WDFW and DNR to host public meeting on Green Dot road management in Central Washington

YAKIMA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a public meeting on Wednesday, March 4, to discuss Green Dot road management on state lands in central Washington.

Both agencies will provide information and take public comments on updates and proposed changes to the Green Dot road system at the meeting, which will take place 6-8 p.m. at the Selah Civic Center, 216 S. 1st Street in Selah, Wash.

The Green Dot road management system marks roads in Yakima and Kittitas counties that are open to public motorized vehicle use. Marked with a round green reflector on a white route marker, these roads provide access to camping, hunting, wildlife viewing, and off-road vehicle (ORV) riding, while protecting sensitive habitat from damage caused by motorized vehicles.

Proposed changes include adding Green Dot roads in the Cowiche Unit to provide access to adjacent DNR lands in the Ahtanum Green Dot Road Management Area. 

“This addition to the Green Dot system, provides access across formerly private property that limited public access for several years,” says Ross Huffman, Regional Lands Operations Manager for WDFW.

DNR would like to begin a conversation on the challenges the agency faces with proactively managing Green Dot road access and engage the public in determining actions that will provide access for the future.

“We recognize the importance of providing public access to these lands and value the public’s input on the topic, says Leah Dobey, Statewide Regional Recreation Manager for DNR.

To access Green Dot maps or to learn more about the Green Dot road management system, visit wdfw.wa.gov/about/wdfw-lands/public-conduct#green-dot.

WDFW is the primary state agency tasked with preserving, protecting, and perpetuating fish, wildlife, and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing and hunting opportunities. WDFW is steward to about one million acres of public land statewide, with 33 wildlife areas and nearly 500 water access areas around the state. These public lands help sustain wildlife habitat and public recreation opportunities for current and future generations.

DNR’s mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.  DNR manages nearly 6 million acres of lands and waters with goals to generate income, protect habitat for native plant and animal species, provide clean and abundant water, and provide public access. Diverse recreation opportunities on DNR-managed lands take place on over 1,200 miles of trail and more than 160 recreation sites statewide.