Chapter 352-28 WAC
Last Update: 9/17/21PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF STATE PARK NATURAL RESOURCES
WAC Sections
| HTMLPDF | 352-28-005 | Definitions. |
| HTMLPDF | 352-28-010 | Cutting, collection and removal of natural resources. |
| HTMLPDF | 352-28-020 | Resource sales and leases. |
| HTMLPDF | 352-28-030 | Harvest of edibles. |
| HTMLPDF | 352-28-040 | Research permits and research collections. |
| HTMLPDF | 352-28-050 | Protecting and restoring degraded natural resources. |
PDF352-28-005
Definitions.
When used in this chapter the following words and phrases shall have the meanings designated in this section unless a different meaning is expressly provided or unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1) "Commission" means the Washington state parks and recreation commission.
(2) "Conservation" means the professional management of the agency's natural resources to ensure their long-term presence, function and enjoyment by the public.
(3) "Cruise" means a forest survey to locate and estimate the quantity of timber on a given area according to species, size, quality, possible products, or other characteristics.
(4) "Director" means the director of the Washington state parks and recreation commission.
(5) "Emergency tree" means any tree that has already failed, or that poses an imminent or probable likelihood of failure before the next inspection, based on the judgment of a professional forester, certified arborist, or staff member trained in tree risk rating and abatement techniques approved by the agency, and which due to its location, could impact a target.
(6) "Endangered species" means each plant, fungus and lichen species identified as endangered on the list of such species prepared by the department of natural resources Washington natural heritage program and each wildlife species identified as endangered by the Washington department of fish and wildlife in WAC 220-610-010.
(7) "Natural resource(s)" includes biological organisms, their processes, dead or organic matter, soils, and geologic materials.
(8) "Resource conservation plan" means a plan that advances the stewardship of that resource. The plan may address, although not be limited to, resource conservation, protection, restoration or mitigation.
(9) "Sensitive species" means each plant, fungus and lichen species identified as sensitive on the list of such species prepared by the department of natural resources Washington natural heritage program and each wildlife species identified as sensitive on the list of such species prepared by the Washington department of fish and wildlife.
(10) "Significant tree" means living and dead standing trees greater than 10 inches in diameter at breast height (4.5 feet above the ground).
(11) "Target" means a structure, facility, property, activity, or person that has the potential to be hit or impacted by a falling tree or tree part.
(12) "Threatened species" means each plant, fungus and lichen species identified as threatened on the list of such species prepared by the department of natural resources Washington natural heritage program and each wildlife species identified as threatened on the list of such species prepared by the Washington department of fish and wildlife.
(13) "Timber" means forest trees of commercial value.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 79A.05.070 and 79A.05.030. WSR 21-19-096, § 352-28-005, filed 9/17/21, effective 10/18/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 79A.05.035, 79A.05.070, 79A.05.075, and 79A.05.165. WSR 10-15-024, § 352-28-005, filed 7/12/10, effective 8/12/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 79A.05.030, 79A.05.035, 79A.05.055, 79A.05.070, 79A.05.075, and 79A.05.165. WSR 08-05-009, § 352-28-005, filed 2/7/08, effective 3/9/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.51.040(1), [43.51.]045, [43.51.]050, [43.51.]060(1), [43.51.]061 and [43.51.]395. WSR 96-01-078, § 352-28-005, filed 12/18/95, effective 1/18/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.51.040. WSR 94-10-012, § 352-28-005, filed 4/25/94, effective 5/26/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.51.040 and 43.51.045. WSR 84-08-017 (Resolution No. 76), § 352-28-005, filed 3/27/84.]
PDF352-28-010
Cutting, collection and removal of natural resources.
(1) Trees may be cut and removed subject to the following limitations:
(a) Significant trees: Except in emergencies and when feasible, significant trees in any area under the jurisdiction and/or management of the commission shall be removed only after they have been evaluated, rated, appraised and marked by a professional forester, certified arborist, or staff member trained in agency-approved tree risk rating and abatement techniques. In addition, except where deemed an emergency tree, or in the event of wildfire, weather, or other natural emergencies, significant trees can be cut or removed only after compliance with (d) of this subsection and subsection (4) of this section, agency review through the tree activity worksheet process and upon the written approval of the director or the designee of the director.
(b) Emergency trees: The park manager or designee trained in tree risk rating and abatement techniques as prescribed by the agency forester or certified arborist is authorized to immediately close the target area, and where the target cannot be relocated, cut or remove the emergency tree.
