2014 Legislative Session: How Trails Fared

How did trails and recreation fare in the state legislature? The short, 60-day legislative session ended in Olympia late last night with a few important bills that impact hikers making it across the finish line just in time. Here’s a brief look at some of those bills that are currently awaiting Governor Inslee’s signature to  become law.

Trail standards to be developed for state lands

This legislation (ESHB 2151) requires the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to develop an official recreational trails policy that causes the least impact to the land; provides environmental and water quality protection; and maintains the lowest construction and maintenance costs that are reasonable.

The bill also states that DNR should use the United States Forest Service trail standards as guidelines for developing their own best management practices and maintenance guidelines.

Public participation in developing new trails systems and enhancing current ones is also encouraged through the legislation. WTA looks forward to continuing to work with DNR and other stakeholders on the development of the recreational trails policy.

Palouse Falls named Washington’s state waterfall

Scenic Palouse Falls, located in southeast Washington, will become Washington’s official waterfall. Formed by a glacial flood, the falls are over 10,000 years old and contain a series of three waterfalls with the main waterfall dropping over 180 feet. Palouse Falls is within Palouse Falls State Park, which has a variety of hiking trails to explore. Yellow-bellied marmots, various reptiles and a host of wildflowers make their home here.

Grade school students in the town of Washtucna first proposed Palouse Falls as the state’s official waterfall, which led to the legislature passing a bill to make it so -- way to go, kids!

State Parks to benefit from partnerships

In an attempt to help state parks produce more revenue, the Olympia legislature passed a bill allowing for some advertising to take place in state parks. The guidelines for the advertisements are fairly strict.

Ads cannot detract from the integrity of the park's natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources and outstanding scenic vistas. You might start to notice small signs thanking park donors or event sponsors there but you won’t see any parks being named after software companies or come across beverage billboards on your next hike.