Work group to announce draft recommendations for sustainable recreation on state lands

The Sustainable Recreation Work Group will meet to discuss preliminary recommendations for sustainable recreation on lands managed by Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., September 11 in Room 175 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington S.E., Olympia.

The work group’s findings will focus on how to sustainably fund recreation into the future and the best way to improve and, perhaps, increase public access to DNR-managed lands. In addition, the work group will provide direction on increasing public safety and protecting the environment while providing recreation opportunities. The work group’s final recommendations will be presented to the Washington State Legislature in December.

For the past year, the work group examined existing laws and rules relevant to recreation on state lands. They also explored how other states fund and manage recreation on public lands. DNR staff also gathered public input from a series of workshops and online surveys and presented the results to the work group.

Work group members represent a variety of recreation interests, both motorized and non-motorized. Membership also includes several state legislators, a county official, and staff from other state agencies with recreation interests.

For an agenda and directions to the meeting, go to www.dnr.wa.gov and follow the link to the Sustainable Recreation Work Group under “Featured Topics.”

The public is invited to attend the September 11 meeting and provide their comments. DNR will also conduct six public meetings across the state to gather public input. For dates, times and locations of these meetings, visit www.dnr.wa.gov and follow the link to “Meetings and Events.”

The Sustainable Recreation Work Group
The Sustainable Recreation Work Group is the result of legislation passed in 2008 to establish policy recommendations and a collaborative vision to ensure outdoor recreation is safe, enjoyable, accessible, environmentally responsible, and sustainably funded now and into the future.