PROPOSED RULES
NATURAL RESOURCES
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 04-19-146.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Public access and recreation on lands managed by the department of natural resources (DNR).
Hearing Location(s): Best Western Cotton Tree, Mount Vernon, on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.; at the Senior Community Center, Port Angeles, on Thursday, June 12, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.; Team 1 at the Timberland Library, Hoquiam, and Team 2 at the King County Library, Issaquah, on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.; Team 1 at the Red Lion, Vancouver, and Team 2 at the Central Washington University, Ellensburg, on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.; Team 1 at the Phoenix Inn Suites, Olympia, and Team 2 at the Sun Valley Restaurant, Omak, on Thursday, June 19, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.; and at the Hilton Garden Inn, Spokane, on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: September 2, 2008.
Submit Written Comments to: Mary Coacher, 1111 Washington Street S.E., P.O. Box 47014, Olympia, WA 98504-7014, e-mail mary.coacher@wadnr.gov, fax (360) 902-1600, by July 8, 2008.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Washington department of natural resources by June 6, 2008, TTY (360) 902-1156.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The purpose of chapter 332-52 WAC is to set standards for public use on lands managed by DNR. The primary objective of these rules is to promote public safety and protect DNR-managed lands, property and resources (pursuant [to] RCW 43.12.065 in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW). These rules govern public behavior on:
• | DNR-managed state lands, state forest lands, and state-owned aquatic lands; |
• | Natural area preserves as defined in chapter 79.70 RCW or natural resources conservation areas as defined in chapter 79.91 RCW; |
• | Lands leased from DNR by another public agency in place of the agency's own rules governing use of the leased lands when the agency requests the department rules apply; and |
• | Other city, county, state and federal lands under the department's management. |
Reasons Supporting Proposal: An anticipated benefit includes the standardization of such program functions as statewide recreation permits and reservation systems. Consistency related to program functions allows the public to have a degree of certainty when traveling from region to region, across the state.
With the advent of new recreational equipment and other technological advances, new and varied recreational pursuits are occurring across the state on department-managed lands. These new uses, combined with such traditional recreation experiences as horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and scenic driving, have created implementation obstacles that were not foreseen when the existing chapter 332-52 WAC was developed. The proposed language is designed to increase management efficiencies in order to overcome on-the-ground obstacles.
Improved recreation management should facilitate recreational use management, resulting in FTE savings.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 43.30 RCW.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 43.12 RCW.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: The existing rules written in 1970 are outdated. Over the last thirty-five years, there have been a number of technology changes related to recreation equipment, new challenges in land management and an increase in population - all of which affect how people access and recreate on DNR-managed lands. The purpose of chapter 332-52 WAC is to set standards for public use on lands managed by DNR. The primary objective of these rules is to promote public safety and protect DNR-managed lands, property and resources (pursuant [to] RCW 43.12.065 in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW).
Name of Proponent: DNR, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Pene Speaks, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, (360) 902-1916; Implementation: Mark Mauren, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, (360) 902-1047; and Enforcement: Larry Raedel, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, (360) 902-1625.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The purpose of chapter 332-52 WAC is to set standards for public use on lands managed by DNR. The primary objective of these rules is to promote public safety and protect DNR-managed lands, property and resources (pursuant to RCW 43.12.065 and in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW). These rules govern public behavior on:
• | DNR-managed state lands, state forest lands, and state-owned aquatic lands; |
• | Natural area preserves as defined in chapter 79.70 RCW or natural resources conservation areas as defined in chapter 79.91 RCW; |
• | Lands leased from DNR by another public agency in place of the agency's own rules governing use of the leased lands when the agency requests the department rules apply; and |
• | Other city, county, state and federal lands under the department's management. |
A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Mary Coacher, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, phone (360) 902-1600, fax (360) 902-1789.
May 1, 2008
Bonnie Bunning
Executive Director of
Policy and Administration
OTS-1442.2
DEFINITIONS AND APPLICABILITY
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 516, filed 8/27/87)
WAC 332-52-010
Definitions.
((The following definitions
shall apply throughout this chapter:
(1) "Developed recreation sites" means all improved observation, swimming, boating, camping and picnic sites.
(2) "Camping equipment" includes tent or vehicle used to accommodate the camper, the vehicles used for transport, and the associated camping paraphernalia.
(3) "Department" means the department of natural resources.
(4) "Vehicle" means any motorized device capable of being moved upon a road and in, upon, or by which any persons or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a road. It shall include, but not be limited to automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, motor bikes, motor-scooters and snowmobiles, whether or not they can legally be operated on the public highways.
(5) "Organized event" means any event involving more than fifty participants which is advertised in advance, sponsored by any recognized club(s), and conducted at a predetermined time and place.
(6))) When used in this chapter, the following terms are defined as follows:
"Applicant" means a person who applies for a permit, reservation, or other written authorization from the department.
"Authorized" means written approval given by the department.
"Business hours" means 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, except holidays.
"Campfire" means any open flame from a natural fuel source as well as fuel made from materials such as manufactured fireplace logs.
"Campground" means a developed area consisting of more than one campsite used for the purposes of camping.
"Camping" means erecting a tent or shelter or arranging bedding, or both, or parking a vehicle for the purpose of remaining overnight on land.
"Camping party" means an individual or a group of two or more people, not to exceed eight, who are equipped and capable of camping activity.
"Commissioner" means the commissioner of public lands.
