WSR 19-04-075
PERMANENT RULES
PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION
[Filed February 1, 2019, 2:38 p.m., effective March 4, 2019]
Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.
Purpose: State parks' staff proposed to the Washington state parks and recreation commission to approve revisions to several chapters of the WAC, including chapters 352-12, 352-20, 352-32, and 352-37 WAC. The changes included language clarifications, a repeal, and new definitions. These changes provide staff and the public a clearer understanding of the rules.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 352-12-060; and amending WAC 352-12-005, 352-20-020, 352-32-050, 352-32-090, 352-32-125, 352-32-130, 352-32-251, 352-32-252, 352-32-253, 352-37-020, 352-37-070, 352-37-105, 352-37-140, 352-37-170, 352-37-200, and 352-37-250.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 79A.05 RCW.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 19-01-107 on December 18, 2018.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 16, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 16, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: February 1, 2019.
Valeria Veasley
Management Analyst
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 04-01-068, filed 12/12/03, effective 1/12/04)
WAC 352-12-005Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the ((following words and terms have the meanings indicated))terms below mean the following, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
(1) "Commercial vessel" ((shall)) means a vessel ((which))that is used, rigged, or licensed for any commercial use or purpose, but ((shall))does not include vessels operated within the terms of a concession lease or agreement with the commission.
(2) "Commission" ((shall)) means the Washington state parks and recreation commission.
(3) "Designated fee facility" ((shall)) means any facility designated as a fee facility by the director or designee.
(4) "Director" ((shall)) means the director of the Washington state parks and recreation commission.
(5) "Facility" ((shall)) means state watercraft launches, park floats, piers, mooring buoys, docks, pilings, and linear moorage facilities.
(6) "Length" ((shall)) means the overall length of a vessel as measured in a straight line parallel to the keel from the foremost part of the vessel to the aftermost part, not including bowsprit or bumkin or as shown on vessel's state or coast guard registration certificate.
(7) "Manager or ranger" ((shall)) means a duly appointed Washington state parks ranger, or agent of the commission, who is vested with police powers under RCW 79A.05.160.
(8) "Night" ((shall)) means the period between 1 p.m. and 8 a.m.
(9) "Vessel" ((shall)) means watercraft of every description, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
WAC 352-12-060
Penalties.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 92-19-098, filed 9/17/92, effective 10/18/92)
WAC 352-20-020Motor vehicles on roads and trails.
(1) No person shall operate any motor vehicle on a trail in any state park area unless such trail has been specifically designated and posted for such use.
(2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, no person shall operate a motor vehicle within the boundaries of a state park area except on roads, streets, highways, parking lots, parking areas, ATV areas or snowmobile trails and areas authorized for such use.
(3) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any identified winter recreation groomed or ungroomed trail during official winter closures except snowmobiles on authorized snowmobile trails.
(4) Except as provided in WAC 352-20-070, any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 13-17-037, filed 8/13/13, effective 9/13/13)
WAC 352-32-050Park periods.
(1) The director or designee ((shall establish))establishes for each state park area, according to existing conditions, times, and periods when it will be open or closed to the public. Such times and periods shall be posted at the entrance to the state park area affected and at the park office. No person ((shall))may enter or be present in a state park area after the posted closing time except:
(a) Currently registered campers who are camping in a designated campsite or camping area;
(b) Guests of a currently registered camper who may enter and remain until 10:00 p.m.;
(c) Guests of a state park employee;
(d) Technical rock climbers who bivouac on vertical climbing routes not otherwise closed to public use;
(e) When granted prior authorization by the director or designee;
(f) When attending or participating in approved special events or activities that are scheduled outside of posted operating hours.
(2) The director or designee may, for a specified period or periods of time, close any state park area to public access if the director or designee concludes that such a closure is necessary for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the public, park visitors or staff, or park resources.
(3) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 04-01-067, filed 12/12/03, effective 1/12/04)
WAC 352-32-090((Games or))Damaging or injurious activities.
((Playing games and/or))Engaging in activities in a manner ((and/or location which))or at a location that subjects people or personal property, ((the park resource or))park resources, or park facilities to ((risk of)) injury or damage ((shall be))is prohibited. Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 12-22-031, filed 10/31/12, effective 12/1/12)
WAC 352-32-125Fires and campfires.
All fires, except campfires, fires for stoves, candles, torches, barbeques and charcoal, are prohibited in state parks. Campfires are restricted to within the designated campfire pit, ring or other provided campfire enclosure and the flame must be no higher than two feet. On ocean beaches, ((campfires))recreational fires must be at least one hundred feet from the dunes, no more than four feet in diameter and no more than four feet high. No ((campfires))fires are allowed on any shellfish bed. Park rangers may impose additional restrictions on fires for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the public, park visitors or staff, or for the protection of park resources.
