PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 332-52-065 Milwaukee Road Corridor--Recreation use, to update this WAC by having the permitted nonmotorized recreation open period use changed from October 1 through June 15 to year around.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 79.08.277 Milwaukee Road Corridor--Recreational use--Permit--Rules--Fees, 79.08.279 Powers with respect to Milwaukee Road Corridor, and 79.08.281 Milwaukee Road Corridor--Leasing--Duties with respect to unleashed portions.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: By the request of the recreation users, the orderly and safe use of the Milwaukee Road Corridor would allow for better multi-use and recreation opportunities. This proposed change in the WAC is one of the proposed top priorities in the Region's Plan 2005: Concepts for the southeast region recreation program.
This change would also make the corridor consistent with state parks' portion of the Milwaukee Road Corridor which is open year around.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Washington State Park and Recreation Commission manages the portion of the Milwaukee Road Corridor known as Iron Horse State Park, west of the Columbia River. The portion of the Milwaukee Road Corridor that this proposal addresses is that portion lying east of the Columbia River managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Process for Developing New Rule: The Department of Natural Resources conducted a survey to establish the interest in opening the Milwaukee Road Corridor to year around nonmotorized use. The super majority was to have the DNR pursue the possibility of this year around open period. Further study would be conducted to involve all adjoining landowners, interest groups and other individuals.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting James A. Munroe, Department of Natural Resources, 713 East Bowers Road, Ellensburg, WA 98926-9341, phone (509) 925-0948, fax (509) 925-8522. There will be public hearings regarding this proposal with a minimum of one in western Washington and two in eastern Washington. Proposal will be sent and/or presented to the county commissioners and each known adjoining landowner to the Milwaukee Road Corridor.
March 4, 1999
William Q. Boyom
Region Manager