Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Little Greider Lake. By Bob Cofer.

Mount Si? Tiger Mountain? Gothic Basin?  Many hikers may not realize that some of their favorite places are managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 

DNR is probably best known for its trust lands, which provide revenue for new school construction through timber and tideland harvest, as well as agricultural uses.  But more and more people are also looking to DNR lands for recreation. 

In addition to allowing recreation on some trust lands, DNR manages landscapes of particular ecological and scenic importance. Natural Area Preserves (NAP) and Natural Resource Conservation Areas (NRCA) are home to some popular and scenic hikes, including Mount Pilchuck, Columbia Hills, and the Loomis.

Washington Trails Association's Position

WTA has worked hard to increase DNR's budget for recreation, maintenance and enhancements. In fact, in the past couple of years we have been successful in doubling DNR's funding for Natural Resource Conservation Areas.

Unfortunately, 2009 was a difficult one for any state agency.  With a statewide budget gap of $9 billion to fill, every agency had to give something up.  DNR walked away with a 60% cut to its recreation budget. Furthermore, an additional $1.5 million in annual revenue from the state’s Non-Highway and Off-Road Vehicle Activity (NOVA) program was diverted to keep State Parks open.   This year, the agency has a mere $200,000 to maintain 33 facilities and 167 miles of trail across the state. 

While WTA appreciates the efforts that were made to keep State Parks open, it is important that NOVA funds be returned to DNR and other state grant programs as soon as possible. 

How you can help:

Please contact your state legislators and urge them to return NOVA funds to their intended purpose, including recreation grants and DNR’s direct appropriation in the  2010 supplemental budget.