No. 08-190
October 21, 2008
Contact: Princess Jackson-Smith, 360-902-1066
Updated Language of Recreation Rules is Available for Public Review and Comment
Public hearing will be held November 5 in Issaquah
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has completed the process of revising Chapter 332-52 of the Washington Administrative Code, pertaining to recreation on DNR-managed lands, and the final language is available for review. The rules provide basic standards for public safety and natural resource protection when accessing and recreating on these lands.
The department invites the public to participate by reviewing the final draft, attending the public hearing, or submitting written testimony. The hearing and comment period provides one last review of the proposed revisions, before they are adopted.
The public hearing date is November 5, beginning at 7 p.m. The location is the King County Library System Services Center in Issaquah, at 960 Newport Way NW. Persons wishing to testify are asked to sign up by 7 p.m. The public hearing will end once all those signed in have had the opportunity to testify.
The public comment period ends November 10. Send written comments to:
Department of Natural Resources
SEPA Center
PO Box 47105
Olympia, WA 98504-7015
sepacenter@dnr.wa.gov
The focus of the revision is to provide information in a clear and understandable way. The question and answer format is designed to help the reader to find the desired information with ease. The rule update addresses such topics as sanitation, traffic, firearms, and target shooting. New language has also been drafted regarding roads and trails, campground use, water recreation facilities, and anchorage.
The department initiated the recreation rules revision project in 2004 with a series of public workshops to gather comments on what should be included in the rules, and issues in the existing rules that need analysis and clarification. DNR conducted public meetings around the state to hear from a wide variety of recreational users and to identify needed changes.
Caring for your natural resources . . . now and forever
DNR manages more than 5.6 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural, conservation, and aquatic lands. More than half of these lands are held in trust and produce income to support public schools, universities, prisons, and other state institutions. Lands managed by DNR provide other public benefits as well, including outdoor recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and clean and abundant water.
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