SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5730

BYSenators Bender, Bluechel, Kreidler and Vognild

Directing a portion of the Milwaukee road corridor to be managed as a recreational trail.

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 17, 1987; February 25, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5730 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Kreidler, Chairman; Bluechel, Kiskaddon.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

      Signed by Senators Rinehart, Vice Chairman; Hansen.

Senate Staff:Gary Wilburn (786-7453)

                  February 25, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON PARKS & ECOLOGY, FEBRUARY 25, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In 1981 and 1982 the state of Washington acquired 213 miles of railroad right of way from the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road) between the town of Easton and the Washington-Idaho state line.  The right of way is managed by the Department of Natural Resources for recreational purposes by obtaining a special use permit from the Department.  The Department also has the authority to lease portions of the right of way to adjacent land owners.  In 1984 ownership and control of approximately 25 miles of the right of way was transferred to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and designated as a nonmotorized public recreational trail.

SUMMARY:

The portion of the Milwaukee rail corridor under management and control of the Department of Natural Resources is to be managed as a recreational trail, and open to individuals or organized groups obtaining permits from the Department for recreational use.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Language is added to the original bill to authorize volunteer donation of labor and materials for the corridor, and directing that gates be capable of opening by unassisted individuals.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Walter H. Olsen, Rails to Trails; Walt Farrar, John Wayne Pioneer Wagons & Riders; Chic Hollenbeck, John Wayne Trail; Gail Farrar John Wayne Pioneer Wagons & Riders, Back Country Horsemen; Marlyta Deck, Washington Cattlemen's Association, Washington Women for Survival of Agriculture; Women in Farm Economies; Donna Nylander; Ken Wilcox, Back Country Horsemen of Washington; Ted Price, Department of Natural Resources; Dick Welsh; Jack Price, Washington Outfitters and Guides; John Hobbs, Back Country Horsemen, John Wayne Pioneers; Mike Reed, State Parks; Todd Litman, Bicycle Federation of Washington