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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!

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Governor's 2015-2017 Budget Proposal for State Parks

It will take a while for us to work through the details of the budget for State Parks. Here is what we know at this point:

 - The Operating budget for 2015-17 significantly increases the amount of General Fund that’s in our current budget.
 - The Capital budget is robust, funding most of the agency’s request (this is from bond sales).
 - Many agencies are receiving General Fund reductions, but State Parks is not among them.

In his summary message, the Governor specifically mentioned his interest in State Parks. Preliminary review shows the total new general tax support is below the level requested by the Commission to move toward a healthy, sustainable park system.  The Governor’s budget does reflect the value that he places on parks and is intended to help stabilize our funding, upgrade the condition of parks and invest in operating capacity with an increase in overall staffing.

We appreciate the Governor’s support.

The Capital budget meets the goals set out in our request. It supports facilities that generate revenues, helps address deferred maintenance and preserves natural and cultural resources, as well as helping us maintain facilities that are attractive to visitors.

Here’s an important thing to note:  In the face of steep financial challenges faced by the Governor and Legislature, Governor Inslee has agreed with our Commission that the park system cannot be fully self-supporting.

We will continue working to better understand the implications of the Governor’s budget, and we will keep you updated as we learn more. The full Commission will have a special meeting January 9, to review the budget proposal.  Please remember that the Governor’s budget is the first step in a long legislative budget process. Also be aware that if you are looking at budget figures on the OFM web site now,  these are not final numbers and will  be adjusted.

The good news in this proposal is that the Governor fully recognizes the value we provide to all Washingtonians and the great work you continue to do. I am committed to working with Commission, staff, partners, Governor and Legislature toward achieving a healthy, accessible and sustainable park system.

Thanks, everyone,

Don

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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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