The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking Washingtonians to comment on its first statewide recreation strategic plan. The Outdoor Access and Responsible Recreation (OARR) Strategic Plan is a statewide strategy to guide the management of recreation and impacts to natural and cultural resources on DNR-managed lands.

 

Since Plan outreach was launched in summer 2023, DNR has worked collaboratively with Tribes throughout the development process. DNR has also conducted a series of meetings with community groups, the public, Tribes, and trust beneficiaries to garner input before and during the drafting process.

 

The public comment period was kicked off with a press conference Monday at McLane Creek Nature Trail.

 

“As more and more people get outside and enjoy the beauty of our public lands across Washington, recreation continues to have a significant impact on our landscapes,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “While this strategy is the just first step in addressing the concerns of so many, it will move us forward and help us learn what more needs to be done. I’m eager to hear your thoughts on our path forward to addressing recreation on your lands.”

 

“We thank our Tribal partners across the state for their continued involvement in development of this Plan, and for their collaborative efforts to work with DNR and other land managers in addressing recreation impacts to resources on public lands,” said Patrick DePoe, DNR’s Tribal Affairs Director. “This has been a truly collaborative effort, and we look forward to strengthening our relationships with Tribes through continued partnership and meaningful engagement.”

 

The draft Plan can be viewed here:

 

 

Translated versions of this release are available here in Spanish and Vietnamese.

 

More detailed information and documents about the Plan and engagement to date can be found here: 

 

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Courtney James

Communications Manager

Cell: 360-522-2534