Hunting for new Hiking Grounds Non-hunting hikers may not be aware of all of the public land owned and managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Nearly a million acres actually! And while these lands are primarily managed for sportsmen and women, hikers will find much to their liking on many of the properties. Up here around Skagit County the WDFW has some wonderful properties for hiking along the Skagit, Samish, and Stilliguamish River flats. Of course, if you plan on visiting these lands be aware of hunting seasons and dress appropriately. And if you want to see what lands are out there- the department has just launched a new website detailing them. Check out the release below. And be aware too that you'll need a parking permit (available at retailers who sell hunting and fishing licenses) to visit as well. It'll set you back a mere $10.95 and its good for an entire year. Have fun exploring!
WDFW NEWS RELEASE Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091 http://wdfw.wa.gov/
November 19, 2008Contact: Jennifer Quan, (360) 902-2508
State wildlife areas featured on new WDFW website
OLYMPIA - A new Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website offers viewers quick and easy access to a wealth of information about Washington's public wildlife lands.
The website, which can be viewed at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/ , includes descriptions of WDFW's wildlife areas, maps, directions, water access sites and amenities. Each wildlife area's management plan is also posted on the site.
With its ease of use and up-to-date information, the new website is a resource for Washington citizens and visitors to the state who want to learn more about WDFW's wildlife areas and recreational opportunities, said Jennifer Quan, WDFW lands division manager.
"The site is user friendly and offers several selection choices from one centralized location," Quan said. "Viewers can search by wildlife area, county or region. Once they make a selection, they'll find even more information about the area, how to get there and what is available."
Quan said information on vehicle-use permits, which are required when using a designated access site on WDFW wildlife lands, is also included on the site along with the department's public conduct rules. The conduct rules were enacted earlier this year to protect fish and wildlife habitat, ensure public safety and promote responsible use of public lands.
WDFW oversees approximately 900,000 acres of public land divided into 32 designated wildlife areas across the state. The lands are managed to protect fish and wildlife species, preserve habitat and provide recreational opportunities for the public. The department also maintains more than 150 water access sites, which provide boating access to lakes, rivers and marine areas in or near state wildlife areas.
Information on water access sites is also available online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/water_access/index.html .
November 19, 2008Contact: Jennifer Quan, (360) 902-2508
State wildlife areas featured on new WDFW website
OLYMPIA - A new Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) website offers viewers quick and easy access to a wealth of information about Washington's public wildlife lands.
The website, which can be viewed at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/ , includes descriptions of WDFW's wildlife areas, maps, directions, water access sites and amenities. Each wildlife area's management plan is also posted on the site.
With its ease of use and up-to-date information, the new website is a resource for Washington citizens and visitors to the state who want to learn more about WDFW's wildlife areas and recreational opportunities, said Jennifer Quan, WDFW lands division manager.
"The site is user friendly and offers several selection choices from one centralized location," Quan said. "Viewers can search by wildlife area, county or region. Once they make a selection, they'll find even more information about the area, how to get there and what is available."
Quan said information on vehicle-use permits, which are required when using a designated access site on WDFW wildlife lands, is also included on the site along with the department's public conduct rules. The conduct rules were enacted earlier this year to protect fish and wildlife habitat, ensure public safety and promote responsible use of public lands.
WDFW oversees approximately 900,000 acres of public land divided into 32 designated wildlife areas across the state. The lands are managed to protect fish and wildlife species, preserve habitat and provide recreational opportunities for the public. The department also maintains more than 150 water access sites, which provide boating access to lakes, rivers and marine areas in or near state wildlife areas.
Information on water access sites is also available online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/water_access/index.html .
(photo- Leque Island near Stanwood, WA)
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