"Contact" means via telephone, e-mail, mail, in person, fax, or other electronic methods as allowed by the department unless otherwise noted.
"Corridor" means that portion of the Milwaukee Road Corridor under the jurisdiction of the department.
"Day-use" means use during the period of one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.
"Day-use areas and facilities" means any department-managed lands, trailhead, picnic area, viewpoint, and designated parking areas for vehicles, boat launch or other facility that is designated for day-use only.
"Department" or "DNR" means the Washington state department of natural resources.
"Department-managed lands" means lands of the state of Washington administered by the department including but not limited to state lands, state forest lands, state-owned aquatic lands, natural area preserves, natural resources conservation areas, and other city, county, state and federal lands under department management.
"Department-managed roads" means all roads designated as such and under DNR jurisdiction and all access roads across private lands through which the department has acquired the right of use. See WAC 332-36-010.
"Designated" means any facility, trail, or location that has been approved by the department for public use.
"Developed recreation facility" means any designated site or location built or improved for recreation on DNR-managed land such as a trailhead, vista, parking area, boat launch, picnic area, campground, or water trail site.
"Dispersed recreation" means recreation that occurs on DNR-managed lands outside of a developed recreation facility.
"Firearm" means a loaded or unloaded pistol, rifle, shotgun, or other weapon that is designed to, or may be readily converted to, expel a bullet or pellets by the ignition of a propellant.
"Livestock" means any animal used for agriculture, riding, pulling, or packing purposes.
"Motor vehicle or motorized vehicle" means any device that is moved or propelled by an internal combustion engine or electrically powered motor. It shall include, but not be limited to automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, motor bikes, motor-scooters, off-road vehicles and snowmobiles, whether or not they can be licensed to operate on public roads. The term does not include vessels or personal mobility assistive devices, such as wheelchairs.
"Nonmotorized vehicles" means any device that is moved or propelled by means other than an internal combustion engine or electrically powered motor, including but not limited to bicycles, roller blades, mountain boards, animal drawn carriages or conveyances, excluding vessels and personal mobility assistive devices, such as wheelchairs.
"Off-trail" or "off-road" means recreation that occurs on DNR-managed lands that is outside designated recreation facilities, trails, and roads.
"Off-road vehicle (ORV)" or "off-highway vehicle (OHV)" means any street or nonstreet licensed vehicle when used for recreational purposes on nonhighway roads, trails, or a variety of other natural terrain. Such vehicles include, but are not limited to, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, four-wheel drive vehicles, and dune buggies.
"Parking" means the standing of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, other than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading property or passengers.
"Person" means all individuals, firms, partnerships, public or private corporations, limited liability companies, clubs, and all associations or combinations of persons when acting for themselves, by an agent, servant or employee.
"Pet" means a dog, cat, or any animal that has been domesticated, except livestock.
"Posted" means information displayed on any signs, information boards, kiosks, web sites, maps, or other medium that either allows or prohibits access or specific activities on DNR-managed lands.
"Public trust doctrine" means the legal principle as recognized by Washington courts under which navigable waters are subject.
"Recreation permit" means a nontransferable, revocable written document, which the department issues to allow a person to engage in activities specifically authorized at such times and in such locations as identified in the document, such as a land use license.
"Refuse or waste" means discarded material from any person, trailer, camper, automobile, other motorized vehicle, or vessel, including but not limited to bottles, broken glass, ashes, waste paper, cans, household or commercial garbage, or human bodily waste.
"Region" means a geographical administrative unit of the department of natural resources.
"Reservation" means setting aside department-managed recreation facilities or lands for a specific use at a defined location(s) for a specified time period.
"Snowmobile" means any self-propelled vehicle capable of traveling over snow or ice, which utilizes as its means of propulsion an endless belt tread, or cleats, or any combination of these or other similar means of contact with the surface upon which it is operated, and which may be steered wholly or in part by skis, sled type runners, belt tread, or similar means, including tracked OHVs and snowcats.
"Trail" means a route on department-managed land, other than a road, designated for a specific use by the department that is suitable for travel by motorized or nonmotorized means.
"Vessel" means every description of watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water, other than a seaplane. However, it does not include inner tubes, air mattresses, and small rafts or flotation devices or toys customarily used by swimmers.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 79.08.277 and 79.08.279. 87-18-035 (Order 516), § 332-52-010, filed 8/27/87; 84-21-038 (Order 435), § 332-52-010, filed 10/11/84. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.09.180 and chapter 77.68 RCW. 79-06-039 (Order 313), § 332-52-010, filed 5/18/79; Order 29, § 332-52-010, filed 4/17/70, effective 5/20/70.]
(2) Do these rules apply to all DNR-managed lands? These rules apply to all lands of the state of Washington administered by the department of natural resources. These lands include but are not limited to:
(a) State lands, state forest lands, and state-owned aquatic lands.
(b) Natural area preserves as defined in chapter 79.70 RCW or natural resources conservation areas as defined in chapter 79.71 RCW.
(c) Lands leased from DNR by another public agency in place of the agency's own rules governing use of the leased lands when the agency requests the department rules apply.
(d) Other city, county, state and federal lands under DNR management.
(3) To whom do these rules apply?
(a) These rules apply to any person using department-managed lands described in WAC 332-52-010 with the exceptions noted below.
(b) These rules do not apply to any person engaged in commercial or other activities conducted under sale, lease, permit or other authority from the department if such rules are inconsistent with such contracts, leases, permits, agreements or other arrangements.
