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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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2025 Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition Weekly Policy Calls

January 17 - end of session
Fridays 12:00 p.m. - 12:15 p.m.
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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
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State Parks Director Don Hoch Receives National Distinguished Service Award

Washington State Parks

The National Association of State Park Directors each year recognizes outstanding contributions and support to state parks and state park systems across the U.S., said Domonic Bravo, NASPD president.

“It is great to recognize the amazing professionals who give of themselves to America’s state parks,” Bravo said. “We’re pleased and proud for Don and feel that this national award is very well-deserved,” said Mark Brown, Chair of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. “Under Don’s leadership, Washington State Parks has made a dramatic turnaround in the face of incredible challenges over the past few years. Don inherited a park system in crisis, as a result of a deep recession and an abrupt financing shift that reduced public tax support. Through Don’s leadership, the agency made tough decisions and took fast action to keep the park system together. Don’s emphasis on collaboration and creativity have led to revenue programs and business approaches that are bringing the agency success and continual improvements. Staff morale is rising, and the agency and Commission are confident about the future of the park system.”

Hoch came to Washington State Parks in 2004 to serve in the role of Puget Sound Region Director. The Commission hired him as director in 2010. Hoch has more than 40 years in the parks and recreation field, from city, county, state and federal, to private sector experience. His work has taken him to nine states across the country, with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, the Georgia State Park System and Bibb County, Georgia, to name a few. He has worked in areas of resource management, law enforcement, recreation and sports and park management.

He has received several leadership and community awards, including the Georgia State Park Superintendent of the Year; the Historic Heartland Travel Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award; the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association’s Outdoor Section and Aquatics Section Distinguished Professional awards; American Cancer Society Circle of Friends Award and the Georgia Friend of 4-H Award. Among the director’s accomplishments, Hoch spearheaded the creation of the first Special Olympics Sailing Center in Georgia and the created several first-ever professional and televised events for mountain biking and personal watercraft racing. During the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Hoch developed and operated an international youth sports camp where participants were able to attend Olympic events and meet Olympians. In Washington, Don developed the NASPD Annual Capital Campout event, which has occurred the past four years, and he initiated the popular “First Day Hikes” event held every New Year’s Day in many Washington state parks. He was instrumental in securing the “No Child Left Inside” youth engagement grant program in Washington State.

Hoch’s leadership style is collaborative, and he encourages partnerships that benefit the public and add value for visitors. Under his leadership, State Parks is part of a successful co-management agreement with a quasi-governmental organization to preserve and provide greater use and access at iconic Fort Worden Historic State Park; Parks entered a lease agreement with a private real estate developer to improve the Seminary Building and park grounds at Saint Edward Historic State Park; and the agency also is continuing a unique co-ownership relationship with the Swinomish Tribe at Kukutali Preserve—unique northern Puget Sound island with rare ecological features available for public education and enjoyment.
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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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