Hiker Headlines: Public Lands Day, Burn Bans Lifted, Parks Survey, Mapping Rainier

It’s September 23. Celebrate National Public Lands Day by thanking a ranger. Burn bans have lifted in several areas across the state. King County Parks wants to hear from you as they plan for the future of parks, trails and natural areas. And you may come across signs of a new mapping project at Mount Rainier National Park this week. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Public lands support so many great outdoor adventures. Celebrate them this weekend. Photo by Michael Kea. 

Celebrate National Public Lands Day: Saturday, September 25 is National Public Lands Day, a day to celebrate all the public land that makes Washington so special. Fees will be waived at national parks, national forests and state parks, so get out there and explore an old favorite or visit a new destination. This is also a great time to thank the frontline workers who care for our trails, parks and forests.

Burn bans lifted: Over the weekend several land managers lifted burn bans that have been in place for most of the summer. With cooler temperatures and wet weather moving in, campfires are once again permitted on DNR land, Washington State Parks and several national forests and national parks. Always check with the land manager to see if fires are allowed, and always tend your fire responsibly.

King County Parks survey: Help King County Parks plan for the future by taking their survey about parks, trails and natural areas. As they look ahead to the next 6 years they want to know how to best serve park users and communities across King County. Take the survey by September 26 to make sure your voice is heard.

Mapping project at Mount Rainier: If you’re at Mount Rainier National Park this week and notice strange markings on the ground, don’t be alarmed, they’re part of a new mapping project. The markings will help aerial survey teams sync their data with on-the-ground features, creating a highly accurate photographic map of the terrain. Cool!

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