(c) These rules do not apply to any person using the waters above state-owned aquatic lands for navigation, fishing, and other uses incidental or corollary to the right of navigation under the Public Trust Doctrine, except to the extent that the rules control anchorage. The right of navigation is subject to rules and regulations administered by other public agencies including, but not limited to, the U.S. Coast Guard, counties, and cities.
(4) Who is responsible for knowing and following these rules? All persons who use department-managed land must know and follow the department's rules.
(5) What happens if one of these rules is held invalid? If any provision of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this chapter or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
(6) What types of activities will the department allow on department-managed lands? The department may allow activities on department-managed lands that meet all of the following criteria:
(a) Consistent with this chapter and other state laws and regulations.
(b) Consistent with land management objectives.
(c) Consistent with trust obligations on applicable trust lands.
(d) Authorized or permitted by the department.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 79.08.277 and 79.08.279. 87-18-035 (Order 516), § 332-52-020, filed 8/27/87; 84-21-038 (Order 435), § 332-52-020, filed 10/11/84; Order 29, § 332-52-020, filed 4/17/70, effective 5/20/70.]
GENERAL RULES(a) The department may limit any recreation activity or public use on department-managed lands to:
(i) Protect public safety, natural resources, or other property.
(ii) Execute its management and administrative obligations if any recreation activities or public use unreasonably interferes with the department's ability to carry out those obligations.
(b) All persons shall comply with any department-posted restrictions that limit recreational activities.
(2) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
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(a) The department may establish or limit the number of individuals and vehicles allowed in any given developed recreation facility on department-managed lands at any given time or period for the reasons set forth in WAC 332-52-100. The capacity of developed trailheads and campgrounds will be determined by the number of parking spaces and campsites designated for such purposes.
(b) Persons shall not enter any developed recreation facility or bring in or cause to be brought in any motorized or nonmotorized vehicle or persons, which would exceed the established capacity set by the department.
(2) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
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(a) A person shall not physically damage, remove, or destroy department-managed resources, or property to include but not be limited to locks, gates, traffic barriers, earthen berms, notices, signs, markers, facilities, or equipment.
(b) A person shall not physically damage a trail or road, including boardwalks, bridges, water bars, or any other related improvements.
(2) Any violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
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(a) A person shall not remove soil, rocks, plants, natural features, or valuable materials on department-managed lands without written authorization from the department unless otherwise permitted by law.
(b) Information about what written authorization is required for the removal of soil, rocks, plants, natural features, or valuable materials may be obtained by contacting a region office during business hours.
(2) Any violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
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(a) Where toilet or sewage facilities are provided, no person shall dispose of human waste except in those facilities.
(b) Persons shall not deposit human waste within two hundred feet of any campsite, trail, or body of water. Human waste shall be disposed of by burying to a depth of at least six inches.
(c) Where the department has provided receptacles, persons shall deposit bottles, cans, waste paper, garbage and other appropriate refuse in designated receptacles. If no receptacle is provided, persons shall take such refuse with them for disposal off-site.
(d) Persons shall not use department-provided receptacles for the disposal of personal or commercial refuse, garbage, debris or waste not associated with recreational activities on DNR-managed lands.
(e) Persons shall not pollute, contaminate, leave, or burn refuse or waste of any kind on department-managed lands, including but not limited to any stream, river, lake, marine waters, or other body of water running in, through, or adjacent to department-managed lands, except as authorized by these rules.
(f) DNR may establish controlled discharge areas in order to prohibit discharge of waste from vessels in designated water recreation facilities as referred to in WAC 332-52-305(1). Refuse or waste from vessels does not include the discharge of grey water.
(2) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
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(a) Persons shall not erect bills, notices, posters, signs, markers, advertising devices or matter of any kind on department-managed lands without advance written authorization from the department.
(b) A person must contact the region office during business hours to obtain advance written authorization prior to posting advertisements, signs, or posters on department-managed land.
(2) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
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(a) Persons shall not engage in disorderly conduct on department-managed lands.
(b) For the purposes of this subsection, "disorderly conduct" means conduct that unreasonably disturbs the repose of other persons using department-managed lands; or is of a loud, threatening, insulting, boisterous, or abusive nature towards other persons, creating a risk of assault, fight, or riot; or by its indifference to or disregard for public safety, warrants alarm for the safety or well-being of others.
(2) When are quiet hours on department-managed land? Quiet hours are the hours after 10:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m. every day of the week.
(3) What is prohibited during quiet hours?
(a) Persons shall not:
(i) Unreasonably disturb any person during quiet hours.
(ii) Operate engine-driven electrical generators in designated campgrounds during quiet hours.
(b) A person accompanied by children or pets must ensure that children and pets maintain reasonable quiet during quiet hours.
(4) What types of noise or sounds are prohibited at any time on department-managed land? A person shall not engage in loud and boisterous conduct or the playing of radios, musical instruments, sound, or music systems, or the activation of sound producing electronic or mechanical devices such as generators, in such a manner, and at such times, so as to unreasonably disturb other persons. Any such sound that can be heard at a volume that unreasonably disturbs other recreational users is prohibited.
(5) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW except violation of subsection (1) of this section is a misdemeanor.
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(a) Within department-designated campgrounds or day-use facilities, persons may have campfires only in the department-provided campfire enclosures.
