The agency has adopted 10 landscape-level recreation plans, but it does not have an overarching document
Randy Bracht
The Center Square Washington
The Washington Department of Natural Resources is seeking input in developing a statewide recreation plan that sets priorities for management and outdoor access to 5 million acres of public lands, including aquatic properties.
The agency has adopted 10 landscape-level recreation plans, but it does not have an overarching document. Officials say visits to DNR-owned and managed properties jumped 21% from 2019 to 2020 and that trend is expected to continue. Consequently, the agency says a “statewide road map” is needed to guide future planning and ensure natural, cultural and tribal resources are protected while offering “high-quality, accessible recreation opportunities” in the future.
This year, DNR began an overview process with tribes, state trust-land beneficiaries, recreation groups, other stakeholders and the public in developing an “Outdoor Access and Responsible Recreation Strategic Plan.”
The agency will host public engagement meetings over the next two months. In-person sessions are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 18 in Ellensburg and Jan. 23 in Lacey. Virtual meetings via Zoom are slated from 1-3:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 and 6-8:30 p.m. on Feb. 6.
The sessions are open to the public, but space may be limited and prospective participants are asked to respond to the agency to receive meeting information. The activities will be facilitated by Triangle Associates, an independent third-party firm hired by DNR to develop the plan. An initial draft will be issued and more comment will be accepted, with a final plan targeted for release by the end of 2024.
“A key part of this work will be to articulate what responsible and sustainable use of DNR-managed lands looks like for generations to come, and to ensure that all outdoor users understand and practice conservation and responsible use,” the agency says on its website. “The final strategic plan will be used to guide and support legislative and budget requests over the next ten years and set agency priorities for recreation management.”
All told, DNR manages 3 million acres of state trust lands, 2 million acres of state-owned aquatic lands, and 97 natural areas covering nearly 170,000 acres. The lands include 1,300 miles of designated trails and more than 160 recreation sites, including 80 campgrounds.
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- Leslie Lewallen stays and fights for Washington as director of Future 42 Clark County
Former Camas City Councilor Leslie Lewallen is leading the Clark County chapter of Future 42, a new organization focused on policy advocacy, accountability, and engaging persuadable voters at the local and state level. - Opinion: ‘Seeking might over right destroys representative government’
Retired judge Dave Larson argues that prioritizing political power over constitutional principles has undermined representative government and calls for renewed civic responsibility. - Letter: ‘Immigration’ resolution scheduled for this Wednesday at Clark County Council Meeting
Rob Anderson urges residents to closely watch an upcoming Clark County Council meeting where an immigration-related resolution and proposed rule changes are expected to be discussed. - Opinion: The 1700-square-foot solution to Washington’s housing crisis
An opinion column arguing that Washington’s energy code has driven up housing costs and outlining how HB 2486 aims to limit those impacts for smaller, more affordable homes. - Rep. John Ley’s new bill calls for an independent audit of Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project
Rep. John Ley introduced legislation requiring an independent audit of the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project to review costs, management, and oversight. - Letter: Public school vision
Clark County resident Larry Roe urges a deeper community discussion about public school priorities, levy funding, and the long-term affordability of education for local families. - County Charter Review Commission sets meeting schedule, selects officers
The Clark County Charter Review Commission set a weekly meeting schedule beginning Feb. 4 and selected officers as it begins its review of the county charter.
