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

Action Alert: Help Us Make History

The Mountaineers

Action Alert! This week could be historic for our public lands. Tomorrow, we have a unique opportunity to pass public land protections, including Wild Olympics. And on Wednesday, the House will vote on the Great American Outdoors Act, a major bipartisan bill to fund parks and public lands. Help us make history by taking a minute to contact your House representatives right now. Even if you’ve taken action before on these issues, we’re asking you to reach out again to help get these bills over the finish line.” https://secure.everyaction.com/HxhszfWD7kOzijEDH4zHXA2

Register for RCO's Fall Grant Applicant Webinar

Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition News

The Recreation and Conservation Office is kicking off the fall grant application round with a Webinar on August 10, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. You won’t want to miss it if you are thinking of applying for a grant!

The Webinar will give you information about grant programs, deadlines, requirements, changes for 2020, and how to apply for a grant. This Webinar will focus on the following grant programs with a November 1, 2020, due date:

  • Boating Facilities Program (BFP)
  • Firearms and Archery Range Recreation (FARR)
  • Nonhighway and Off-road Vehicle Activities (NOVA)
  • Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

Register for the Webinar Here

July 2020 Outdoor Rec Hotlist and Planning + Grant Opportunities

By Jon Snyder, Senior Policy Advisor to Gov. Jay Inslee

View Jon's comprehensive monthly round-up of interesting Washington state outdoor recreation news including coronavirus resources; May hotlist; outdoor business news; Governor news; hunting and fishing news; trails; grants and more.

Action Alert: Help Pass the Great American Outdoors Act

The Mountaineers

We're thrilled to report that the Senate passed the Great American Outdoors Act, a historic bipartisan bill to fund parks and public lands. This legislation includes major new funding to restore and maintain public lands, and finally ensures full and permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). In total, the bill means as much as $2.8 billion a year on public lands, outdoor recreation, maintenance and restoration, and new green spaces! However, the legislation still needs to taken up by the House of Representatives and passed, then ultimately be signed by the President to become law. To maintain the momentum, we need to ask our House Representatives to move quickly to pass the legislation and thank our senators for supporting this bill. Take action today!

NRPA Applauds Senate Passage of the GAOA, Tells House to Finish the Job

Under the Great American Outdoors Act, the Land and Water Conservation Fund will receive $900 million annually

Ashburn, Va. (June 17, 2020) — Today, the Senate voted to pass the Great American Outdoors Act. The legislation will finally fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the most important source of federal funding to create and develop local parks, trails, boat launches, sports fields and other recreation areas that enrich our communities.

Big Tent Coalition and Members Support Racial Justice

Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition News

Hello Friends,

The events of the last few weeks have helped to remind us that we, as the Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition, are committed to eliminating barriers that prevent all Washingtonians from enjoying the outdoors. There is no equal access to the outdoors without a just and equitable society. We stand with the Black community and support the fight for racial justice in our state and country. Please take a moment to read a selection of statements by Big Tent members:

[Webinar] Outdoor Recreation Now & Near Future

Visit with Jon Snyder, Outdoor Recreation and Economic Development Senior Policy Advisor

The Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition invites you to an interactive webinar with Jon Snyder, Governor Inslee’s outdoor recreation and economic development advisor, on Tuesday, June 9, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Please share widely - This hour-long visit with Jon will give you the opportunity to:

  • Hear what the state of outdoor recreation is in Washington.
  • What’s in store for the immediate future?
  • A chance to get your questions answered about outdoor recreation during the time of COVID-19.

Register and submit your questions in advance for Jon here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5262703962025706764

Recreation and Tourism Mapping to Support the Recovery

Hometown Washington

Washington Hometown, a recreation mapping and app company, is looking ahead to what we can do to support our community and the recreation and Hospitality industry as the “stay-home, stay-safe” restrictions begin to be loosened. We will be launching Re-Discover WA, a web map and apps for Apple and Android, that will help people find up-to-date information on open recreation opportunities and businesses. We anticipate that the reopening will be done in stages making access to complete and current information critically important. Initially, the rules will vary based on the type of recreation, the managing agency, the location, and even the specific facility as some high demand resources may remain off-limits while other less popular ones are opened.

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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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