WSR 97-12-042

PERMANENT RULES

PARKS AND RECREATION

COMMISSION

[Filed June 2, 1997, 2:53 p.m.]

Date of Adoption: May 30, 1997.

Purpose: To amend the existing rule governing the use of metal detectors in state parks to remove language restricting use to developed day use areas, specify areas approved by the director for use, are in accordance with the commission's land management direction and provide that use may include campsites occupied by registered detectorist and unoccupied campsites where approved.

Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 352-32-235 Use of metal detectors in state parks.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 43.51.040 and 43.51.180(7).

Adopted under notice filed as WSR 97-09-114 on April 23, 1997.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, amended 1, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, amended 1, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, amended 1, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, amended 1, repealed 0.

Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

May 30, 1997

Jim French

Senior Policy Analyst

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 92-19-098, filed 9/17/92, effective 10/18/92)

WAC 352-32-235 Use of metal detectors in state parks. The use and operation of metal detectors, as well as the removal of small contemporary materials, is permitted within selected state parks as designated by the director, in accordance with all commission direction on land management, and subject to the conditions and limitations specified.

(1) The use of metal detectors is permitted only within specified portions of ((the developed day use areas of these)) approved state parks as posted for public reference. Metal detecting may be allowed in an approved campsite occupied by the registered detectorist and in unoccupied campsites within approved campgrounds.

(2) The use of metal detectors within a state park shall be limited to daylight hours that the park has posted as "open." No use shall be allowed during periods of seasonal or emergency park closure, except where otherwise posted.

(3) Any person wishing to use a metal detector shall so indicate to park personnel at the park where the use is to occur, by complying with the registration process provided for such purpose.

(4) Exceptional uses of metal detectors in state parks may be allowed through the issuance of a special recreation event application, available from the agency.

(5) This section does not apply to commission employees while engaged in the performance of their duties.

(6) Persons operating metal detectors in state parks and state park areas shall:

(a) Observe all laws and regulations.

(b) Never destroy or disturb park facilities, natural features, or historical or archeological resources. No item which appears to be of historical or archaeological significance, remaining from either early pioneer activity or from a native American presence, may be removed from the site at which it was found. Any such find shall be immediately reported to park personnel, and the area in which the find occurred shall not be disturbed further.

(c) Limit digging implements to ice picks, screwdrivers and probes not to exceed two inches in width and sand scoops not to exceed six inches in width and eight inches in length, containing perforations no less than one-half inch in width, to be used only on sand surfaces. Any holes dug shall be limited to six inches maximum depth and shall be immediately refilled and the surface restored to its earlier condition.

(d) Properly dispose of all found or recovered trash and litter.

(e) Conduct themselves with thoughtfulness, courtesy and consideration for others, and not interfere with other recreational activities. An operator shall not allow any emitted metal detector sound audible to other park users from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.

(7) Except as provided in WAC 352-32-310, any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.