DNR update

[crash]

Here is the latest update I recieved


A quick snapshot of our progress with Reiter Foothills Forest:
· We have nearly completed an inventory of locations needing restoration in the southern portion of the Reiter planning area. This work includes using GPS data and photos from the inventories to create a dynamic map, which can be updated over time. We will add data to the map as it becomes available.
· The public review of the draft Reiter Foothills Forest Recreation Plan and the concurrent SEPA process closed Dec. 4. We are now responding to those who submitted comments. We will finalize the recreation plan soon and let you know when it’s completed.
· Our ongoing enforcement field patrols in the last week reported little or no public presence in the area. They didn’t issue any citations. No news is great news!
· Our planners are very busy developing a comprehensive timeline and work schedule for reopening Reiter next year. Our goal is to get the public involved in helping to locate potential trails and restoration needs as soon as possible in the new year.
· Assessing in detail the utility easements and the potential for recreational access along and across the power lines and pipeline in the area.
· Doing field reconnaissance of the area, in preparation for work on trail and facility design.

Look for another email message from us early next week with information about training for volunteers who want to become part of a forest watch pilot program in Reiter Foothills.

[Tod701]

The latest from the DNR

Greetings everyone!

Mark Mauren is on a well-deserved vacation this week. The following news release was sent out today.

Happy Holidays!

Toni Droscher

Recreation Program Communications Manager

360-902-1523

toni.droscher@dnr.wa.gov

*****

December 22, 2009



Goldmark works to improve recreation opportunities on DNR-managed lands

DNR advances recommendations from Sustainable Recreation Work Group


OLYMPIA—Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark today announced agency-requested legislation aimed at improving funding for recreation on trust lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The bill requests authorization for DNR to charge recreation access fees in certain situations, explores a multi-agency access pass, creates a concessionaire pilot program, and revises DNR’s recreational immunity.

The bill is a direct result of consensus recommendations made by the Sustainable Recreation Work Group in a report submitted to the Washington State Legislature. Bill sponsors are Sen. Ken Jacobsen (D-Seattle) and Rep. Brian Blake (D-Aberdeen), both of whom represented the legislature on the Work Group, as did Rep. Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake). Rep. Warnick is also one of the bill’s co-sponsors.

“I want to thank the members of the Sustainable Recreation Work Group for their diligent efforts. These recommendations will improve recreation opportunities in our state,” said Goldmark. “This bill will allow DNR to be responsive to the public and the growing recreation demands on our state’s trust lands.”

The Work Group’s Final Report to the Legislature is the culmination of a year and a half of work and offers a total of 11 recommendations that address funding and improving access to recreation on DNR-managed trust lands, while assuring that resources are sustainably managed. In addition, the report proposes two recommendations directly to DNR concerning recreational access.

“Given the current economic climate and the budget challenges facing the state, this bill will focus on recommendations that can be realistically carried out in the near term,” Goldmark said. “I know that the citizens of this state are passionate about the outdoors. I am committed to advancing additional recreation-related issues in future legislative sessions.”

The bill reflects the following Work Group recommendations:

· Access fee. Authorizes DNR to charge for using specific recreation sites and for hosting or attending special events on DNR-managed trust lands. Currently, DNR does not have the authority to charge fees.

· Multi-agency access pass. DNR, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Washington State Parks would explore development of a single pass allowing access to all lands managed by any of the three agencies.

· Concessionaire pilot program. Directs DNR to initiate a pilot project to determine the feasibility of contracting with concessionaires to provide services at DNR’s recreation sites. One pilot project will be located in eastern Washington and one in the western part of the state.

· Recreational immunity. The bill would align DNR’s immunity from recreation-related lawsuits with Washington State Parks and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.


“It’s exciting to see such a broad coalition of support behind this bill and to see our work reflected in potential action at the legislative level,” said Elizabeth Lunney, Work Group member and executive director of the Washington Trails Association.

Work Group membership included a diverse group of people, with representatives and leaders from both motorized and non-motorized recreational uses. Historically, many of these interests have been at odds with one another as users compete for limited places to recreate on state lands.

“Our versatile group quickly found common ground and recognized that we would need to work together if we were going to develop realistic recommendations to improve recreational opportunities for everyone on lands managed by DNR,” said Arlene Brooks, Work Group member and executive director of the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association.

