Legislature considers changes to Discover Pass
  

This week marks the start of the 2012 regular legislative session. At the end of a special session last month, legislators were considering changes to the Discover Pass, most notably, making the pass transferable between two vehicles.

Senate Bill 5977 makes the pass transferrable between two vehicles. While the legislature adjourned the special session before they could act on this bill, they immediately passed it out of executive committee on the first day of the 2012 regular session. The bill now goes to the Senate Ways and Means committee.

Follow the progress of SB 5977 and find out about any relevant hearings.
 

The legislature will also consider other bills related to the Discover Pass. For a list of these bills, visit the Washington State Legislature's bill search page and enter "Discover Pass" in the search function.
 

Open house for the Snoqualmie Corridor Recreation Plan, Jan. 18

The Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area will be an area of focus in the recreation plan. Photo: DNR

If you're interested in helping shape the future of recreation on DNR-managed lands in the Snoqualmie Corridor, consider joining us at an open house from 7 to 9 p.m., January 18, at Snoqualmie Middle School.

The recreation planning area includes 53,000 acres of state trust lands and natural areas, including the newly acquired Raging River State Forest and the newly designated Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area.

If you can't attend the open house, but want to stay involved in the planning process, you will have plenty of opportunity. Learn more.

DNR reopens a much-improved Samish Overlook
As 2011 came to an end, we reopened the Samish Overlook day-use area in Skagit County. This facility provides a commanding view of Chuckanut Bay and the San Juan Islands, while offering  trail access for a variety of non-motorized recreation uses.

Last September, we closed the area temporarily while we made some much-needed improvements. Thanks to a $325,000 NOVA grant, we were able to complete construction in December. If you're in the area, check out the new observation terrace, ADA-accessible parking lot and restroom, improved links to trails, and more.

If you'd like to help with some finishes touches, join us for a volunteer work party on Saturday, January 21, to plant native vegetation and do other landscape projects. Learn more.   

DNR rolls out education and enforcement strategy to improve Discover Pass compliance

We're taking a three-phased approach that starts this month with public education and reporting of non-compliant vehicles. In March, volunteers and staff will conduct surveys of parking areas on DNR-managed lands to determine how many vehicles are displaying the pass.

April through May, trained volunteers and law enforcement staff will carry out emphasis patrols in specific areas of high non-compliance as identified during our surveys.

If you'd like to participate in this education and enforcement strategy, contact Dwight Combs, DNR's Forest Watch Volunteer Coordinator, at 360-902-1701.  

Winter Recreation reminder: What kind of pass or permit do you need?

If you're heading out for some winter recreation fun, be sure you have the appropriate pass or permit. With the new Discover Pass, there are some new requirements. DNR and State Parks issued a joint release that spells out what you'll need. Learn more.

State Parks announces 'free days' for visitors in 2012

The 2011 legislation that created the Discover Pass includes a provision allowing Washington State Parks to designate up to 12 "free days" per calendar year when the pass would not be required to visit state parks. The free days only apply at state parks--Discover Pass will still be required to access WDFW and DNR lands.

More details are available in a State Parks' news release.

Discover Pass sales update

Discover Pass sales through November 2011: $7.72 million

Total annual passes sold: 189,149

Total day-use passes sold: 204,619

In October, annual passes became available for purchase through the Department of Licensing with license renewal notifications. For the month of October, 5,727 passes were sold. In November, 6,118 passes were sold.

Volunteer vouchers issued

By the end of 2011, 162 total volunteer vouchers were issued for DNR, WDFW, and Parks volunteers. Volunteer vouchers can be used to earn a complimentary Discover Pass. Learn more.

For a list of DNR volunteer projects, including those that qualify for volunteer vouchers, visit our volunteer calendar.