Summary of proposed rule
The department is adding a new section to WAC chapter 220-500 to prevent resource damage to department-managed lands.
Scope and rationale for proposed rule
One new rule is added to WAC chapter 220-500.
In recent years, there has been a proliferation of unauthorized roads and trails that have appeared on lands managed by the department. The construction, creation and maintenance of these roads and trails have been user-created without approval or authorization from WDFW staff and are often in locations or conditions that are environmentally, culturally, or financially unsustainable. Often, roads and trails often 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. The new rule provides the legal remedy to cite individuals for the creation of roads, trails and structures without approval and reduces the risk that these activities will continue to proliferate and degrade sensitive natural resources.
Public hearing
The director hearing is scheduled on August 15, 2024 at 10am.
To attend, click on this link. Or join by telephone 12532050468 code 88387520816#.
To provide verbal testimony at the hearing, you must register by 8am on August 14, 2024. At the appropriate time to speak, you will be recognized by your partial phone number, or your Zoom username and staff will unmute your connection. You will be asked to state your name and residence for the record, just as if you were attending the meeting in-person. Please also state whether you are representing yourself, or a group or organization
State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
SEPA details
This rule making has undergone SEPA review for environmental impacts and the department has issued a SEPA Determination. The SEPA Determination document is also available for public comment viewable here on the Construction, Creation and Maintenance of Roads, Trails and Structures engagement page.
Please visit WDFW's SEPA page for more information.
For more information
Staff Contact: Heather Bonagofski at Heather.Bonagofski@dfw.wa.gov
Public comments
To view and submit comments, please visit the Construction, creation and maintenance page.
You may also leave comments by sending an email to constructionrule2024@publicinput.com or by leaving a voicemail message at 855-925-2801 and entering project code 8413.
Comments will be accepted until the end of the comment period on August 15, 2024.