(c) Worksheet: The cutting or removal of any significant trees in landscapes classified recreation, heritage, or resource recreation by the commission shall, except in the case of emergency trees, occur only after agency review through the tree activity worksheet process and the written approval of the director or designee.
(d) Consultation: The cutting or removal of any significant trees in a natural area, natural forest area or natural area preserve shall, except in the case of emergency trees, be approved only by the director or designee and only after consultation with the Washington department of fish and wildlife and the department of natural resources Washington natural heritage program, the preparation of a resource conservation plan for affected natural resources, and a public hearing in the county/counties in which the cutting or removal is to take place.
(2) Native plants, fungi, and dead organic matter: The cutting or removal of natural resources, other than trees or those specified in WAC 352-32-350, 352-28-030 and 352-28-040, will only occur as a part of a resource conservation plan approved by the director or designee.
(3) Protected species: Natural resources may be cut and/or removed from areas supporting protected species, or for the purposes of enhancing habitat for protected species, under the following conditions:
(a) The cutting or removal of natural resources in any area known to be inhabited by endangered, threatened, or sensitive species shall, except in emergencies as defined in subsection (1)(b) of this section, follow requirements of the department of fish and wildlife and of the department of natural resources Washington natural heritage program and be approved only by the director or designee after consultation with those agencies, and the preparation of a mitigation plan for affected species.
(b) The cutting or removal of natural resources to enhance the habitat of a sensitive, threatened, or endangered species as defined in WAC 352-28-005, on lands managed by the commission or on other state lands, will only occur as a part of an interagency agreement or resource conservation plan that involves consultation with the Washington department of fish and wildlife, department of natural resources Washington natural heritage program, and as appropriate, other agencies and groups with expertise with these species, and is approved by the director or designee.
(4) Land classification (chapter 352-16 WAC) criteria: Natural resources may be cut and/or removed from the areas listed below for the following reasons only:
(a) Natural area preserves:
(i) Maintenance or construction of service roads, boundary fences, or trails, or modification of conditions only as may be required, and only where necessary, to meet park management goals and mitigated in a resource conservation plan that involves consultation with the department of natural resources Washington natural heritage program, and as appropriate other agencies and is approved by the director or the designee of the director.
(ii) Maintain or restore a native plant community, species population, or ecological process as specified in a natural area preserve management plan prepared in consultation with the department of natural resources Washington natural heritage program.
(iii) Correction of conditions hazardous to persons, properties, and/or facilities on or adjacent to park land.
(iv) Control of diseases and insect infestations where adjacent lands are severely jeopardized or where a drastic alteration of the natural environment is expected to occur, after consultation with the department of natural resources Washington natural heritage program and other agencies and groups with expertise in ecosystem health as deemed appropriate by the director.
(v) Prevent the deterioration or loss of or facilitate the restoration of historical/cultural resources.
(vi) Maintenance or construction of fire lanes for abatement of fires.
(vii) Collection of specimens as specified in WAC 352-28-040, including consultation with the department of natural resources Washington natural heritage program.
(b) Natural areas and natural forest areas:
(i) Maintenance or construction of boundary fences, trails, trail structures, trail head facilities, interpretive sites, utility easements, or service roads only as may be required, and only where absolutely necessary to meet park management goals and mitigated in a resource conservation plan that involves consultation with the department of natural resources Washington natural heritage program, and as appropriate other agencies and is approved by the director or the designee of the director.
(ii) Maintain or restore a native plant community, species population, or ecological process as specified in a natural resource conservation plan prepared in consultation with the department of natural resources Washington natural heritage program, and as appropriate other agencies.
(iii) Correction of conditions hazardous to persons, properties, and/or facilities on or adjacent to park land.
(iv) Control of diseases and insect infestations where adjacent lands are severely jeopardized or where a drastic alteration of the natural environment is expected to occur, after consultation with the department of natural resources Washington natural heritage program and other agencies and groups with expertise in ecosystem health as deemed appropriate by the director or the designee of the director.
(v) Prevent the deterioration or loss of or facilitate the restoration of historical/cultural resources.
(vi) Maintenance or construction of fire lanes for abatement of fires.
(vii) Collection of edibles as specified in WAC 352-28-030 or specimens as specified in WAC 352-28-040.
(c) Recreation areas, resource recreation areas, and heritage areas:
(i) Area clearing necessary for park maintenance, and/or park development projects for day use and overnight recreation facilities, road and utility easements, and administrative facilities.
(ii) Correction of conditions hazardous to persons, properties, and/or facilities on or adjacent to park land.
(iii) Cleanup of trees fallen, tipped, or damaged by the weather, fire, or other natural causes where they directly interfere with park management activities.
