No. 08-163
September 4, 2008
Contact: Patty Henson, 360-902-1023; cell, 360-870-3853
DNR Recreation Workshop Moves From Omak to Okanogan
Public input will help create new vision for recreation
OLYMPIA – The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be hosting a public workshop from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10 at Sun Valley Restaurant, 1 Appleway Rd. in Okanogan. The original Omak location has been moved south to Okanogan to accommodate more participants.
Throughout the month of September, DNR is holding nine workshops across the state to gather input from individuals and user groups to help create a new vision for recreation on DNR-managed forestlands, aquatic lands and natural areas.
“We’d like to hear about where people in this state like to recreate and what kinds of recreation activities they enjoy,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Doug Sutherland. “We also want to know how easily they can access recreation on state-managed lands. The information people provide will help us continue improving opportunities for outdoor recreation.”
The informal workshops will include discussion topic areas where the public can converse with DNR staff, view maps of DNR-managed lands, and offer their vision for recreation in the state. DNR staff will compile the information gathered at these meetings and present them to the newly formed Sustainable Recreation Work Group. This group was established by the 2008 Legislature to assist DNR in developing a long-term vision that ensures safe, sustainable and enjoyable outdoor recreation on DNR-managed land.
The Sustainable Recreation Work Group
The 2008 legislature unanimously adopted a DNR proposal to create the Sustainable Recreation Work Group. In the next 16 months, the Work Group will work collaboratively, with citizen input, to develop recommendations to present to the legislature by December 2009. Compatibility with DNR’s trust management responsibilities will be a major consideration in developing this vision.
For more information about the Sustainable Recreation Work Group, visit www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/Topics/RecreationPlanning/Pages/amp_rec_sustainable_recreation.aspx or contact Jana Greer at 360-902-1730 or jana.greer@dnr.wa.gov.
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