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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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Puget Sound cleanup survives Trump attempt to kill it

The Seattle PI

Puget Sound gets $28 million as part of $8.08 billion in funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Trump administration had wanted to slash EPA's budget to $5.7 billion, in real dollars its lowest spending in 40 years.

Big wins for people who bike as the 2018 legislative session adjourns

Washington Bikes

Washington Bikes laid out an ambitious legislative agenda at the end of 2017 and we are thrilled to share we experienced success in every category. What this means is: More funding for trails and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, leading to more connected and safe spaces for people who bike. An update to e-bike laws ensuring that there is clarity around this exciting new technology while breaking down bicycling barriers for new and different types of riders. Lastly, further understanding what bicycling can mean to the local economies of Washington state’s trail communities.

13 Huge Wins for Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor Industry Association

“Three years ago, there was one office; two years ago, there were three offices; and now there are eight offices and a few operating commissions,” says Cailin O’Brien-Feeney, the Outdoor Industry Association’s state and local policy manager. “We’ll see a few more happen this year.” By serving as a leader for interest groups and growing local outdoor recreation economies, state offices of outdoor recreation are turning heads in the industry and beyond.

WRPA 2018 Legislative Report

Washington Recreation & Park Association

For WRPA, the 2018 Session ended on a high, most notably with the final-week passage of the Fiscal Year 2018 Supplemental Capital Budget (ESSB 6095). The House approved it last Tuesday on a 96-2 vote, and the Senate made it their last Floor action of the Session, approving it 49-0. It includes a historic level of funding for the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Act (ALEA) and an important outdoor recreation proviso.

Proposed Changes to Road-Based Commerical Tour Requirements and Fees

US Small Business Administration

On March 12, 2018 the Office of Advocacy (Advocacy) filed a comment letter urging NPS to consider the impacts to small businesses in preparing its final fee rates and to consider cost-saving alternatives for small business. The proposed fee increase will have a detrimental effect on small business.

RCO 2018 Legislative Report

Recreation & Conservation Office

All in all, it was a successful session for RCO, especially with the ALEA funding increase. Very soon we will turn our attention to planning for 2019 with budget requests and maybe a bill or two. Thanks to you all who helped with legislative information requests, bill analysis, Outdoor Recreation Caucus meetings, and legislative meetings. I appreciate it so much and couldn’t do it without you! Here is a summary of budgets and bills related to RCO:
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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

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