“We had to grapple with the fact that our state’s growing population is putting extra pressure on state lands, especially as less and less private land is available for public access,” said Jon Kennedy, Work Group member and executive director of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. “Our recommendations reflect a deep commitment to the ongoing health of and access to these state lands.”


“I am so glad that Commissioner Goldmark is leading the charge to ensure that funding and opportunities for science-based recreation on state lands will be available for future generations—and this bill should do it.” said Darrell Wallace, incoming president of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington.


Both versions of the bill can be download from the Washington State Legislature’s website.

House Bill 2480: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2480&year=2009

Senate Bill 2237: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=6237&year=2009

Download the Sustainable Recreation Work Group Final Report to the Washington State Legislature from www.dnr.wa.gov. (Follow the link to the “Sustainable Recreation Work Group.”)


About the Sustainable Recreation Work Group

The Sustainable Recreation Work Group is the result of legislation 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.

The legislature directed the work group to examine relevant existing laws and rules and recommend policy changes and funding alternatives for consideration by the 2010 legislative session.

For more information about the Sustainable Recreation Work Group and a list of members, visit www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/Topics/RecreationPlanning/Pages/amp_rec_sustainable_recreation.aspx




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SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION. Thank you for your interest in the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Recreation Program. You are receiving this update because you or a colleague or friend requested to have your e-mail added to the DNR Recreation E News subscribers’ list. If at any time you wish to unsubscribe, simply send an e-mail to recreationenews@dnr.wa.gov and put “UNSUBSCRIBE” in the subject line. Please note that it may take a few issues before you are permanently removed from the list.

[Tod701]

. . . and the latest from Candace


Greetings everyone:

I just wanted to let you know about two exciting opportunities for you to get involved in shaping the future of Reiter Foothills Forest.

Workshop: Help Plan Trails and Restoration Projects

DNR’s Northwest Region will be hosting a workshop to collect public input on restoration work and trail opportunities in Reiter Foothills Forest from 6 to 8 p.m., January 13 at the Commons, Monroe High School, 17001 Tester Rd., in Monroe.


The workshop is in conjunction with the overall Reiter Foothills Forest recreation planning process. As DNR prepares to put the plan into place, the agency will be collecting information about site-specific restoration and trail projects. Public involvement will be critical to the success of the plan.


For more information about the meeting, contact Candace Johnson, 360-854-2803 or candace.johnson@dnr.wa.gov.

Training: Forest Watch Volunteers

Are you interested in helping improve public safety and protecting the environment in Reiter Foothills Forest? DNR’s Northwest Region will be hosting a free training opportunity for individuals interested in participating in a volunteer forest watch program in the Reiter Foothills Forest. The training is from 9 a.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m., Saturday, January 30. The location of the meeting will be decided later, based on the number of people who plan on attending.


Forest watch volunteers will patrol the Reiter Foothills Forest, providing a variety of key functions to help improve conditions in the area. Patrollers observe, document, and report suspicious or illegal activities. In addition, volunteer patrollers educate and communicate with fellow outdoor recreation enthusiasts about rules and appropriate conduct for recreating on DNR-managed land.

All program participants are required to attend a mandatory training session and:

· Pass a criminal background test.

· Have a current, valid driver’s license.

· Be willing and able to document and report activities observed on patrols.

· Document and submit all time records and other volunteer paperwork.

· Participate in vehicle patrols on authorized forest roads, refraining from off road patrols until recreational trails are opened.

· Schedule patrol shifts.


Currently, forest watch volunteers are needed to help patrol during the temporary closure at Reiter Foothills. The program will expand beyond this to provide patrols for future recreation trails and facilities in areas that are being developed through the Reiter Foothills Forest recreation planning process.

If you are interested in attending the training, please RSVP by 4 p.m., January 11, by contacting David Way, Reiter Foothills Recreation Manager, at 360-854-2830 or david.way@dnr.wa.gov. We will notify all attendees of the location once that is determined.

Thanks, and happy holidays!

Candace Johnson

Assistant Region Manager, State Lands
Northwest Region
Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
360-854-2803

candace.johnson@dnr.wa.gov

www.dnr.wa.gov