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OLYMPIA – Updated rules guiding recreation on lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) took effect on Saturday, March 14. The previous recreation rules, last updated in 1970, were outdated. The revised rules reflect new trends in recreation in Washington State and address the increasing number of visitors to DNR-managed lands. The rules were updated to meet today’s standards for public safety including sanitation, traffic, parking, and campground use.
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In addition, the updated rules are written to be more understandable and informative for the general public. “With help from many dedicated outdoor enthusiasts and the general public we designed the rules with a question-and-answer format to make them more reader-friendly,” said Mark Mauren, who manages DNR’s recreation programs. Throughout the entire process of revising the rules, DNR staff worked closely with the public, organized recreation groups, conservation organizations, elected officials, environmental groups, and tribes by holding nine public workshops around the state. DNR also formed a citizens’ advisory group with representatives from a variety of outdoor recreation interests. The new and revised rules are covered under Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 332-52. To download the new rules and learn more about how the new rules came about, go to /www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/Topics/OtherRecreationInformation/Pages/amp_rec_rule_revision_process.aspx Recreation on DNR-managed lands DNR manages more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, aquatic, agricultural, conservation and urban lands. Most recreation on these lands takes place in the 2.2 million acres of forests that DNR manages as state trust lands. By law, state trust lands are managed to produce income for schools, universities, prisons, state mental hospitals, community colleges, local services in many counties, and the state’s general fund. State trust lands are also managed to provide fish and wildlife habitat and educational and recreational opportunities. DNR-managed lands provide 1,100 miles of trails, 143 recreation sites, and a variety of landscapes throughout Washington State. Recreational opportunities include hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, camping, motorized vehicle riding, mountain biking, and boating. DNR’s main recreation focus is to provide trails, trailhead facilities, and a primitive experience in a natural setting.
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