MEDIA ADVISORY
April 11, 2012
State DNR to kick off recreation planning for the Naneum Ridge State Forest
Public invited to help create a vision for recreation on state lands in Kittitas & Chelan counties
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is planning for the future of recreation on 131,000 acres of state trust lands managed by DNR in the Naneum Ridge State Forest in Kittitas and Chelan counties.
| Who: | DNR Recreation Program |
| What: | Naneum Ridge State Forest Recreation Plan Open House |
| When: | 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, April 25 & 26, 2012 |
Where: | April 25, 2012
Hal Holmes Community Center, Teanaway/Ellensburg Rooms
209 N. Ruby Street
Ellensburg, WA 98926
Directions to Hal Holmes Community Center
April 26, 2012
Wenatchee Convention Center, Orchard Exhibit South Room
121 N. Wenatchee Avenue
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Directions to Wenatchee Convention Center |
Why:
| Naneum Ridge State Forest offers tremendous opportunities for outdoor recreation in the central Washington region. In the past ten years, DNR has increased the amount of land it manages in the forest. Some are state trust lands—working forests; other lands form a large network of natural areas in the area. As a major provider of recreation opportunities in this landscape, DNR understands the need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to recreation management. Map of Naneum Ridge Recreation Plan: www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/amp_rec_naneum_rec_plng_area_map.pdf |
Meeting Format:
| The first part of the open house will be a brief presentation by DNR staff on the planning process. Following the introductory presentation, the public will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas about recreation in a “listening station” format. |
Recreation planning on DNR-managed lands
Comprehensive recreation planning is one of the key tools DNR uses to sustainably manage recreation on state trust lands and other lands, such as natural areas. Recreation planning helps ensure public safety, environmental protection, and access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
DNR-managed lands provide recreation access to more than 1,000 miles of trails, 143 recreation sites, 11,000 miles of forest road, and a variety of landscapes on 3.1 million acres throughout Washington State.
DNR’s primary responsibility is to sustainably manage these trust lands for this and future generations. In addition, as a steward of public lands, DNR also works to protect the natural resources that support the trusts. DNR must balance providing recreation opportunities with all of its land management and financial trust obligations.
Media Contact: Bryan Flint, Director of Communications and Outreach, 360-902-1023, bryan.flint@dnr.wa.gov
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