(b) To reduce the danger of a fire spreading, any campfire must meet all of the following conditions:
(i) The fire has a minimum ten-foot clearance; situated on bare soil free of combustible material;
(ii) The fire is less than three feet in diameter with flames no more than three feet high; and
(iii) The campfire is not prohibited in the particular location or at the time of ignition as determined by the department or other authority.
(2) Can the department impose additional restrictions for fires? The department may impose or post additional restrictions related to the use of fire on DNR-managed lands for the protection of people, public resources, and other property.
(3) Can natural vegetation from department-managed lands be gathered and used for a campfire?
(a) Unless otherwise posted, persons shall not gather standing or downed wood or vegetation for a campfire on department-managed lands.
(b) Persons shall not gather or use any live, dead, or downed wood or vegetation from streams or rivers.
(4) What are the responsibilities of the person constructing, igniting, maintaining or utilizing the campfire where campfires are permitted? The person responsible for the campfire shall ensure that:
(a) The campfire is attended at all times by a person capable of immediately taking effective suppression action should the fire escape;
(b) The fire is burning only during periods of calm to very light winds when wind will not scatter loose flammable materials, such as dry leaves and clippings;
(c) All of the requirements in subsection (1) of this section are met;
(d) A serviceable shovel and a minimum of five gallons of water that can be poured on the campfire are located within the immediate vicinity of the campfire. A bucket is acceptable if it is within the immediate vicinity of the campfire and the campfire is adjacent to an accessible source of water;
(e) The campfire is made from only natural untreated wood materials including manufactured fire logs; and
(f) The fire is completely extinguished before leaving it unattended.
(5) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
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(a) Pets are allowed on department-managed lands, except in the following areas:
(i) Designated cross country ski trails in which the track has been prepared, set, or groomed, or in any ski shelter if so posted during the ski season.
(ii) Areas that are closed to pets or animals for the protection of wildlife, sensitive natural systems, special cultural areas, or for other purposes.
(b) Persons may bring guide dogs and service animals helping persons with disabilities on all department-managed land.
(c) Persons shall not bring livestock, saddle, pack or draft animals into developed recreation facilities unless the facility has been built to accommodate such animals.
(2) Must pets be on a leash when on department-managed lands? In all developed recreation facilities and in other areas posted by the department, persons shall keep pets on leashes no longer than eight feet or otherwise restrained from free movement and under physical control at all times.
(3) What are the requirements of the person responsible for the pet?
(a) The person responsible for the pet shall not allow the pet to:
(i) Dig or otherwise disturb or damage the natural or cultural features of department-managed lands.
(ii) Bite or unreasonably interfere with or annoy persons or animals.
(iii) Bark in a manner that disturbs the peace and tranquility of others.
(iv) Be left unattended.
(v) Disturb or harass wildlife.
(vi) Be in an area where pets are not allowed.
(b) The person responsible for the pet shall:
(i) Pick up the animal's feces in developed recreation facilities, along designated recreation trails, and where posted by the department.
(ii) Dispose of feces into a designated receptacle or take feces with them for disposal off-site.
(4) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
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(a) The department may restrict target shooting for the reasons set forth in WAC 332-52-100.
(b) Persons shall not target shoot carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the safety of any person, or in a manner that endangers, or is likely to endanger, any person, pet, wildlife or property.
(c) Persons shall not discharge tracer or incendiary ammunition or projectile devices on department-managed lands. For purposes of this subsection, "incendiary" means causing or designed to cause fires, such as certain substances or bombs. "Tracer ammunition" means a bullet, projectile, or shell that traces its own course in the air with a trail of smoke, chemical incandescence, or fire, so as to facilitate adjustment of the aim.
(2) Does recreational target shooting include hunting? No. This section does not apply to hunting activities, which are subject to the rules and regulations administered by the Washington state department of fish and wildlife.
(3) Where is target shooting permitted?
(a) Persons may target shoot in:
(i) Developed recreation facilities specifically designed for target shooting; or
(ii) Areas with a proper and safe backdrop or backstop.
Persons shall not target shoot in any other location.
(b) Persons shall not shoot within, from, along, across, down, or in the direction of roads or trails.
(c) Persons shall not shoot on, at, across, along, down, from, or in the direction, or within five hundred feet, of:
(i) Recreational facilities that are not specifically designed for target shooting;
(ii) Residences;
(iii) Businesses;
(iv) Structures or equipment;
(v) Other areas as restricted;
(vi) Areas designated or posted as no shooting.
(4) What may be used as a target?
(a) Items that are commercially manufactured for the specific purpose of target shooting or similar targets privately manufactured by the person(s) engaging in target shooting that are consistent with this section.
(b) Unauthorized targets include but are not limited to:
(i) Natural features;
(ii) Vegetation;
(iii) Structures;
(iv) Gates;
(v) Vehicles;
(vi) Signs;
(vii) Other department improvements;
(viii) Appliances;
(ix) Furniture;
(x) Glass;
(xi) Privately owned or occupied structures;
(xii) Pets;
(xiii) Wildlife;
(xiv) Explosive items;
(xv) Garbage of any kind.
Persons shall not target shoot at unauthorized targets.
(5) When is target shooting permitted? Unless otherwise posted, persons shall not target shoot one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
(6) Is possession of a loaded firearm in or on a motor vehicle permitted on department-managed lands? Persons shall not possess a loaded firearm in or on a motor vehicle, except as provided by state law.
(7) Who is responsible for disposing of spent items resulting from target shooting? Persons who target shoot shall dispose of spent items and remove all shell casings, targets, ammunition packaging, or target fragments resulting from their activity, with the exception of biodegradable clay targets. Failure to remove any such debris is prohibited.
