Campfires prohibited in some Washington state parks

Update August 15, 2014:
DNR to permit campfires on some state lands --
Burn ban adjusted on DNR-protected lands west of the Cascades
OLYMPIA – With recent rain and current weather models predicting more moderate conditions in western Washington, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is adjusting the current statewide burn ban. Recreational campfires will be permitted in established fire rings in official campgrounds on DNR-protected lands west of the Cascade crest, the agency announced today. Click here to read the bulletin. 

Washington State Parks news release, August 12, 2014:
Open fires and use of briquettes prohibited until further notice to help prevent human-caused wildfires during hot, dry season

OLYMPIA – August 12, 2014 – Washington State Parks announced today that campfires in all state parks will be prohibited until further notice to help prevent human-caused wildfires during the hot, dry season on both sides of the Cascade Mountains.

The prohibition on campfires in state parks complies with the announcement Monday by Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which notified the public of a ban on all outdoor burning on lands protected by DNR, through Sept. 30. That agency has fire protection responsibility for all but a few state parks. Prohibiting open fires and campfires in all state parks is intended to minimize public confusion and cooperate in DNR’s effort to prevent wildfires.

DNR has said that significant demands are being placed upon fire suppression resources from regional and statewide firefighting efforts.

Campers in state parks will be allowed to use devices that allow for control of combustion, including:

• Propane and liquid gas stoves appropriate for camping and backcountry use
• Propane barbecue devices that do not use solid briquettes
• Propane or pressurized white gas warming devices that have a shield or base
• Lava rocks or lava logs may be used in propane grills and barbecues
• Solid fuel citronella or other candles in a metal bucket or glass container 

Click here for wildfire danger and outdoor burning regulations in Washington state from the Department of Natural Resources.

Have fun at Beachcombers' Fun Fair at Ocean Shores, Wash., March 1 and 2

The 27th Annual Beachcombers’ Fun Fair at Ocean Shores, Wash., features exhibits, seminars, information booths and vendors on Saturday and Sunday, a kid's science fair Saturday morning, plus beach walks on Sunday morning.

Here’s the schedule:

Friday, February 28, 2014 

2:00-7:00 p.m. -- ENTRY CHECK-IN -- Everyone is invited to bring their beachcombed items to the lobby of the Convention Center for check-in. There is no charge. All entries are eligible for ribbons. Entries must be in place for judging by 7:00 p.m. All entries must remain on display until 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2014. Exhibit contributors will be admitted free.

Beachcombers' Fun Fair
(Photo: David Masterman)

8:00 p.m.-??? -- JUDGING -- The Convention Center will be closed to the public during judging.  Ribbons will be awarded at that time. All entries are eligible for the People’s Choice Award , which will be awarded at 1:00 p.m. Sunday.

Saturday, March 1, 2014 

10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. -- EXPLORE THE SHORES -- Children are invited to participate in an interactive program that allows them to visit with scientists and specialists in a variety of beach- and ocean-related  fields.  Children will be admitted free only during the morning hours when accompanied by a paying adult. Prizes will be awarded to all who participate.

(Photo: RV.net)

12:00-5:00 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. -- SEMINARS -- Hourly seminars will be presented for attendees.  Your wristband will admit you free of charge.

10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. -- EXHIBITS and VENDORS -- View the many exhibits in 44 categories and vote for your choice for the Doc Bedilion award. Select an item for sale by one of the vendors.  Glass balls or floats, driftwood creations, rocks or gems, jewelry, beachcombed items, books and a variety of beach-related items will be available.

INFORMATION BOOTHS -- Visit the information booths and add to your knowledge of our coastal environment.  Many  scientists and specialists will be present.

Sunday, March 2, 2014 

9:00-11:00 a.m. -- Join Curt Ebbesmayer’s Dash for Trash or Treasure, or take a beach walk with Alan  Rammer.

1:00 p.m. -- Winners -- The coveted Doc Bedilion People’s Choice will be awarded and prizes for the Dash for Trash or Treasure will be announced.

11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. -- EXHIBITS and VENDORS, INFORMATION BOOTHS and SEMINARS

Entry to Beachcombers Fun Fair is $3.00 per adult, $1.00 per child ages 6-12. Children 5 and under, free.

120 West Chance A La Mer Ave. NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
For information call 360-289-9586 or 1-800-762-3224

Washington's Discovery Pass use expanded to two vehicles

A single, Washington state recreation land pass now can be used on either of two motor vehicles, thanks to new legislation signed March 30 by Gov. Chris Gregoire.

The change takes effect immediately. Holders of previously issued annual passes may enter a second vehicle license number on their existing pass.

Pass transfer between two vehicles also applies to vehicle access passes (VAPs) issued free with purchases of annual fishing and hunting licenses for access to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recreation lands and water- access sites.