At Crystal Springs and Easton Reload sno-parks all campfires must be restricted to portable fire receptacles not to exceed three feet in diameter and must be at least six inches off the ground, and are only permitted when the sno-parks are open for winter recreation access.
Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 17-15-082, filed 7/17/17, effective 8/17/17)
WAC 352-32-130Aircraft.
(1) No aircraft shall land on or take off from any body of water or land area in a state park area not specifically designated for landing aircraft. This provision does not apply to official aircraft used in the performance of search and rescue missions, medical emergencies, law enforcement activities, emergency evacuations or firefighting activities. It also does not apply in cases where the director or designee specifically authorizes such landings or take offs, in writing, associated with the operational, or administrative needs of the agency or state.
(2) Individuals who have complied with the registration process provided or who have obtained a special recreation event permit pursuant to WAC 352-32-047 may launch and land paragliders and hang gliders in state park areas specifically designated by the director or designee as available for paragliding and hang gliding. Prior to any such designation, the director or designee shall advertise and conduct a public meeting in the region where the park is located. The director or designee shall consider the potential impacts of paragliding and hang gliding in the proposed area including, but not limited to the following factors: The degree of conflict paragliding and hang gliding may have with other park uses, public safety issues, and any potential damage to park resources/facilities. Any park designated for paragliding and hang gliding shall be conspicuously posted as such by the agency.
(3) Individuals paragliding and hang gliding in state parks must:
(a) Comply with the registration process provided for such purposes;
(b) Observe all applicable laws and regulations;
(c) Never destroy or disturb park facilities, natural features, or historical or archaeological resources;
(d) Conduct themselves with thoughtfulness, courtesy and consideration for others, and not interfere with other recreational activities;
(e) Conduct themselves in compliance with the following basic safety regulations:
(i) Comply with specific site operational restrictions that are posted;
(ii) Fly in a manner consistent with the pilot rating held;
(iii) Preplanned landings should be made in areas no smaller than forty feet wide by one hundred feet long;
(iv) Make preflight checks of weather, equipment and site conditions;
(v) Observe all published traffic and right of way flight guidelines, including yielding right of way to all aircraft;
(vi) Wear protective clothing, headgear, Coast Guard approved flotation gear, reserve parachute, supplemental oxygen and communication equipment as appropriate for conditions;
(vii) Fly in a manner that does not create a hazard for other persons or property;
(viii) Fly only during daylight hours, or hours otherwise specified by posting at the site;
(ix) Do not fly over congested areas of parks or open air assembly of persons;
(x) Fly only in designated areas of parks;
(xi) Fly with visual reference to the ground surface at all times;
(xii) Do not tether paragliders or hang gliders to the ground or other stable ((nonmovable))immovable object.
(f) Not fly while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
(4) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, individuals flying remote controlled aircraft may do so only within flying areas designated by the director or designee and only when following the remote controlled aircraft management plan approved by the director or designee and posted for that designated area.
(a) Prior to designating any remote controlled aircraft flying area, the director or designee shall advise and conduct a public meeting in the region where the park is located. The director or designee shall consider the potential impacts of remote controlled aircraft flying in the proposed area including, but not limited to, the following factors: The degree of conflict remote controlled aircraft flying may have with other park uses, public safety issues, and any potential damage to park resources/facilities. Any park area designated for remote controlled aircraft flying shall be conspicuously posted as such by the director or designee.
(b) The director or designee shall establish a committee to advise park staff on park management issues related to remote controlled aircraft flying for each state park area designated as a remote controlled aircraft flying area.
(c) Each state park area with an established advisory committee, which includes remote controlled aircraft flyers will have an approved management plan which will specify remote controlled aircraft flying restrictions concerning types of aircraft, flying hours, identified approved flying zones, identified runways for take-offs and landings, engine muffler requirements, use of and posting of radio frequency, fuel spills and cleanup. The director or designee shall ensure that any remote controlled aircraft flying restrictions contained in the remote controlled aircraft flying management plan are conspicuously posted at the entrance of the affected park area.
