WELCOME TO
THE BIG TENT FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION
Image Alt Text

The mission  of the Big Tent  is to promote sustainable, diverse, equitable, and inclusive outdoor experiences in Washington state through advocacy and education.

#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

Today the Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law

BREAKING NEWS

The Great American Outdoors Act ends a history of underfunding the Land and Water Conservation Fund and not addressing the maintenance backlog on federal public lands - efforts that have been attempted in the past and have been unable to move through the legislative process. It provides $9.5 billion to address that backlog, and $900 million annually for the LWCF.

 

 

Outdoor Recreation Generates Big Money in Washington

Recreation and Conservation Office

OLYMPIA–People spend $26.5 billion annually in Washington to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity, according to a report released July 30. The report, Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State, found that residents and tourists spend $18.8 billion annually on outdoor recreation trips, including trips to local, state and national parks. In addition, they spend $7.7 billion annually on outdoor recreation gear, equipment and repair services. As that spending reverberates through Washington’s economy, outdoor recreation spending supports $40.3 billion in total economic activity, supporting 264,000 jobs or
6 percent of all jobs in Washington. This places outdoor recreation on par with Washington’s aerospace industry, which reported 237,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2017.

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:

RSS
First678911131415Last

Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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