The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing legislative action to create an account in the State Treasury for recreation management.
DNR manages public access and recreation across more than three million acres of state trusts lands and natural areas. In total, visitors to DNR managed lands can enjoy 1300 miles of motorized and non-motorized trail opportunities, 80 campgrounds, and more than 100 additional day use sites and viewpoints. Recreators can hike, bike, ride horses, ATVs, motorcycles, and hunt, fish, target shoot, and camp in every county of the state. All experiences on DNR managed lands are free with an annual Discover Pass.
DNR is also host to dozens of organized recreation events including races, guided hikes, or educational experiences that charge fees for participation, and the agency is in the process of developing policy and a fee structure to charge administrative fees for these events. However, currently, DNR has no funding account to deposit any recreation permit or license fees into that will directly support program management.
DNR is proposing a bill during the 2027 legislative session to create this account mechanism, where any future fee dollars for recreation events can be deposited into support the Recreation program in maintaining infrastructure and experiences for visitors to enjoy. This legislation will not establish any fees, nor will it generate revenue; it is only the creation of the account.
All communications, including emails, letters and any other forms of correspondence are subject to public disclosure under the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). Any information you provide on this form may be accessible to the public upon request, unless otherwise exempted by law.
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The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing legislative action to create an account in the State Treasury for recreation management.
DNR manages public access and recreation across more than three million acres of state trusts lands and natural areas. In total, visitors to DNR managed lands can enjoy 1300 miles of motorized and non-motorized trail opportunities, 80 campgrounds, and more than 100 additional day use sites and viewpoints. Recreators can hike, bike, ride horses, ATVs, motorcycles, and hunt, fish, target shoot, and camp in every county of the state. All experiences on DNR managed lands are free with an annual Discover Pass.
DNR is also host to dozens of organized recreation events including races, guided hikes, or educational experiences that charge fees for participation, and the agency is in the process of developing policy and a fee structure to charge administrative fees for these events. However, currently, DNR has no funding account to deposit any recreation permit or license fees into that will directly support program management.
DNR is proposing a bill during the 2027 legislative session to create this account mechanism, where any future fee dollars for recreation events can be deposited into support the Recreation program in maintaining infrastructure and experiences for visitors to enjoy. This legislation will not establish any fees, nor will it generate revenue; it is only the creation of the account.
All communications, including emails, letters and any other forms of correspondence are subject to public disclosure under the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). Any information you provide on this form may be accessible to the public upon request, unless otherwise exempted by law.
Contact Information
*Indicates Required Fields