(d) The director or designee may permanently, or for a specified period or periods of time, close any designated flying area to remote controlled aircraft flying if the director or designee concludes that a remote controlled aircraft flying closure is necessary for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the public, park visitors or staff, or park resources. Prior to closing any designated flying area to remote controlled aircraft flying, the director or designee shall hold a public meeting near the state park area to be closed to remote controlled aircraft flying. Prior notice of the meeting shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the area and at the park at least thirty days prior to the meeting. In the event that the director or designee or park manager determines that it is necessary to close a designated flying area immediately to protect against an imminent and substantial threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the public, park visitors or staff, or park resources, the director or designee or park manager may take emergency action to close a state park area to remote controlled aircraft flying without first complying with the publication and meeting requirements of this subsection. Such emergency closure may be effective for only so long as is necessary for the director or designee to comply with the publication and meeting requirements of this subsection. The director or designee shall ensure that any designated flying area closed to remote controlled aircraft flying is conspicuously posted as such at the entrance of the affected park area.
(5) Remote controlled aircraft may be flown in any state park area only pursuant to ((written permission from))issuance of permit by the director or designee. A remote controlled aircraft is flown in a state park area when the operator is within the state park area while flying the remote controlled aircraft or where the remote controlled aircraft takes off from or lands on the state park area.
(a) In granting such ((permission))permit, the director or designee may specify time, geographic, and elevation restrictions, and any other restrictions necessary to protect the public, park visitors or staff, or park resources. While operating a remote controlled aircraft ((pursuant to written permission under this subsection)), the operator ((shall))must be in possession of a copy of the written permission and ((shall))will produce it upon request by parks staff. Permission granted by the director or designee to fly a remote controlled aircraft ((is subject to rescission as necessary))may be rescinded at any time for permittee's failure to comply, to protect the public, park visitors or staff, or park resources.
(b) Permit applications must be submitted at least sixty days in advance of the proposed activity to allow for staff review, agency coordination, and to comply with SEPA review requirements. The sixty-day application filing requirement may be waived in extenuating circumstances.
(c) The permittee must pay any fees published by state parks for the use of park lands or facilities. The director or designee will determine the need for any fees necessary to cover costs incurred by the agency, as well as the need for any bond, damage deposit, or liability insurance arising from any potential hazards associated with the character of the event. Any such fees, bond, damage deposit, or liability insurance must be provided prior to the issuance of the permit.
(6) Any violation of this section, including any failure to abide by a conspicuously posted remote controlled aircraft flying restriction or failure to abide by the terms of written permission to fly remote controlled aircraft, is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 11-17-067, filed 8/16/11, effective 9/16/11)
WAC 352-32-251Limited income senior citizen, disability, and disabled veteran passes.
(1)(a) Persons who are senior citizens, meet the eligibility requirements of RCW 79A.05.065, and have been residents of Washington state for at least the past three consecutive months ((shall))will, upon application to the Washington state parks and recreation commission accompanied by either a copy of a federal income tax return filed for the previous calendar year, or a senior citizen property tax exemption pursuant to RCW 84.36.381, or ((a notarized affidavit of income on a form provided by the commission))Social Security Administration form SSA-1099, receive a five-year limited income senior citizen pass at no charge, which entitles the holder's camping party to free use of trailer dump stations, watercraft launch sites, day-use vehicle access to state parks and to a 50 percent reduction in the campsite fee, or moorage fee as published by state parks. ((Limited income senior citizen passes shall remain valid so long as the pass holder meets eligibility requirements.))
(b) Proof submitted to the commission for the return of a senior citizen pass surrendered upon request to a commission employee who has reason to believe the user does not meet the eligibility criteria ((shall))will be the same as listed in subsections (1) and (5) of this section for original pass issuance.
(2) Persons who are:
(a) Permanently disabled, legally blind, or profoundly deaf, meet the eligibility requirements of RCW 79A.05.065, and have been residents of Washington state for at least the past three consecutive months ((shall))will, upon application to the commission, receive a five-year disability pass at no charge;
(b) Temporarily disabled and who meet the eligibility requirements of RCW 79A.05.065 and have been residents of Washington state for at least the past three consecutive months ((shall))will, upon application to the commission, receive a one-year disability pass at no charge; and
(c) Residents of Washington who have been issued a ((card, decal (placard)))disabled parking ID card, or special license plate for a permanent disability under RCW 46.16.381 ((shall))will be entitled, along with the members of their camping party to free use of trailer dump stations, watercraft launch sites, day-use vehicle access to parks and to a 50 percent reduction in the campsite fee, or moorage fee as published by state parks.
(3) Persons who are veterans, meet the eligibility requirements of RCW 79A.05.065, and have been residents of Washington state for at least the past three consecutive months ((shall))will, upon application to the commission, receive a lifetime disabled veteran pass at no charge. Pass holders must provide proof of continued residency as determined by the state parks director or director's designee. The pass entitles the holder's camping party to free use of a state park campsite, day-use vehicle access to state parks, trailer dump station, watercraft launch site, moorage facility, and reservation service.
