The Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition will take a position of support for legislative policy or funding proposals when there is consensus at the board level that the priority aligns with the mission and strategic goals of the Big Tent Coalition. The Coalition does not endorse candidates for elected or appointed office. To request an endorsement or action from the Big Tent on a relevant public policy issue, please submit the online form with any relevant attachments.

Who should attend: Elected officials, legislative and agency staff, opinion leaders, community leaders, the business community and the public with interest in outdoor recreation and raising the profile of the substantial economic, social, and health benefits.  Tickets are complimentary if registered by March 8.  Donations appreciated.

Malcom Dunston’s handshake is a bone-crusher. The strapping 19-year-old works full-time at CSR Marine in Ballard and has climbed the ranks of the boatyard since he was hired the same day he turned 18. “Last year, I started out and I cleaned boats and took out the trash, and now I paint bottoms of boats,” said Dunston. Proudly wearing his CRS white (okay, white with dirt and stray paint) coverall uniform with his name emblazoned on it, Dunston sat down recently to talk about his background, his current position and his long-term plans. “Some of my friends were in jail for murder, and some were in college playing sports. I’m not sure where I was going to go after high school, but the CSR job meant that I have a way to build upon something I love to do, which is to work with my hands and to hopefully make a lot of money doing it,” he said.

Hello to all Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition members! Thank you for your participation to-date in the Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition! In a short amount of time, your organization has had tremendous results and we are just getting started. As we look ahead to 2019, the Coalition’s priorities are in place and we are ready for the Legislature to get back in session on January 14. You can bet that our board members will be there throughout the intricacies of their budget process, popping our head up from time to time to remind them of our $20 billion sector.

Outdoor recreation gathers: The Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition will have two upcoming festive gatherings that are scheduled for Wednesday, June 27 and Thursday June 28 in Wenatchee. We will will be holding our board retreat on June 28, and to maximize our time together we plan to meet for some fun the evening before as well as post retreat. Please join us if your schedule allows. These two events will be relaxed, no-host, and allow for us to spend some time together as we think about the future of outdoor recreation in Washington State. Please R.S.V.P. or for further info - or to say hello at info@bigtentcoalition.info.

• 7-9 p.m., Wednesday, June 27, Wenatchee Valley Brewing Company, at the Pybus Market, 7 North Worthen, Wenatchee.
• 3 - 5 p.m. Thursday, June 28, Rivertop Bar & Grill, on the 9th floor of the Coast Hotel.