The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the release of a draft recreation plan proposal for the Green Mountain and Tahuya state forests.

The recreation plan encompasses recreation and public access in the Green Mountain State Forest, Tahuya State Forest, Anderson block, West Tahuya block, Sherwood block, and various scattered parcels north of Green Mountain State Forest.

The planning area lands are in northeast Mason County and southeast Kitsap County. The public is invited to learn about the planning process and the proposed draft recommendations. Currently the plan is going through the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review process.

Who:

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Recreation Program

What: Community Information Meeting

Why: An opportunity for the public to learn about the planning process, the proposed draft recommendations, as well as how to provide comments the plan proposal.

When:

Thursday, August 1

7 to 8:30 p.m.

Where:

Belfair Community Baptist Church

23330 Highway 3

Belfair, WA 98528

If you are unable to attend the informational meeting, but would like to provide comments on the plan proposal, you may send your comments to: sepacenter@dnr.wa.gov or PO Box 47015, Olympia, WA 98504-7015. Visit DNR’s SEPA web page for more information about the proposed project and to review the plan.

www.dnr.wa.gov/ResearchScience/Topics/Pages/NonProjectActions_PR.aspx

Information about this proposal including the Threshold Determination, SEPA Checklist and supporting documents can be accessed through DNR’s website at:

www.dnr.wa.gov/ResearchScience/Topics/SEPANonProject/Pages/amp_sepa_other_tahuya_oct.aspx

SEPA comments must be received before 4:30 p.m., August 15

Recreation Planning

The Green Mountain and Tahuya State Forests Recreation Plan will guide DNR in safe and sustainable management in the recreation planning area for the next 10 to 15 years. The plan builds on previous planning efforts and has two primary purposes:

·    Consider a 10 to 15 year vision for recreation and public access in the forests by describing recreation management concepts.

·    Present specific objectives and strategies to guide recreation and access management over the next 10 to 15 years.