(4) Applications for limited income senior citizen, disability, and disabled veteran passes ((shall))will be made on forms prescribed by the commission.
(5) Verification of age ((shall))will be by original or copy of a birth certificate, notarized affidavit of age, witnessed statement of age, baptismal certificate, ((or driver's))ID card, or driver license. Verification of residency shall be by original or copy of a Washington state ((driver's))driver license, ((voter's))voter registration card, or senior citizen property tax exemption, or other proof of continued residency as determined by the state parks director or director's designee.
(6) Pass holders must be present and show their valid pass and identification upon registration or when requested by any commission employee or representative.
(7) Pass holders that violate or abuse the privileges of their pass, as listed below, may be subject to suspension of their pass and assessed other fees.
(a) Duplicate or multiple reservations for the same night - Thirty-day suspension.
(b) Use of pass by unauthorized person - Sixty-day suspension and/or a fee equal to two times the campsite fee.
(c) Two or more no-shows (failure to use or cancel reservation) ((for reservations between May 1 and November 1)) - Ninety-day suspension.
(d) Repeated park rule violations - Minimum ninety-day suspension.
The pass will be confiscated by the ((ranger on duty or their))on-duty ranger or the on-duty ranger's designee and sent to the ((Olympia))state parks headquarters office in Olympia. At the end of the suspension, the pass will be returned to the authorized pass holder at no cost.
(8) The commission may deny or revoke any Washington state parks pass issued under this section for cause as stated in RCW 79A.05.065.
(9) Pass holders may appeal a suspension or revocation of their pass by ((providing written justification/explanation))mailing a written statement of the basis for appeal to the state parks director ((or designee at P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504))within ten days of receipt of the notice of suspension or revocation. The appeal may be decided as a brief adjudicative appeal under RCW 34.05.482 through 34.05.494 and will be decided by the state parks director or director's designee. Unless the suspension period expires, the suspension will remain in effect during the pendency of appeal.
(((9)))(10) Pass holder discounts shall apply only to those fees listed in subsections (1), (2), and (3) of this section. Pass holder discounts will not apply to all other fees as published by state parks, including but not limited to, extra vehicles, vacation housing, yurts, and cabins.
(((10)))(11) If the conditions of a pass holder change or the pass holder changes residency to a place outside Washington state during the time period when a pass is valid such that a pass holder no longer meets the eligibility requirements of RCW 79A.05.065 and WAC 352-32-251, the pass becomes invalid, and the pass holder ((shall))will return the pass to the commission or surrender the pass to a state parks representative.
(((11)))(12) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 11-17-067, filed 8/16/11, effective 9/16/11)
WAC 352-32-252Off-season senior citizen passFee.
(1) Persons who are senior citizens, are at least sixty-two years of age, and have been residents of Washington state for at least the past three consecutive months ((shall))will, upon application to the commission, receive an off-season senior citizen pass which entitles the holder's camping party to camp at any camping areas made available by the state parks commission, as well as use of agency mooring facilities, at no cost beyond the charges provided for in subsection (3) of this section, effective October 1st through March 31st, and Sunday through Thursday nights in April as determined by the state parks director and posted. Each such pass ((shall))will be valid only during one off-season period.
(2) Applications for off-season senior citizen passes ((shall))will be made on forms prescribed by the commission and shall be accepted only after ((August 1))September 1st for the following off-season period.
(3) There ((shall))will be a fee for each off-season senior citizen pass. Limited income senior citizen pass holders may purchase the off-season pass at a 50 percent discount. A surcharge equal to the fee for an electrical hookup published by state parks shall be assessed for each night an off-season senior citizen pass holder uses a campsite with an electrical hookup.
(4) Pass holders must be present and show their valid pass and identification upon registration or when requested by any commission employee or representative.
(5) Pass holder discounts shall apply only to those fees in subsections (1) and (3) of this section. Pass holder discounts will not apply to other fees as published by state parks, including but not limited to, extra vehicles, vacation housing, yurts, and cabins.
(6) If a pass holder changes residency to a place outside Washington state during the time period when a pass is valid, the pass becomes invalid and the pass holder shall return the pass to the commission or surrender the pass to a state parks representative.
(7) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 08-24-006, filed 11/20/08, effective 12/21/08)
WAC 352-32-253Foster parent program.