"The Discover Pass is a great way to experience some of Washington’s most extraordinary places and this legislation makes it even easier to visit our state parks and recreation lands," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "Our parks, some of the best in the world, rely on user support and this small investment to enjoy our public lands is well worth it."

THE DISCOVER PASS was created by the 2011. It's required to park motor vehicles in state parks and other state recreation lands in an effort to make up for reductions in state general fund support for state recreation lands.

It costs $30 a year and provides vehicle access to millions of acres of state recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, WDFW and the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). One-day passes are available for $10 but are not transferable. The pass is sold through state vehicle-licensing outlets, at state parks, at some retail businesses and through WDFW’s recreational licensing system, known as the Washington Interactive Licensing System (WILD). Transaction and dealer fees may apply.

So far, revenue from Discover Pass sales has been less than half of original projections. Projected sales through the end of 2011 were $19.38 million, while actual revenue for the period was $8.2 million. "Customers have asked for transferable passes, the agencies sought this change and the Legislature has responded," said Don Hoch, State Parks director. "Customer survey results indicated that pass transferability between two vehicles could boost support for the Discover Pass."

The new legislation also allows for future development of new types of Discover Pass products and provides flexibility in how they are implemented. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.

Geocaching with a twist at Washington's Cama Beach State Park

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is inviting the public to participate in a geocache about the history of Cama Beach State Park on Camano Island.

LeRoy's Park multi-cache provides interpretation of historical events that took place in the area that is now Cama Beach State Park. Participants will search for the four-part multi-cache, with the first three caches leading to the final cache location. The geocache includes interpretation of the 1905 logging camp and 1934 fishing resort relics that are still found in the park today. Cama Beach State Park is located at 1880 S.W. Camano Drive, Camano Island.

Geocaching is an outdoor scavenger hunt that uses Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)-enabled devices to locate hidden containers, called geocaches. A geocache is placed at a set of defined coordinates, called a waypoint, which is a physical location participants can locate using GPS navigation technology on a smart phone or other capable device. Geocaching combines modern navigation technology with the outdoors for a family-friendly game for all ages. For details on the LeRoy's Park multi-cache, visit www.geocaching.com and enter the describing number GC3BGCQ.

To establish a geocache in a state park, written permission from State Parks is required prior to placement. For rules about placing geocaches in state parks, please visit http://www.parks.wa.gov/activities. Participating in an established geocache does not require written permission. Geocaching opportunities are available in state parks across Washington.

Cama Beach State Park is a 433-acre historic fishing resort with more than 6,000 feet of rocky beach. The park provides sweeping views of Saratoga Passage, Whidbey Island and the Olympic Mountain Range. The area now known as Cama Beach State Park was used for centuries by Native Americans for fishing and hunting. It was later developed into a fishing resort, popular with families for more than 50 years.

Two campgrounds to open In Washington's Tahuya State Forest

Good news for RVers who like to camp in Tahuya State Forest: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources will reopen two campgrounds — Camp Spilman and Kammenga — on December 1. The campgrounds were closed in 2009 due to budget cuts, along with about 40 other trailheads and campgrounds across the state.

Now, with the help of grant funding from the Nonhighway and Off-road Vehicle Activities (NOVA) program and revenue from the Discover Pass, DNR is able to reopen these popular campgrounds, just west of Belfair in Mason County.

No more reservations: Tahuya Horse Camp
In addition to reopening these two campgrounds, DNR will be doing away with the reservation system at the Tahuya River Horse Camp, beginning January 6.

All three camps will be on a first-come; first-served basis. The horse camp is open for weekends only; Camp Spilman and Kammenga are open seven days a week.

Keep in mind there is no garbage service at Tahuya State Forest. So pack out what you pack in. In addition, the maximum stay limit at these campgrounds is 10 days in a 30-day period.

Future of Lost Lake Resort near Tacoma uncertain. Big problems.

Buyers at Lost Lake Resort on the outskirts of Yelm, thought they were purchasing a little slice of heaven. The resort was pitched as a place where they could spend the summer months of their retirement years living in peaceful seclusion on 130 acres of pristine wilderness.

They could grab a fishing rod and walk to “an 11-acre private lake generously stocked with rainbow trout.” Or enjoy amenities such as tennis courts, an indoor-outdoor swimming pool and spa, or a clubhouse with a pool table, pingpong and shuffleboard.

But several RV lot owners at Lost Lake Resort say dreams of easy living have collapsed because of the resort’s developer, Jeffrey Graham, 48, of Tacoma, and the complications of his financial meltdown.

Some buyers say they still don’t have deeds for properties they paid up to $60,000 for. Others have had to sue to try to get their deeds for properties whose values have grossly depreciated because of the resort’s problems and the sour real estate market.

Graham says he’s done everything in his power to get deeds to buyers and to fix the facilities at the resort. Nevertheless, there is big trouble in what was once billed as a paradise.

Read the complete story in the Tacoma Tribune.