SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6242

BYSenators Warnke, Metcalf and Anderson

Regulating closure of public lands and roads.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 26, 1988

Senate Staff:Kaleen Cottingham (786-7415)

AS OF JANUARY 20, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Concern has been raised that the Department of Natural Resources does not take into account recreational users interests when a decision is made to close logging roads to vehicular access.

Currently, the DNR has authority to close lands for fire hazard, to protect crops and improvements or as necessary to carry forward DNR programs.

SUMMARY:

Roads associated with state lands shall be open unless closed for fire hazard, to protect crops or improvements or as necessary to carry forward DNR programs.  Closed roads must be posted.  Before closing state lands or access roads (except for fire hazard), the DNR shall hold a public hearing to determine whether the closure is warranted.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested