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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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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!

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Washington Will be the Second State In the Nation to Have a Top Policy Advisor on the Outdoors

Creating a Sector Lead for Outdoor Recreation

The Governor will sign the "Ranker/Parlette bill on outdoor recreation."  The new law will: (a) put a top policy advisor on outdoor recreation in the Governor's suite; and (b) revitalize the No Child Left Inside Program. The former provision is aimed at creating opportunities across government agencies (say, transportation, parks, health care, education) to maximize outdoor participation and investment. Once the position is funded (which we're told WILL happen), Washington will become the second state in the nation to have a top policy advisor on the outdoors. The second provision breathes life into a small grant program ($1M) aimed at giving kids from underprivileged backgrounds environmental education opportunities.

This is a big step forward for our industry.  To show our appreciation, it will be GREAT to have as many companies and NGOs represented as possible.  If you or someone on your team can attend, please let me know so I have a sense for how well we’ll be represented.  SEPARATELY, if you want your brand written on a memento we’ll be handing the Senate sponsors (Parlette and Ranker), I can make sure that happens.  THANKS!

Marc Berejka
Director - Government & Community Affairs | REI - Recreational Equipment, Inc.  | mberejk@rei.com  |  253-437-7991
“We inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship” 

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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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