DNR Rule Changes - Comments Please

[Grumpy]

The following notice was written by Ben Wells who is a dirt bike rider and lawyer. We can send a united and strong message to the
DNR with YOUR help.

NOTICE

The DNR is kicking ORV's off public land!

The DNR is planning on kicking ORV's and bicycles off all public land
(except for designated riding areas) in September 2008.

If you're a rider, hunter, fisherman, bicycle rider, or anyone using an ORV on Washington State land, please get involved.

The new proposed WAC 332-52 will make it:

1. Illegal for you to ride behind a gate or barrier. Almost all DNR land will be off limits and you will be fined.

2. A criminal offense to do trail work without written permission.

3. Harder to have ORV events on state land.

THE DNR CAN BE STOPPED!

1. Write a letter: Mary Coacher
1111 Washington Street SE
P.O. Box 47014
Olympia, WA 98504-7014

2. Email: mailto:mary.coacher@wadnr.gov by July 8, 2008.

3. Fax: (360) 902-1600 by July 8, 2008

********* June 17, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. *********
In the "Issaquah Alps" back yard***** King County Library, Issaquah, WA

See DNR website for additional meetings and dates or call DNR at (206) 920-5907.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008:
Westside location at Hoquiam, Timberland Library
Address: 420 7th Street, Hoquiam, WA
Phone: (360) 532-1710

Tuesday, June 17, 2008:
Eastside location at Issaquah, King County Library Service Center, Public Meeting Room (2A/B)
Address: 960 Newport Way NW, Issaquah, WA
Phone: (425) 369-3200?

Wednesday, June 18, 2008:
Westside location at Vancouver, Red Lion at the Quay
Address: 100 Columbia Street, Vancouver, WA
Phone: (360) 694-8341

Wednesday, June 18, 2008:
Eastside location at Ellensburg, Central Washington University, Student Union and Recreation Center, Room 137B
Address: 1007 N. Chestnut Street, Ellensburg, WA
Phone: (509) 963-1111

Thursday, June 19, 2008:
Westside location at Olympia, Phoenix Inn Suites
Address: 417 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA
Phone: (360) 570-0555

Thursday, June 19, 2008:
Eastside location at Omak, Sun Valley Restaurant
Address: 1 Appleway Road, Okanogan, WA
Phone: (509) 422- 2070

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008: Spokane, Hilton Garden Inn-Spokane Airport Address: 9015 W Sunset Hwy, Spokane, WA 99224
Phone: (509) 244-5866

If you get active, we will use your support to push for opening up state land for more widespread use.

For more information on this DNR rule making,
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/laws/w ... 10-059.htm
_________________

[OldGreen]

I hate to be the a-hole here. . .but I think that overregulating the DNR land is a great idea. We have a great relationship with them and can get permits to hold events as long as we do it far enough in advance. There will still be some designated riding areas and areas that the DNR itself doesn't understand. That, of course, will limit the number of people on the land while we are up there. GOOD. Now, if they would deputize us and give us handcuffs. . .

Even better would be to have a separate Off-Road driver's license that you have to renew every year for. . .say. . .$300. . .that goes directly to the school fund (DNR's mission) and enforcement. . .put up a gate and give me the key card. (Is anyone sensing a theme?) There should be a test that you have to pass and a legally binding document that says that you are responsible for any damage that you do OFF the trail. On trail damage can be fixed with volunteer work parties. Seriously. . .turn all of the DNR land into a big psuedo private off-road park. . .

SCREW THE OUTLAWS!!!!

[SPR]

I read the new WAC proposal. As I understand it. DNR is trying to standardize their event/activity permiting process; putting teeth in their enforcement of gated areas; and updating the WACs outdated definitions. The current WAC is 36 years old. FWIW, I don't think we should get too excited about this.