(8) Any violation of this section is a misdemeanor except a violation of subsection (7) of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
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Any violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
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(2) Are there places where the time limit does not apply? Subsection (1) of this section does not apply where the federal government, a county, a city, a state agency, including DNR, a port, or any other public entity with authority has posted, enacted, or adopted different anchorage or moorage restrictions. Additionally, persons may exceed this time limit if:
(a) Granted express consent by either DNR or the lessee of the state-owned aquatic lands where the vessel is moored or anchored; and
(b) Anchorage or moorage does not violate any other law or rule.
(3) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
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RESERVATIONS AND PERMITS(2) How do I make a reservation? Persons must contact the region office during business hours at least seventy-two hours prior to the use of the recreational facility.
(3) How will reservation requests be processed?
(a) The region will process reservation requests in the order of their arrival.
(b) The region will contact the requestor of the approval or denial of the reservation request prior to the desired reservation date.
(4) How do I cancel a reservation? Persons must notify the region in person, via phone, or e-mail during business hours at least twenty-four hours prior to the scheduled use of the facility to cancel the reservation.
(5) Can the department revoke a reservation? The department may revoke the rights of a reservation holder, and remove any or all persons from the site, at any time, if:
(a) The person is in violation of these rules or any other applicable state law.
(b) The person's behavior is detrimental to the health and safety of any person.
(c) The person's behavior unreasonably interferes with the recreational enjoyment of any other person.
(d) The department's management activities conflict with the purpose of the reservation.
(6) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
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For the purposes of this subsection, "event" means any planned activity on department-managed lands conducted at an agreed upon time and place, such as events advertised to the general public or as a nonprofit club or group event, sponsored by any person.
(2) Am I allowed to charge a fee at an event or use department-managed lands for commercial purposes? It is unlawful to charge a fee or use department lands for any commercial purposes without a contract, lease, license, permit or other written authorization from the department.
For the purposes of this subsection, "commercial purposes" means any use or activity on DNR-managed lands where an entry or other type of fee is charged or the primary purpose is the sale or barter of a good or service, regardless of whether the use or activity is intended to produce a profit.
(3) How do I obtain a recreation permit? Persons must contact the region office during business hours prior to the proposed event use to request a recreation permit application. The completed recreation permit application must be submitted via fax, e-mail, mail, or in person to the region office during business hours sixty days prior to the proposed event.
(4) How are recreation permit applications processed? The region will process recreation permit applications in order of their arrival.
(5) Is the department required to issue a recreation permit?
(a) The region may approve or deny the application for a recreation permit for the reasons set forth in WAC 332-52-100.
(b) The region will notify the applicant if the permit application is denied.
(6) If the permit application is approved, when will the permit be issued? If approved, the region will issue the permit within thirty days of receipt of the permit application.
(7) How do I cancel a permit? Persons must notify the region office of the cancellation within seventy-two hours prior to the scheduled event.
(8) Can the department revoke a permit? The department may revoke a permit, and remove any or all persons from the site, if:
(a) The person is in violation of these rules or any other applicable state law.
(b) The person's behavior is detrimental to the health and safety of any person.
(c) The person's behavior unreasonably interferes with the recreational enjoyment of any other person.
(d) The department's management activities conflict with either the purpose or the conditions of the permit.
(9) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
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CAMPGROUNDS, CAMPSITES, AND DAY-USE FACILITIES(a) These rules apply to all persons using department-managed lands for overnight use which includes:
(i) Campgrounds and individual campsites;
(ii) Group campgrounds and campsites (for the purposes of this subsection, "group campgrounds and campsites" means any designated areas with an established capacity for camping use by groups);
(iii) Water trail camping facilities and sites (for purposes of this subsection, "water trail camping sites or facilities" means specially designated camping facilities identified with signs that are near water ways); and
(iv) Developed, designated or dispersed campsites.
(b) The department may approve exceptions to these rules on a case-by-case basis.
(2) Are reservations required for campgrounds or campsites? Persons shall make reservations to use designated campgrounds and campsites only where posted. All campgrounds and campsites for which the department does not require reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
(3) What is the maximum total length of stay while camping on department-managed lands? The department may determine the maximum length of stay for camping.
(a) If the department has posted the maximum length of stay, persons shall not stay longer than the maximum length of stay posted and comply with the ten/thirty day-rule in (b) of this subsection.
(b) If the department has not posted the maximum length of stay, persons shall not stay longer than ten days in a thirty-day time period on any or all department-managed lands. The ten and thirty-day count begins on the date of the first night's camping and applies to the total overnight stays on all department-managed lands during that thirty-day time period.
(c) Persons shall vacate campsites by removing all personal property from the campsite no later than 1:00 p.m. on the day the time limit for occupancy expires.
(4) May a campsite be held for another party for current or future camping dates? Persons shall not hold or attempt to hold campsite(s) for another camping party.
(5) When may persons occupy a campsite? Persons may occupy a campsite when persons:
(a) Find the campsite unoccupied and not already posted as reserved; or
(b) Hold a reservation for the campsite for the period of occupation.
Persons shall not occupy a campsite under any other circumstances.
(6) How many people are permitted to stay in a campsite? The department may determine the number of occupants per campsite. A group exceeding the predetermined capacity of the campsite shall not use the site overnight.
(a) If the department posts the maximum number of occupants per campsite, the number of persons shall not exceed the maximum number per campsite per night as posted.
