The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today the adoption of the Green Mountain and Tahuya State Forests Recreation Plan. The plan will guide the sustainable management of recreation in nearly 38,000 acres of DNR-managed forest land on and near the Kitsap Peninsula for the next 10 to 15 years.
The recreation plan represents the culmination of three years of collaborative work by DNR, local user groups, a citizen advisory committee, and interested members of the public.
“I wish to thank everyone who worked on this plan for their valuable efforts, time, and dedication to our shared goals.” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “I encourage each of them to remain engaged as we implement this plan over the coming years.”
The recreation planning area includes Green Mountain and Tahuya state forests; the West Tahuya, Sherwood, and Anderson forest blocks; and scattered parcels of land just north of Green Mountain State Forest.
DNR will continue to work with user groups to enhance and expand recreation opportunities in the planning area. DNR is pursuing grants and other funding sources to develop the projects laid out in the plan.
A few of these projects include:
· Convert an old forest road to a non-motorized trail.
· Locate, design, and construct new trailheads and trails.
· Enhance and expand existing 4×4 motorized recreation opportunities in Tahuya State Forest.
· Design and construct new hiking and mountain biking trails.
· Improve vista sites.
· Design and construct an “around-the-mountain” non-motorized trail in Green Mountain.
View the final, adopted recreation plan: http://1.usa.gov/1a4zEiR
Volunteers needed
The time, participation and knowledge of dedicated volunteers and recreation users will be vital in helping DNR put this plan into action. Those interested in volunteering may contact Jesse Sims, DNR South Puget Sound Region Recreation Manager, at jesse.sims@dnr.wa.gov.
Organized volunteer events will also be posted to the DNR website: www.dnr.wa.gov/volunteer.
Recreation on DNR-managed lands
DNR seeks to provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public throughout Washington state. Recreation on DNR-managed lands includes activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, camping, off-road vehicle (ORV) riding, mountain biking, and boating.
The agency provides trails and campgrounds in a primitive, natural setting. Most recreation on these lands takes place in the 2.2 million acres of forests that DNR manages as state trust lands. DNR manages approximately 1,100 miles of trails and 143 recreation sites, on a wide variety of landscapes across the state.