(1) Any Washington state resident who provides out-of-home care to a child as either a current licensed foster family home or a person related to the child is entitled to day-use vehicle access to parks and free camping. To use a campsite, the qualified resident shall:
(a) If the park is subject to the state parks reservation system, foster parents will make reservations through the reservation services call center, pay the reservation fee, and show their foster home license or foster parent ID card along with their Washington state driver((s)) license or photo ID upon arrival at the park(s).
(b) For nonreservation parks, the foster parents upon arrival at the park will show their foster home license or foster parent ID card along with their Washington state drivers license or photo ID.
(((c) The commission shall negotiate payment and costs, to allow holders of a foster home pass free access and usage of park campsites, with the following nonoperated, nonstate-owned parks: Central Ferry, Chief Timothy, Crow Butte and Lyons Ferry.))
(2) The foster parent or relative to the child and the child must be present for the duration of the stay.
(3) Violations or abuse of these privileges, including but not limited to the list below, may be subject to revocation, suspension of their privileges and/or assessed other fees.
(a) Duplicate or multiple reservations for the same night - Thirty-day suspension.
(b) Use of privileges by unauthorized person - Sixty-day suspension and/or a fee equal to two times the campsite fee.
(c) Two or more no-shows (failure to use or cancel reservation) for reservations ((between May 1 and November 1)) - Ninety-day suspension.
(d) Repeated park rule violations - Minimum ninety-day suspension.
(4) Foster parents may appeal a suspension or revocation ((of privileges by providing written justification/explanation to the state parks director or designee at P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504))to the state parks director by mailing a written statement of the basis for appeal to the director within ten days of receipt of the notice of suspension or revocation. The appeal may be decided as a brief adjudicative appeal under RCW 34.05.482 through 34.05.494, and will be decided by the director or designee. Unless the suspension period expires, the suspension will remain in effect during the pendency of an appeal.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 16-14-020, filed 6/24/16, effective 7/25/16)
WAC 352-37-020Definitions.
Whenever used in this chapter the ((following terms shall have the meanings herein defined))terms below mean the following, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Access road" means a road designated by a city, county, or the state for the purpose of accessing the ocean beaches.
"Aggregate" ((shall)) means a mixture of minerals separable by mechanical or physical means.
"Aircraft" ((shall)) means any machine designed to travel through the air, whether heavier or lighter than air; airplane, dirigible, balloon, helicopter, etc. The term aircraft ((shall))does not include paraglider ((or remote controlled aircraft)).
"Campfires" ((shall)) means any open flame from a wood source.
"Camping" ((shall)) means erecting a tent or shelter or arranging bedding, or both, between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.; or parking a recreation vehicle or other vehicle for the purpose of remaining overnight.
"Commission" ((shall)) means the Washington state parks and recreation commission.
"Concentrate" ((shall)) means the valuable mineral content separated from aggregate.
"Concentrator" ((shall)) means a device used to physically or mechanically separate the valuable mineral content from aggregate.
"Director" ((shall)) means the director of the Washington state parks and recreation commission or the director's designee.
"Driveable beach" ((shall)) means that area of the ocean beaches lying between the upper or landward limit of the hard sand area and the clam beds.
"Dry sand area" ((shall)) means that area lying above and to the landward side of the hard sand area as defined in this section.
"Excavation site" ((shall)) means the pit, furrow, or hole from which aggregate is removed to process and recover minerals or into which wastewater is discharged to settle out sediments.
"Fire" ((shall)) means any open flame from any source or device including, but not limited to, recreational fires, campfires, stoves, candles, torches, barbeques and charcoal.
"Fishtailing" means to swerve or skid from side to side.
"Ganged equipment" ((shall)) means two or more pieces of mineral prospecting equipment coupled together to increase efficiency. An example is adding a second sluice to a high-banker.
"Geocache" means geocaches, letterboxes, and related activities. Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game in which participants (called geocachers) use a Global Positioning System receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches").
"Hand-held mineral prospecting tools" ((shall)) means tools that are held by hand and are not powered by internal combustion, hydraulic, or pneumatics. Examples include metal detectors, shovels, picks, trowels, hammers, pry bars, hand-operated winches, and battery-operated pumps specific to prospecting; and vac-pacs.
"Hard sand area" ((shall)) means that area over which the tide ebbs and flows on a daily basis; and which is sufficiently hard or firm to support the weight of, and to provide unhindered traction for, an ordinary passenger vehicle.
"High-banker" ((shall)) means a stationary concentrator that can be operated outside the wetted perimeter of the body of water from which the water is removed, using water supplied by hand or by pumping. A high-banker consists of a sluice box, hopper, and water supply. Aggregate is supplied to the high-banker by means other than suction dredging. This definition excludes rocker boxes.