(iv) Creation of diverse native trees and other plants, coarse woody debris, and fungi sizes, ages, and species to achieve visual aspects that resemble a formal landscape, natural or historical setting, or to improve wildlife habitat.
(v) Maintenance or creation of a regenerating natural environment that will sustain low ground cover, shrubs, and understory and overstory trees to provide screening, wind, and sun protection.
(vi) Control of diseases and insect infestations where adjacent lands are severely jeopardized or where a drastic alteration of the natural environment is expected to occur.
(vii) Prevent the deterioration or loss of historical/cultural resources.
(viii) Maintenance or construction of fire lanes for abatement of fires.
(ix) Modification of conditions to maintain or restore a desired plant community, species population, or ecological process.
(x) Collection of edibles as specified in WAC 352-28-030 or specimens as specified in WAC 352-28-040.
(5) Use of fallen trees: When feasible, fallen trees shall be left on the ground when deemed environmentally beneficial or used for park purposes such as, but not limited to, approved building projects, trail mulching, and firewood, or where the tree has no economic values contributed to a state managed resource conservation effort. In natural area preserves, natural forest areas, natural areas, and resource recreation areas first consideration shall be given to leaving trees on the ground for natural purposes.
(6) Parks use: Subject to the guidelines of this section, the commission may authorize the use of natural resources within recreation areas, resource recreation areas, and heritage areas for park purposes.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 79A.05.070 and 79A.05.030. WSR 21-19-096, § 352-28-010, filed 9/17/21, effective 10/18/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 79A.05.035, 79A.05.070, 79A.05.075, and 79A.05.165. WSR 10-15-024, § 352-28-010, filed 7/12/10, effective 8/12/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 79A.05.030, 79A.05.035, 79A.05.055, 79A.05.070, 79A.05.075, and 79A.05.165. WSR 08-05-009, § 352-28-010, filed 2/7/08, effective 3/9/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 79A.05.030, 79A.05.035, 79A.05.055, 79A.05.070, and 79A.05.075. WSR 05-17-105, § 352-28-010, filed 8/16/05, effective 9/16/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.51.040(1), [43.51.]045, [43.51.]050, [43.51.]060(1), [43.51.]061 and [43.51.]395. WSR 96-01-078, § 352-28-010, filed 12/18/95, effective 1/18/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.51.040. WSR 94-10-012, § 352-28-010, filed 4/25/94, effective 5/26/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.51.040 and 43.51.045. WSR 84-08-017 (Resolution No. 76), § 352-28-010, filed 3/27/84; Order 7, § 352-28-010, filed 4/1/70.]
PDF352-28-020
Resource sales and leases.
The following qualifications, procedures, and general provisions pertain to the sale of natural resources from commission owned or managed lands:
(1) Subject to the limitations set forth under WAC 352-28-010(4), the sale of natural resources will be undertaken only where they advance a commission approved development, are part of a resource conservation plan or interagency agreement approved by the director or designee, or are deemed by the director or designee to advance agency stewardship goals and are surplus to the park's needs.
(2) Prior to a sale of natural resources, qualified park personnel or their designated agent shall conduct an inventory or cruise of the materials, appraise the value of such materials, and establish a minimum acceptable bid, unless such natural resources are for use by the park or qualify for direct sale under subsection (5) of this section.
Where timber is to be sold, such timber shall be cruised or appraised using methods consistent with those applied by the Washington department of natural resources or other applicable professional standards of forest land and timber appraisal. Complete records of the methods and assumptions used to make the cruise or timber appraisal and estimated minimum acceptable bids shall be maintained.
(3) Sales of timber where the cruised volume of the timber is in excess of one million board-feet shall require approval by a majority of the commission.
(4) Sales of timber where the cruised volume of the timber is less than or equal to one million board-feet and greater than five thousand board-feet shall require approval by the director or designee. The director may defer approval to the commission, in which case it shall require approval by a majority of the commission.
(5) Sales of timber where the cruised volume of timber is less than or equal to five thousand board-feet shall require approval by the natural resources program manager.
(6) Sales of timber resulting from the conversion of forest land for the development of park facilities where the appraised value of the timber removed is in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars shall require approval by a majority of the commission.
(7) Sales of natural resources other than timber where the appraised value is in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars shall require approval by a majority of the commission.
