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.

#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

WASHINGTON INITIATIVE 1631 – THE PROTECT WASHINGTON ACT

Outdoor Industry Association News

Washington Initiative 1631 (I-1631), the Protect Washington Act, aims to transition the Washington economy to a renewable energy future that invests in and supports clean energy, the outdoors, and local communities and economies across the state by implementing a carbon fee on some of the state’s biggest polluters. It would invest directly in healthy forests and waters across the state as a means for carbon sequestration and to build resiliency in outdoor places to impacts of climate change like wildfires, flooding, and drought. The inclusion of I-1631 on the ballot this November follows a multi-year effort to implement a carbon fee in Washington state, which included a ballot initiative that failed in 2016 and OIA-supported legislation that did not progress this past session. I-1631 is the most united the effort has been in supporting a carbon fee measure and has the backing of a wide range of businesses, business groups, local communities and community groups, NGOs, nonprofits, and others.

Washington State Tourism Marketing Plan

Tourism is Washington's fourth largest industry.  It provides more than 177,000 jobs, brings in more than $21 billion to our economy annually, and returns $2.50 to $20 in tax revenue for every $1 spent on tourism marketing.  The big-picture achievements we are trying to accomplish have been outlined by the Washington State Tourism Marketing Committee, composed of members of the WTA, state DMOs, the Washington State Department of Commerce, and the WSDMO and other interested stakehoders.  View the recently produced marketing plan designed to attract domestic and international visitors to our wonderful state of Washington.

Recreational Immunity Statute Stands

Good News

Good news for the operation of facilities used by the public for outdoor recreation. A Washington court has unanimously found in favor of Pierce County in the Lockner vs. Pierce County case regarding whether Pierce County was covered by the state’s recreational immunity statute when a cyclist was injured on the Foothills Trails. View the opinion

New Economic Data for all 435 Congressional Districts

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA)

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) today released congressional-level Outdoor Recreation Economy reports for all 435 congressional districts. These reports are the first of their kind that captures the power of a vast, multi-billion dollar economic engine in our local communities and across the nation. From Alabama’s 1st Congressional District to Wyoming’s At-large District, these reports show that from rural towns to the most densely populated cities, outdoor recreation is a vital economic force that not only creates billions in spending and millions of good-paying American jobs, but also creates healthier communities, healthier economies and healthier people.

Big wins for people who bike as the 2018 legislative session adjourns

Washington Bikes

Washington Bikes laid out an ambitious legislative agenda at the end of 2017 and we are thrilled to share we experienced success in every category. What this means is: More funding for trails and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, leading to more connected and safe spaces for people who bike. An update to e-bike laws ensuring that there is clarity around this exciting new technology while breaking down bicycling barriers for new and different types of riders. Lastly, further understanding what bicycling can mean to the local economies of Washington state’s trail communities.

13 Huge Wins for Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor Industry Association

“Three years ago, there was one office; two years ago, there were three offices; and now there are eight offices and a few operating commissions,” says Cailin O’Brien-Feeney, the Outdoor Industry Association’s state and local policy manager. “We’ll see a few more happen this year.” By serving as a leader for interest groups and growing local outdoor recreation economies, state offices of outdoor recreation are turning heads in the industry and beyond.

RCO 2018 Legislative Report

Recreation & Conservation Office

All in all, it was a successful session for RCO, especially with the ALEA funding increase. Very soon we will turn our attention to planning for 2019 with budget requests and maybe a bill or two. Thanks to you all who helped with legislative information requests, bill analysis, Outdoor Recreation Caucus meetings, and legislative meetings. I appreciate it so much and couldn’t do it without you! Here is a summary of budgets and bills related to RCO:
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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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