"Hovercraft" ((shall)) means a powered vehicle supported by a cushion of air capable of transporting persons.
"Intimidate" means to engage in conduct which would make a reasonable person fearful.
"Long Beach Peninsula" ((shall)) means that area of the ocean beaches as defined in this section lying between Cape Disappointment on the south and Leadbetter Point on the north.
"Mineral prospecting equipment" ((shall)) means any natural or manufactured device, implement, or animal (other than the human body) that can be used in any aspect of prospecting for or recovering minerals.
"Motor vehicle" ((shall)) means every vehicle that is self-propelled. For the purposes of this chapter, a motor vehicle must be approved for highway use in accordance with Title 46 RCW.
"North Beach" ((shall)) means that area of the ocean beaches as defined in this section lying between Damon Point on the south and Cape Flattery on the north.
"Obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic" means to walk, stand, sit, lie, or place an object in such a manner as to block passage by another person or a vehicle, or to require another person or a driver of a vehicle to take evasive action to avoid physical contact. Acts authorized as an exercise of one's constitutional right to picket or to legally protest, and acts authorized by a permit issued pursuant to WAC 352-32-165 ((shall))does not constitute obstruction of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
"Ocean beaches" ((shall)) means all lands fronting on the Pacific Ocean between Cape Disappointment and Leadbetter Point; between Toke Point and the south jetty on Point Chehalis; and between Damon Point and the Makah Indian Reservation, and occupying the area between the line of ordinary high tide and the line of extreme low tide, as these lines now are or may hereafter be located, and, where applicable, between the Seashore Conservation Line, as established by survey of the commission and the line of extreme low tide, as these lines now are or may hereafter be located, or as defined in RCW 79A.05.605, provided, that the ocean beaches ((shall))does not include any lands within the established boundaries of any Indian reservation.
"Pan" ((shall)) means an open metal or plastic dish that can be operated by hand to separate gold or other minerals from aggregate by washing the aggregate.
"Parasail" ((shall)) means a parachute-type device attached to a rope pulled by a motor vehicle, resulting in the participant being lifted from the ground by the force of the wind.
"Person" ((shall)) means all natural persons, firms, partnerships, corporations, clubs, and all associations or combinations of persons whenever acting for themselves or by an agent, servant, or employee.
"Placer" ((shall)) means a glacial or alluvial deposit of gravel or sand containing eroded particles of minerals.
"Power sluice" ((shall)) means high-banker.
"Power sluice/suction dredge combination" ((shall)) means a machine that can be used as a power sluice, or with minor modifications as a suction dredge.
"Prospecting" ((shall)) means the exploration for minerals and mineral deposits.
"Riffle" ((shall)) means the bottom of a concentrator containing a series of interstices or grooves to catch and retain a mineral such as gold.
"Rocker box" ((shall)) means a nonmotorized concentrator consisting of a hopper attached to a cradle and a sluice box that can be operated with a rocking motion.
"Seashore conservation area" ((shall)) means all lands now or hereafter under state ownership or control as defined in RCW 79A.05.605.
"Sluice" ((shall)) means a trough equipped with riffles across its bottom which can be used to recover gold and other minerals with the use of flowing water.
"South Beach" ((shall)) means that area of the ocean beaches as defined in this section lying between Toke Point on the south and the south jetty on Point Chehalis on the north.
"Spiral wheel" ((shall)) means a hand-operated or battery-powered rotating pan that is used to recover gold and minerals with the use of water.
"Suction dredge" ((shall)) means a machine that is used to move submerged aggregate via hydraulic suction. Aggregate is processed through an attached sluice box for the recovery of gold and other minerals.
"Wetted perimeter" ((shall)) means the areas of a watercourse covered with flowing or nonflowing water.
"Wind/sand sailer" ((shall)) means a wheeled, wind-driven recreational conveyance.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-03-121, filed 1/22/07, effective 2/22/07)
WAC 352-37-070Conditions under which motor vehicles may be used in the exclusive pedestrian/nonmotorized use areas.
Unless specifically accepted in the description of the times during which motor vehicles are not allowed for each exclusive pedestrian/nonmotorized vehicle use area, motor vehicles may be used in the pedestrian/nonmotorized vehicle use areas under the following circumstances:
(1) Motor vehicles may be used in the areas during any recreational razor clam digging seasons designated by the department of ((fisheries which))fish and wildlife that take place partially or entirely during the period when motor vehicles are otherwise not allowed to use the area.
