DNR Recreational WACs Update

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has finalizing the changes to the rules addressing recreational conduct on DNR managed lands. These final revised rules are posted on the DNR site at http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/amp_rec_draft_recreation_rules_for_bnr_approval.pdf

SEPA rules detail document (added Dec 31):
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/amp_sepa_nonpro_recwac_nfd.pdf

These revisions were considered for adoption at the DNR Board of Natural Resource meeting on January 6 in Olympia.

(Jan 6 Update Note) "Action delayed on final proposed recreation rules. The Board delayed action on the adoption of rules pertaining to recreation and public use on DNR-managed lands, Chapter 332-52 of the Washington Administrative Code. Board members said they generally approved of the rule revisions – the first comprehensive update since 1970 ¬– but asked for clarification of portions relating to campfire restrictions. "


Over the past several months, members of BCHW have participated in the open meetings on the recreational WAC development and have submitted extensive change requests, most all of which have resulted in improved language within the DNR WACs. While no document is perfect, particularly when it comes to regulating our access to public lands, DNR staff have shown a high standard of professional conduct in working with volunteer organizations, and we look forward to a strong and healthy cooperative relationship with DNR and other volunteer partners throughout the coming years.

Please review the final rules and let us know what remaining issues may be problematic. Just a few of the items your PLC did address (and were suitably changed) were: A better definition of an organized event requiring a permit to avoid burdening some group camping; separating deliberate damage to trails and infrastructure from normal wear and tear; allowing normal trail maintenance without requiring written authorization; and allowing stock to pass through some areas not otherwise open to stock in order to access appropriate trails. These changes are even more important considering the bleak state budget picture for the next biennium and the constraints on staffing which would have created paperwork backlogs that would not doubt have frustrated trail users. Again this is another reason why sustainable access to DNR managed lands will require sustainable funding commitments by the Legislature.