(8) All sales shall be conducted pursuant to procedures approved by the commission.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 79A.05.070 and 79A.05.030. WSR 21-19-096, § 352-28-020, filed 9/17/21, effective 10/18/21. Statutory Authority: RCW 79A.05.035, 79A.05.070, 79A.05.075, and 79A.05.165. WSR 10-15-024, § 352-28-020, filed 7/12/10, effective 8/12/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 79A.05.030, 79A.05.035, 79A.05.055, 79A.05.070, 79A.05.075, and 79A.05.165. WSR 08-05-009, § 352-28-020, filed 2/7/08, effective 3/9/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.51.040 and 43.51.045. WSR 84-08-017 (Resolution No. 76), § 352-28-020, filed 3/27/84; Order 26, § 352-28-020, filed 6/16/76; Order 7, § 352-28-020, filed 4/1/70.]
PDF352-28-030
Harvest of edibles.
Nonmarine edible plants and edible fruiting bodies, including mushrooms, shall be managed by the agency in accordance with WAC 352-28-010. The commercial harvest of edibles is not allowed on park lands. The harvest of edibles for personal consumption, or scientific or educational projects, is subject to the following conditions:
(1) Personal consumption: The recreational harvest, possession, or transport of edible plants and edible fruiting bodies including, but not limited to, mushrooms, berries, and nuts, is allowed up to an amount of two gallons per person per day, unless otherwise posted at the park. The harvest amount may be comprised of one or more species. The harvest may occur within the following park classification areas: Recreation, resource recreation, natural, natural forest, heritage, or in parks not yet classified. No harvest of edible plants or edible fruiting bodies, including mushrooms, is allowed within a natural area preserve. This rule is not intended to limit federally reserved tribal rights, including treaty rights.
(2) Scientific or educational projects: The harvest of edible plants and/or edible fruiting bodies, including mushrooms, for scientific or educational projects is subject to an approved agency research permit as described in WAC 352-28-040. The approval shall specify a harvest amount not to exceed the minimum quantity necessary for the purposes of the project. The harvest may occur within all park classification areas.
(3) Harvest techniques that involve raking or other techniques that have the potential to degrade park natural or cultural resources are prohibited.
(4) The director or the designee of the director may close, temporarily close, or condition public access to certain park areas for recreational harvesting of edibles upon finding that the activity degrades or threatens to degrade the park's natural or cultural resources, or to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Such closure shall be posted at the entrance to the park area affected and at the park office.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 79A.05.030, 79A.05.035, 79A.05.055, 79A.05.070, 79A.05.075, and 79A.05.165. WSR 08-05-009, § 352-28-030, filed 2/7/08, effective 3/9/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 79A.05.030, 79A.05.035, 79A.05.055, 79A.05.070, and 79A.05.075. WSR 05-17-105, § 352-28-030, filed 8/16/05, effective 9/16/05.]
PDF352-28-040
Research permits and research collections.
Fauna, flora, fungi, and organic and inorganic materials may be removed from parklands for research purposes in accordance with RCW 79A.05.165. Removal for scientific or educational purposes is subject to the approval of an agency approved research permit signed by the director or the designee of the director. Collections involving fauna will require an approved collection permit from the Washington department of fish and wildlife. Collections involving endangered, threatened, or sensitive species will require approval from the Washington department of fish and wildlife and the department of natural resources Washington natural heritage program.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 79A.05.030, 79A.05.035, 79A.05.055, 79A.05.070, 79A.05.075, and 79A.05.165. WSR 08-05-009, § 352-28-040, filed 2/7/08, effective 3/9/08.]
PDF352-28-050
Protecting and restoring degraded natural resources.
The state park system contains a diverse array of natural resources. Select resources, of high biological significance, may warrant a high-level of protection from human impacts to preserve them. In addition, efforts to rehabilitate or restore these resources may require little or no human impacts during the recovery period. Hence, public access to park lands may be limited or prohibited for short or long periods of time by the director, or the designee of the director, where the following criteria are met:
(1) A significant resource is deemed at risk of degradation from human activities;
(2) A conservation plan, involving consultation with the department of natural resources Washington natural heritage program and other agencies and groups with expertise in ecosystem health as deemed appropriate by the director or the designee of the director, has been developed to protect, restore, or rehabilitate the significant resources; and
(3) A public meeting on all closures destined to exceed one year is conducted in the county in which the affected park lands occur. Prior notice of a hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in such county. Any person who requests notification of the proposed closure shall be sent prior notice of the meeting by mail. A summary of the testimony presented at a meeting or received in writing shall be presented to the director.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 79A.05.030, 79A.05.035, 79A.05.055, 79A.05.070, 79A.05.075, and 79A.05.165. WSR 08-05-009, § 352-28-050, filed 2/7/08, effective 3/9/08.]