noon at the Nature Conservancy in Seattle. Agenda highlights include formation of our advocacy committee, membership related policies and 2016 budget. For more information contact info@bigtentcoalition.info.

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An Impressive List of "Wins"

Blue Ribbon Task Force on Outdoor Recreation

Last interim, the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Outdoor Recreation put together a set of recommendations to the Legislature on outdoor recreation programs and State Parks funding. The attached chart shows all of the "wins" related to those recommendations, and it is pretty impressive list." 
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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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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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