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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.

#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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Inslee press conference on COVID-19 Monday in Olympia

Gov. Jay Inslee will address media Monday via streaming video and telephone to provide an update on the state's COVID-19 response. The governor will be joined by Hilary Franz, commissioner of public lands, Kelly Susewind, director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Don Hoch, director of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. Monday, April 27 2:30 PM - Press conference on COVID-19. The press conference will be livestreamed by TVW.  PROCLAMATION: ADJUSTING STAY HOME -STAY HEALTHY

Conference is in regards to:

  • Recreational hunting, fishing, and boating
  • Outdoor exercise, including hiking, running, walking and biking
  • Golfing
  • Day use activities on public parks and public lands

Why States are Prioritizing Recreation as the New Economy

Mountain Flyer: The Mountain Bike Journal

Outdoor recreation is increasingly viewed as a viable industry for jobs and economic growth. According to a Bureau of Economic Analysis study released in September 2019, the U.S. outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2.2 percent ($427.2 billion) of current-dollar gross domestic product in 2017. Inflation-adjusted GDP for the outdoor recreation economy grew by 3.9 percent in that year, faster than the 2.4 percent growth of the overall U.S. economy. Many citizens, business owners and state leaders are creating working groups, nonprofits and state departments to champion this emerging industry, including 14 states with established, formal offices and two with governor-charged task forces. Over the following pages, representatives from three states discuss why and how they’re supporting this fast-growing economy.

Outdoor Research promises 200,000 masks a day by June

SNEWS - Andrew Weaver

Outdoor Research has pledged to start producing masks for medical workers at a substantial clip—200,000 a day by June, according to an announcement the company made Monday. To do so, the gear and apparel brand will convert its Seattle factory to comply with FDA Class II guidelines, meaning it will be able to produce surgical masks and the much-needed N95 masks, in short supply across the nation, for workers on the front lines of the pandemic.

SUPERFEET TO PRODUCE VITAL MEDICAL SUPPLIES FOR COVID-19 RESPONSE

Superfeet

It took less than a week for Superfeet employee-owners to mobilize their product development and operations departments to pivot from insole production to making life-saving equipment using their Ferndale 3D printing and manufacturing facilities. Approximately 30,000 of these PPE masks will be produced and distributed to hospitals in the Pacific Northwest immediately.

Important information on Grant program changes with the Recreation and Conservation Office

RCO

Dear Recreation, Conservation and Salmon Recovery Partners: First and foremost, we hope you and your family and friends are safe and doing well in these uncertain times.  At RCO, staff made the transition to working from home and are fully operational and ready to continue our role as an exemplary partner, helping to recover salmon and protect habitats and develop special places to play. Grant Project Applications: We are operating in difficult times and we realize that our potential grant applicants may need more time and understanding in completing our grant application process. I would like to take a moment to update you on how we are preparing for, and changing, our grants cycle in light of COVID-19.

Washington state parks and wildlife areas to close following governor’s order

Washington State Parks

OLYMPIA – March 24, 2020 – Today, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced the temporary closure of all state-managed parks, wildlife areas and water access areas for at least two weeks starting Wednesday, March 25. The closure is in response to Gov. Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order issued yesterday. Entrance gates and facilities will be closed, and on-site public services will be suspended. Essential staff will be present to preserve and protect resources. Camping and other overnight accommodations on state-managed recreation lands will remain closed through April 30. The public can find the latest information about State Parks and WDFW operations at: Parks: parks.state.wa.us/COVID19. WDFW: wdfw.wa.gov/about/covid-19-updates. State land officials and staff appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation in this unprecedented time.

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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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