News

Washington State DNR: DNR to reduce services at many recreation facilities

Hi folks,

I appreciate the input I received from many of you regarding reduced services at some of DNR’s recreation sites. I understand, appreciate, and share your frustration.
Unfortunately, this week we began reducing services at many of our facilities. You will find the list of these sites, their legislative district, cost savings information, and a timeline on DNR’s Web site at: www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/amr_rec_sites_list_reduced_services_063009.pdf
You can also download a map showing the affected sites at:
· www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/amr_rec_sites_reduced_services063009.pdf (1.9 MB PDF file)
· www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/amr_rec_sites_reduced_services063009.jpg (1.9 MB JPG file)

The hard truth is that we can no longer support all our facilities and trails with our current budget. Our new fiscal year begins July 1, and we need to take immediate action and cut back on services in some areas or run the risk of compounding the budget shortfall later this year.

Reduced services will include removing outhouses or nailing doors shut and removing picnic tables, garbage cans, and signs. Some sites that were open year round will now only be open seasonally. In other areas, we are able to keep from reducing services thanks to donations of volunteer time and money from user groups.

Many of you have offered ideas on how to keep these facilities operating. These suggestions reflect how deeply you are committed to working with us to ensure that recreational opportunities are available in this state. We want to continue the dialog with you and look into ways to continue to provide facilities at our recreation areas.
Public lands still open to the public

You may have noticed by now that I am no longer using the term “closure,” except in terms of seasonal closures. Even though we are reducing services or no longer providing services of any kind at some sites, these public lands are still open to the public for recreation. We ask that you pack-out whatever you pack-in and observe other principles of outdoor stewardship such as Leave No Trace. (http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php)
Also, be aware that gated areas may be locked, and the only way into a site will be on foot.
More cuts expected
This list of reduced services is just an initial step. Many of us here at DNR believe that we will need to make further reductions later this summer or in the fall. As always, we will be tracking our budget closely.
In my next e-mail message, I will outline what it takes to manage and maintain a recreation site, facility, and trail. My hope is that by providing you with this information, we can continue the discussion on how all of us, collectively, can come up with the necessary resources to prevent further reductions in services.
Thanks for your concern and understanding.
You can help
If you witness any abuse to resources, vandalism, or illegal dumping on DNR-managed lands, please report these incidents. Be sure to note any license plate numbers and get a description of any vehicles involved. If the matter doesn’t require an immediate law enforcement response or for after hours and on weekends call 800-562-6010. Otherwise, call 911. You can also call the regional offices directly for non-emergencies. A list of phone numbers is at: www.dnr.wa.gov/AboutDNR/Regions/Pages/Default.aspx
Mark Mauren
Assistant Division Manager
Asset Management and Recreation Division
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
360-902-1047
mark.mauren@dnr.wa.gov

Published: Jun 30, 2009 - 08:52 PM

Emerald Trail Riders Association: Return of the Funky Chicken!

Hello All Regional MC Clubs,

Could you please distribute this letter and/or attached flyer among your membership? Forums, emails, smoke signals, cup and string, whatever. We'd appreciate the effort.

Just a neighborly reminder that the Emerald Trail Riders Association is ready to hatch another famous Funky Chicken on Fathers Day weekend, June 20,21. This year's course is the best ever: lots of woods, open grass track, brand new motocross track, 100mph road jump, log pile, up, down, yadda, yadda. The camping is excellent at the private Big K Ranch, awesome scenery, killer BBQ. OMRA points XC Race and Funky Chicklets kids run on Saturday then the Funky Poker Run on Sunday, lots of swag, what a weekend! We're also raffling an '08 KTM 200xc! Oh yeah, did I mention the $1,100 in the 4 classes winner kitty? And the Funky T's? Check out our website at www.etra.net for more details, video helmet-cam prerun and pics then print off the attached flyer for sign-up particulars.

Bok Bok! (Thanks!)

Jared Achepohl, President
Emerald Trail Riders Assoc. Inc.
email: jared@etra.net
website: www.etra.net

Published: Jun 09, 2009 - 10:13 PM

NOVA FUNDS THEFT

THE LEGISLATURE HAS STOLEN YOUR OHV FUNDS AND GAVE THEM TO STATE PARKS INSTEAD

Published: May 30, 2009 - 12:04 PM
Read more about NOVA FUNDS THEFT (865 more word(s))

WOHVA Board Unanimously Approves Legal Action

http://www.wohva.org/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=811105

Published: May 30, 2009 - 12:01 PM

NMA: The NMA needs your help to fight the NOVA funds ripoff

We have created a new board for the fight against the NOVA funds ripoff as a way to have one central place for discussion and information around the lawsuit, NOVA funds in general and what they mean to the riding community.

Published: May 30, 2009 - 08:27 AM
Read more about The NMA needs your help to fight the NOVA funds ripoff (266 more word(s))