WA State Senator Objects To 
Forest Road Closures

Senator Val Stevens of Snohomish County proposed Senate Bill 5008, which addresses forest road closures.

“As you may be aware, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has systematically been closing forest roads in the Cascade foothills. These closures are made because of vandalism, garbage, and illegal materials dumping and other misuses of the land. DNR has gone so far as to build large trenches across the road, barring even four by four vehicles from getting into the hills---an outrageous action.

Many people use these roads for outdoor recreation and to view the beautiful scenery and wildlife we have in our area. These closures overwhelmingly impact the disabled and senior citizens who go into the hills to view the trees, plants and wildlife. It is inappropriate to punish law-abiding citizens for the improper acts of others. rather, we need to confront the problems and come up with practical solutions.

In response to these closures, especially in Snohomish County, I have proposed Senate Bill 5008. This bill confronts those problems by forcing the department to look for alternative solutions. This bill has the support of the State Lands Commissioner, Doug Sutherland, and the Senate Ways & Means Committee Chairman has agreed to include funding for this study, in the state budget.

The most important thing we must remember is that this is state land that taxpayers are not being allowed to enjoy. We have an obligation to protect their right to respectfully use the land,” stated Steven’s article April-June, 2001, in the Washington Republican Woman newsletter.

Status of Senate Bill 5008 ---April 25, 2001---By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.