(b) If the department has not posted the maximum campsite capacity, a maximum of eight people are permitted to camp overnight.
(7) How many tents are allowed in each campsite? The department may determine the number of tents allowed in each campsite.
(a) If the department posts the maximum number of tents per campsite, the number of tents shall not exceed the maximum number posted.
(b) In developed campsites, the number of tents is limited to the number that will fit entirely on the tent pad.
(c) Persons shall not expand a tent pad, or clear or alter the vegetation in the vicinity around the tent pad.
(8) How many passenger vehicles are allowed at each campsite? The department may determine the number of passenger vehicles allowed at each campsite. Camping parties of one or more persons shall not occupy a campsite with more than two passenger or recreational vehicles unless otherwise posted.
(9) May personal property be left unattended overnight in a campground, campsite, or lands managed by the department?
(a) Persons must not leave personal property unattended overnight without permission from the department.
(b) The department will presume unattended personal property has been abandoned and may remove and dispose of the property as authorized in chapter 63.21 RCW or as otherwise determined by the department.
(10) May a person occupy a residence camp on department-managed lands?
(a) Persons shall not occupy a residence camp on department-managed lands without the written authorization of the department. A residence camp is an encampment, occupancy, or presence on department-managed lands that is the principal place of residence for the person or occupant.
(b) A residence camp on department-managed lands is declared to be a public nuisance and may be abated by the department without prior notice or process.
(11) May firearms be discharged in a campground? Persons shall not discharge a firearm in, adjacent to, from, or within five hundred feet of campgrounds.
(12) Are campfires permitted in campgrounds or campsites? Persons may have campfires in campgrounds and campsites as authorized in WAC 332-52-135.
(13) Are pets allowed in campgrounds? Persons may bring pets into campgrounds as authorized in WAC 332-52-140.
(14) Is camping permitted outside of developed recreation facilities? Persons shall not camp:
(a) In a manner that requires the removal or damage to vegetation.
(b) In a manner that removes or disturbs soil.
(c) Where camping is restricted to designated campsites only.
(d) Within five hundred feet of a developed recreation facility.
(e) In areas designated or posted day-use only.
(f) In other than preexisting campsites within two hundred feet from any body of water.
(15) How do I know when the campgrounds are open or closed? Information about seasonal or temporary closures may be obtained by contacting the region office, on-line and/or may be posted on-site. If the department has closed and locked the gates or posted the campground as closed, persons shall not use the campground.
(16) Can campsites be designated for specific recreational activity?
(a) The department may designate campgrounds or individual campsites for a specific recreational activity, e.g., horses, hike in only, four-wheel vehicle use, ORV use.
(b) Persons shall comply with the posted recreational use in campgrounds and individual campsites.
(17) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW except violations of subsections (3), (10), and (11) of this section are misdemeanors.
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(2) Are reservations required for moorage at water recreation facilities?
(a) Moorage at water recreation facilities is on a first-come, first-served basis.
(b) Persons are not required to reserve moorage at water recreation facilities, unless otherwise posted. Any required reservations must be made in accordance with WAC 332-52-200.
(3) What is the maximum length of stay at a water recreation facility? The department may determine the maximum length of stay at each moorage facility.
(a) Unless posted otherwise, continuous moorage by the same vessel is limited to three consecutive nights, after which time the vessel must vacate the water recreation facility for twenty-four hours. The three-night count begins on the date of the first night's moorage.
(b) Persons must vacate water recreation facilities by removing their vessel and all personal property from the moorage facility no later than 1:00 p.m. on the day the time limit for occupancy expires.
(4) May a water recreation facility be held with a floating marker or other method for current or future moorage dates? A person shall not hold a water recreation facility with a floating marker such as a buoy or dinghy or by any other method other than occupying the facility with the vessel to be moored.
(5) May water recreation facilities be used by commercial recreation providers?
(a) Water recreation facilities may be used by commercial recreation providers only to:
(i) Unload and load passengers transported for recreation purposes.
(ii) Moor overnight as authorized by the department.
(b) Except as stated above, use of water recreation facilities by commercial recreation providers is prohibited.
(6) What size vessel may I moor at water recreation facilities? The maximum length of a vessel moored at a water recreation facility shall not exceed thirty-two feet unless otherwise posted.
(7) May I raft vessels at water recreation facilities? Rafting of vessels is prohibited unless otherwise posted.
(8) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
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(2) What types of activities are permitted on or in day-use areas or facilities? The department determines which types of activities are permitted on or in day-use areas and facilities. Only designated activities are permitted on or in day-use areas and facilities. Information about day-use areas and facilities may be obtained by contacting the region office, on-line and/or may be posted on-site.
(3) Are campfires permitted on or in day-use areas and facilities? Persons may have campfires on or in day-use areas and facilities as authorized in WAC 332-52-135.
(4) Are pets allowed on or in day-use areas and facilities? Persons may bring pets onto or into day-use areas and facilities, as authorized in WAC 332-52-140.
(5) Are reservations required for day-use facilities? Persons do not need reservations to use developed day-use facilities except where posted.
(6) Are permits required to use day-use areas or facilities? Persons must obtain a permit as described in WAC 332-52-205 for events.
(7) How do I know when day-use areas or facilities are open or closed? Information about seasonal or temporary closures may be obtained by contacting the region office, on-line and/or may be posted on-site. If the department has closed and locked the gates or posted the day-use area or facility as closed, persons shall not use the day-use area or facility.
