OLYMPIA – Sept. 10, 2014 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission wants the public to know that Saturday, September 27 is a state parks ‘free day.’ Day-use visitors will not need a Discover Pass to visit state parks.
The ‘free day’ is in recognition of the 21st 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, not overnight stays or rented facilities.
Washington State Parks will have one more ‘free day’ in 2014: Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day.
For more information about National Public Lands Day, visit www.publiclandsday.org/about
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:
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.
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