Construction, Creation and Maintenance of Roads, Trails and Structures

In recent years, there has been a proliferation of unauthorized roads and trails appearing on WDFW-managed lands. The construction, creation and maintenance of these roads and trails have been done without approval or authorization from WDFW staff. Often, roads and trails cut through sensitive habitat, interrupt habitat connectivity, and cause direct damage to vegetation, wildlife, and tribal resources. User-created roads and trails lack the deliberate planning, design, and evaluation of impacts on the land that are necessary to place or build them appropriately. WDFW proposes to add a new section to chapter 220-500 WAC to prevent resource damage to department-managed lands. The proposed rule provides the legal remedy to cite individuals for the unapproved creation of roads, trails and structures and reduces the risk that these activities will continue to proliferate and degrade sensitive natural, cultural, and tribal resources.