(8) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
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ROADS AND TRAILS(2) What types of traffic control measures does the department use on a department-managed road or trail? The department may, at any time:
(a) Establish one-way traffic flow on any road or trail.
(b) Establish use hours and/or seasonal use on any road or trail.
(c) Restrict or prohibit use of a road or trail for the reasons set forth in WAC 332-52-100.
(d) Persons shall comply with the posted traffic control measures on roads and trails.
(3) How do I know where motorized vehicle use is permitted on roads and trails? Motorized vehicle use on roads or trails is controlled through a variety of methods to include signs, gates, berms, trenches, concrete barriers, rocks, stumps or other barriers. Motorized vehicular use on or beyond these signs or barriers is strictly prohibited unless otherwise posted.
(4) What types of recreation uses are permitted on designated trails or department-managed roads?
(a) The department may designate road and trail use by specific recreation activity, e.g., hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, all-terrain vehicle use, off-road vehicle use, four-wheel vehicle use, and snowmobile.
(b) Persons shall comply with the posted designated recreational use on roads and trails.
(5) Where are motorized and nonmotorized vehicles permitted off-road or off-trail? Persons shall only operate motorized or nonmotorized vehicles off-trail or off-road on lands posted or otherwise designated by the department as open for the designated recreational use.
(6) How do vehicle operators enter or leave a developed recreation facility? Motorized or nonmotorized vehicles shall enter or leave a developed recreation facility only on posted roads or trails.
(7) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
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Any violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
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(2) What are the responsibilities of persons operating motorized or nonmotorized vehicles on department-managed roads and trails?
(a) Persons operating motorized or nonmotorized vehicles shall:
(i) Use due care and control speed to avoid colliding with any person, animal, motorized or nonmotorized vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the roadway;
(ii) Follow the basic speed rule; and
(iii) Turn on headlights when visibility is less than two hundred feet due to terrain, darkness, dust, smoke, fog or other weather or atmospheric conditions.
(b) Persons operating a motorized or nonmotorized vehicle shall not:
(i) Exceed the basic speed rule.
(ii) Obstruct or hinder the flow of traffic on any road.
(iii) Endanger persons or property or act in a reckless, careless, or negligent manner.
(3) While operating a motorized or nonmotorized vehicle, who has the right of way?
(a) Emergency vehicles. Persons operating a motorized or nonmotorized vehicle shall yield the right of way to all emergency vehicles.
(b) Other motorized or nonmotorized vehicles.
(i) Persons operating a motorized or nonmotorized vehicle approaching an intersection, not otherwise posted, must look out for and yield the right of way to any motorized or nonmotorized vehicle simultaneously approaching the intersection from the operator's right, regardless of which vehicle first reaches and enters the intersection.
(ii) Persons operating a motorized or nonmotorized vehicle intending to turn to the left must yield the right of way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
(c) Log hauling or gravel vehicles. Persons operating a motorized or nonmotorized vehicle, except emergency vehicle operators, must yield the right of way to log hauling, gravel, or other commercial vehicles conducting authorized department business.
(d) Pedestrians.
(i) Persons operating a motorized or nonmotorized vehicle shall yield the right of way to pedestrians.
(ii) Pedestrians must leave the road as soon as possible to allow the vehicle to pass.
(e) Animal-drawn vehicles and/or persons riding animals.
(i) Persons operating a motorized or nonmotorized vehicle shall yield the right of way to animal-drawn vehicles and to persons riding animals.
(ii) Persons operating a motorized or nonmotorized vehicle must make every reasonable effort to avoid frightening or startling such animals.
(iii) Persons in control of an animal or animal-drawn vehicle must remove the animal or animal-drawn vehicle from the road as soon as possible to allow the vehicle to pass.
(f) Livestock. Persons operating a motorized or nonmotorized vehicle who encounter a herd of livestock, where a person is in control of the herd, shall not move through the herd until directed to do so by the person in control of the herd.
(4) What traffic laws govern traffic on department-managed land? In addition to the traffic rules in this section and WAC 332-52-415, all applicable Washington traffic laws in Title 46 RCW apply on any department-managed road. Violations of those exceptions identified in RCW 46.63.020 are criminal offenses.
(5) Any violation of this section is a traffic infraction under chapter 46.63 RCW except a violation of subsection (2)(b)(iii) of this section is a misdemeanor.
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(a) Persons shall not park on department-managed lands if the vehicle:
(i) Blocks or impedes the passage of normal traffic or commercial activity.
(ii) Blocks, interferes with or obstructs a gate, road, trail, path or other access.
(iii) Is parked in a developed recreation facility unless the area is designed for such use.
(b) Persons shall not park on department-managed roads and lands where posted as no parking.
(c) Subsections (a) and (b) above do not apply to persons operating:
(i) Emergency vehicles;
(ii) Department vehicles;
(iii) Logging or other commercial vehicles (for industrial operations) or other commercial vehicles used in connection with activities performed pursuant to department contracts; and
(iv) As otherwise authorized by the department.
(2) How long may a person park or leave a vehicle on department-managed lands? Persons shall not park or leave a vehicle unattended for more than seventy-two hours on department-managed lands except persons operating vehicles listed in subsection (1)(c) of this section or when persons are in designated campgrounds or in trailheads with posted long-term parking.
