News Flash

NEWS 16-057

Contacts: Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604 Virginia Painter, (360) 902-8562

No Discover Pass required in recognition of National Public Lands Day

OLYMPIA – Sept. 9, 2016 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is offering a free day on Saturday, Sept. 24, in recognition of National Public Lands Day. Day-use visitors will not need a Discover Pass to visit state parks.

Sept. 24 marks the 23rd anniversary of National Public Lands Day—the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands.

State Parks free days are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass, a $30 annual or $10 one-day permit required on lands managed by Washington State Parks and the Washington departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Fish & Wildlife (WDFW). The Discover Pass legislation provided that State Parks could designate up to 12 free days each year when the pass would not be required to visit state parks. The Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by WDFW and DNR on these days.

Free days apply only to day-use access by vehicle, not overnight stays or rented facilities.

Washington State Parks will have one more free day in 2016: Friday, Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day.

For more information about National Public Lands Day, visit: http://www.publiclandsday.org/

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About Washington State Parks

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

Follow Washington State Parks:

• http://parks.state.wa.us/
• washingtonstateparks.us 
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks 
• Twitter: @WAStatePks
• You Tube: www.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks

Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.

Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov. 

Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388

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