(2) Motor vehicles may also be used in the areas ((during special events))for designated activities approved by the ((commission as set forth in WAC 352-37-200 Special group recreation event permit, which specifically allows the use of motorized vehicles. The vehicle may be used for access or in the event))director or designee.
(3) As provided by RCW 79A.05.660, public vehicles operated in the performance of official duties and vehicles responding to an emergency ((can))may use the areas at any time.
(4)(a) Motor vehicles may be used to remove sand from ((a beach access))an access road, gap road, or other area provided that all required permits have been obtained and the removal complies with all applicable requirements.
(b) On the Long Beach Peninsula pursuant to RCW ((4.24.210, 79A.05.035(5), and)) 79A.05.655(3), the Pacific County planning department and the city of Long Beach may issue permits for wood debris removal during any period of closure to vehicular traffic, in their respective jurisdictions, if in the opinion of said jurisdiction the amount, size, and location of such wood debris is determined to constitute a hazard to the general public and/or impede the movement of public vehicles on the ocean beach. Said permits shall be valid for twenty-four hours only. Persons seeking permits for removal of wood debris within the seashore conservation area must apply to the director or designee for a wood debris removal permit.
(5)(a) Motor vehicles may be used to remove wood debris under RCW ((4.24.210 and)) 79A.05.035(5) provided that all required permits have been obtained and the removal complies with all applicable requirements.
(b) On the Long Beach Peninsula in accordance with RCW 79A.05.655(4), the Pacific County planning department and the city of Long Beach may issue permits, on their respective jurisdictions, for the removal of sand on the ocean beach during periods of closure to vehicular traffic. Said sand removal shall occur only on beach access roads and private property under the terms of a covenant, easement, or deed that allows such activity. The local jurisdictions shall exercise good judgment in setting the terms of such sand removal permits. Such terms should prohibit sand removal during weekends, holidays, festivals, and other occasions when and where there is increased use of the ocean beach by the public. The hours of sand removal shall also be specified and shall prohibit this activity from occurring too early or too late in the day in order to minimize disturbance of nearby businesses, residents, and visitors.
(6) In case of an emergency, motor vehicles may be used to maintain and construct erosion control devices, including bulkheads, provided that all required permits have been obtained and the operation of the vehicles and the construction complies with all applicable requirements.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-03-121, filed 1/22/07, effective 2/22/07)
WAC 352-37-105((Fires and campfires.))Recreational fires.
((All fires, except campfires, fires for stoves, candles, torches, barbeques and charcoal, are prohibited in state parks. Campfires are restricted to within the designated campfire pit, ring or other provided campfire enclosure and the flame must be no higher than two feet.)) On ocean beaches, ((campfires))recreational fires must be at least one hundred feet from the dunes, no more than four feet in diameter and no more than four feet high. No ((campfires))fires are allowed on any shellfish bed. Park rangers may impose additional restrictions on fires for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the public, park visitors or staff, or for the protection of park resources.
Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-03-121, filed 1/22/07, effective 2/22/07)
WAC 352-37-140Certain practices prohibited.
The following practices while operating any motor vehicle on or along the ocean beaches are specifically prohibited:
(1) ((Squirreling;))Fishtailing;
(2) Circling;
(3) Cutting figure eights;
(4) Racing;
(5) Driving in the surf;
(6) The operation of any motor vehicle in such a manner as to constitute a threat to the operator thereof, his or her passengers, pedestrians or equestrians using the beaches, animals or any other vehicle or other property((.
));
(7) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-03-121, filed 1/22/07, effective 2/22/07)
WAC 352-37-170Aircraft.
(1) ((On the North Beach airplanes may land and take off on the ocean beach in the area commencing at the Copalis River north to the "rocks."
)) The use of the beach by aircraft ((shall be))is subject to the jurisdiction of the aeronautics commission and all state and federal laws applicable to aircraft and pilots. Except as specified in subsection (((1)))(2) of this section, airplanes ((shall only be))are only allowed to make emergency landings on the ocean beaches. (((3)))The provision does not apply to official aircraft used in the performance of search and rescue missions, medical emergencies, law enforcement activities, emergency evacuations, or firefighting activities. It also does not apply in cases where the director or designee specifically authorizes such landings or take offs, in writing, associated with the operational or administrative needs of the agency or state.
(2) On the North Beach airplanes may land and take off on the ocean beach in the area commencing at the Copalis River north of the "rocks."
(3) Remote controlled aircraft may be flown from the ocean beach only pursuant to issuance permit by the director or designee. A remote controlled aircraft is flown from an ocean beach when the operator is on the ocean beach while flying the remote controlled aircraft or where the remote controlled aircraft takes off from or lands on the ocean beach.