(3) If a vehicle is found parked in violation of subsection (1) or (2) of this section, may the vehicle be towed? Yes. Any motorized vehicle found parked in violation of subsection (1) or (2) of this section may be impounded by the department at the owner's or operator's expense.
(4) If an infraction is issued under this section, who is responsible for the infraction? In any infraction involving a violation of this section, proof that the particular vehicle described in the notice of infraction was parking in violation of any such provision of this section, together with proof that the person named in the notice of infraction was at the time of the violation the registered owner of the vehicle, shall constitute a prima facie presumption to prove that the registered owner of the vehicle was the person who parked the vehicle at the point where, and for the time during which, the violation occurred.
(5) Any violation of this section is a traffic infraction under chapter 46.63 RCW.
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(a) Persons may operate snowmobiles on department managed lands only when there is adequate snow cover to prevent resource damage.
(b) Persons operating snowmobiles may only travel over the snow:
(i) On roads, cut banks, fill slopes, ditches, and trails.
(ii) On designated roads that are part of a groomed snowmobile trail.
(iii) Off of designated roads and trails unless the area is designated or posted closed to snowmobile use.
(c) Persons shall not operate snowmobiles on department-managed lands under any other conditions or in any other locations.
(2) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW.
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MILWAUKEE ROAD CORRIDOR(2) What portions of the Milwaukee Road Corridor do these rules apply to? These rules apply to those portions of Milwaukee Road Corridor of the state of Washington administered by the department from the west bank of the Columbia River east to the westernmost crossing of Highway 21 and the corridor near the town of Lind, Washington.
(3) Are recreation permits required for activities on the corridor? Persons are required to obtain and possess recreation permits for all activities on the corridor.
(4) How do I obtain a recreation permit? Persons must contact the department's southeast region office in Ellensburg during business hours prior to the proposed activity to request a recreation permit application. The completed recreation permit application must be submitted via fax, e-mail, mail, or in person to the region office during business hours at least fifteen days prior to the proposed activity.
(5) How are recreation permit applications processed? The region will process recreation permit applications in order of their arrival.
(6) Is the department required to issue a recreation permit?
(a) The region may approve or deny the application for a recreation permit.
(b) The region will notify the applicant in writing if the permit application is approved or denied.
(7) If the permit application is approved, when will the permit be issued? If approved, the region will issue the permit within five days of receipt of the permit application.
(8) How do I cancel a permit? Persons must notify the region office of the cancellation within seventy-two hours prior to the activity.
(9) How long will the permit be valid? The permit will be valid for not more than one calendar year over the approved route identified in the recreation permit.
(10) Will there be a fee for the permit? A fee may be required based on the costs of processing the application including contacting adjacent landowners when required.
(11) When is the corridor open for use? The corridor is open for use year-round. The corridor may be temporarily closed to reduce fire danger or protect public safety.
(12) Can I have campfires on the corridor? No. Persons shall not ignite fires of any type on the corridor.
(13) When using the corridor, what are my responsibilities to adjacent property owners?
(a) Persons, or their animals, shall not enter onto adjoining property from the corridor without permission of the landowner.
(b) Persons shall leave gates in the condition in which they are found.
(14) Are firearms permitted on the corridor? Persons shall not possess shotguns or rifles on the corridor. Other firearms must be stowed and not loaded while on the corridor.
(15) Where is hunting or target shooting allowed on the corridor? Persons shall not hunt, discharge firearms, tracer or incendiary ammunition or projectile devices, target shoot, or discharge any device capable of killing any animal or person, or damaging or destroying public or private property within, from, along, across, down, or in the direction of the corridor managed by the department, except where portions of the corridor are leased by or covered by an agreement with another public agency which owns or controls adjoining property.
(16) Will adjacent landowners be notified of permits issued for use of the corridor adjacent to their property?
(a) If requested by adjacent landowners, the department will notify them of permits issued for use of the corridor adjacent to their property.
(b) For portions of the corridor where abutting landowners have not asked to be notified about permits and no gates have been built, the department may issue a day-use permit without the fifteen-day advance application requirement. The day-use must be confined to the portions of the corridor described in this subsection. Maps of these day-use areas are available at the southeast region office in Ellensburg.
(17) Any violation of this section is an infraction under chapter 7.84 RCW except a violation of subsection (15) of this section is a misdemeanor.
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NOTICE AND SIGNS(1) Posted on-site on kiosks or signboards;
(2) Published on the department's internet site;
(3) Published in a site-specific or programmatic management plan;
(4) In the office of the commissioner of public lands in Olympia; or
(5) In any of the department's region offices.
Notices of permitted or prohibited activities will be posted in such locations as will reasonably bring them to the attention of the public.
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The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed:
WAC 332-52-030 | General rules. |
WAC 332-52-040 | Public behavior -- Recreation sites. |
WAC 332-52-050 | Vehicles. |
WAC 332-52-055 | Capital forest -- Organized events -- Prohibited without prior written approval. |
WAC 332-52-060 | Use of fire. |
WAC 332-52-065 | Milwaukee Road Corridor -- Recreational use. |
WAC 332-52-066 | Milwaukee Road Corridor -- Permits. |
WAC 332-52-067 | Milwaukee Road Corridor -- Restrictions on use. |
WAC 332-52-068 | Milwaukee Road Corridor -- Protection of adjoining property. |
WAC 332-52-069 | Milwaukee Road Corridor -- Penalties. |
WAC 332-52-070 | Penalties. |
WAC 332-52-080 | Enforcement. |
WAC 332-52-090 | Effective dates. |