(a) In granting such a permit, the director or designee may specify time, geographic, and elevation restrictions, and any other restrictions necessary to protect the public, park visitors or staff, or park resources. While operating a remote controlled aircraft the operator must be in possession of a copy of the permit and will produce it upon request by parks staff. Permits granted by the director or designee to fly a remote controlled aircraft may be rescinded at any time for permittee's failure to comply, to protect the public, park visitors or staff, or park resources.
(b) Permit applications must be submitted at least sixty days in advance of the proposed activity to allow for staff review, agency coordination, and to comply with SEPA review requirements. The sixty day application filing requirement may be waived in extenuating circumstances.
(c) The permittee must pay any fees published by state parks for the use of the park lands or facilities. The director or designee will determine the need for any fees necessary to cover costs incurred by the agency, as well as the need for any bond, damage deposit, or liability insurance arising from any potential hazards associated with the character of the event. Any such fees, bond, damage deposit, or liability insurance must be provided prior to the issuance of the permit.
(4) Any violation of this section, including any failure to abide by a conspicuously posted remote controlled aircraft flying restriction or failure to abide by the terms of permission permit to fly remote controlled aircraft, is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-03-121, filed 1/22/07, effective 2/22/07)
WAC 352-37-200Special ((group)) recreation event permit.
(1) Any person ((or group)) desiring to make use of a portion of the ocean beaches for a ((group)) recreation event ((which))that will require the closure of the area to certain conflicting recreational uses, may apply to the director for a special ((group)) recreation event permit. The director, or designee, may issue such a permit after consultation with the appropriate local government, if the event does not unduly interfere with normal public recreation. Such authorization shall include the closure of the specified area to recreational activities, including motor vehicle traffic, which are determined to have the potential to interfere with the event or which could risk the safety of the recreating public or the special event participants. However, no such authorization may result in the unreasonable exclusion of pedestrian recreationists from the specified portion of the ocean beach; all events authorized under this permit shall be open to public participation and/or observation.
(2) In determining whether to issue the permit, the director or designee will review the proposal for consistency with established approval criteria developed by the agency, which are designed to ensure the appropriateness of the event to the ocean beaches, and the basis for any associated public recreation restrictions. The criteria are available upon request from the agency.
(3) A special ((group)) recreation event permit shall be issued only for recreational events where there is a reasonable expectation that a minimum of twenty persons will participate. The event must be oriented towards a recreational pursuit. Not more than three permits will be issued to a given applicant for the same event during a one-year period. The ((group)) recreation activity must be consistent with the seashore conservation area (RCW 79A.05.600 through 79A.05.630), and may include an activity otherwise excluded under this chapter. Special ((group)) recreation events shall not exceed three days or seventy-two hours.
(4) Persons or organizations that desire to conduct a special ((group)) recreation event on the ocean beaches shall submit a permit application provided by the director and appropriate fees to the((:
Washington State Parks and
Recreation Commission
7150 Cleanwater Drive
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
))park where the event is proposed to take place.
(5) If the agency determines it is necessary, the applicant must submit a completed environmental checklist along with the application. Upon request, the agency may assist the applicant in completing the environmental checklist and may request compensation in accordance with agency State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) rules, chapter 352-11 WAC.
(6) Permit applications must be submitted at least sixty days in advance of the proposed activity to allow for staff review, agency coordination, and to comply with SEPA review requirements. The sixty day application filing requirements may be waived in extenuating circumstances.
(a) The permittee must pay any fees published by state parks for the use of park lands or facilities. The director or designee shall determine the need for any fees necessary to cover costs incurred by the agency, as well as the need for any bond, damage deposit, or liability insurance arising from any potential hazards associated with the character of the event. Any such fees, bond, damage deposit, or liability insurance shall be provided prior to the issuance of the permit.
(((5)))(b) If additional costs are incurred by the commission resulting from the event, the applicant shall reimburse the commission for such costs in a timely manner. If the additional costs are not paid, the director or designee may recover such costs from the bond or damage deposits provided if previously required. Any funds remaining from the bond or damage deposit shall be returned to the applicant.
(7) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-24-030, filed 11/30/05, effective 12/31/05)
WAC 352-37-250((Games or))Damaging or injurious activities.
((Playing games and/or))Engaging in activities in a manner ((and/or location which))or at a location that subjects people or personal property, park resources, or park facilities in the seashore conservation area to ((risk of)) injury or damage ((shall be))is prohibited. Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.