IATC Comments on DNR Outdoor Access and Responsible Recreation (OARR) Plan
Since 2023, DNR has been working with tribes to co-create the Outdoor Access and Responsible Recreation (OARR) Strategic Plan. According to DNR, the intent of this plan is to “develop a shared vision and strategy for recreation and outdoor access on DNR-managed lands,” which includes Tiger Mountain. IATC staff and board leadership participated in OARR public workshops in early 2024 and were pleased to submit the following public comment on DNR’s draft plan in November 2024. The final OARR plan is expected to be published in early 2025. You can learn more about the OARR plan on DNR’s website.
Tiger Mountain
Dear Brody Coval,
The Issaquah Alps Trails Club is excited to see thoughtful considerations, effective collaboration, and proactive planning reflected in the goals, strategies, and actions outlined in the draft Outdoor Access and Responsible Recreation Strategic Plan. As a conservation organization with over 45 years of on-the-ground experience advocating for effective management of DNR land and trails, we appreciate the time and effort DNR is putting into outlining this plan. This plan will be essential to ensure that safe, equitable, and sustainable recreation can continue as our region grows.
We appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback on this plan. We encourage DNR to continue collaborating with Tribal partners, community organizations, underrepresented groups, listening groups, and the public as they finalize and begin implementing this plan. Our Advocacy Committee has reviewed the draft and would like to offer the following feedback:
Build out the “next steps” section in more detail to include how DNR is considering prioritizing some of the actions, identify possible funding sources or areas of concerns, and provide more detail on how and when DNR is thinking about implementing and evaluating the success of these actions and strategies.
Continue coordinating closely with Tribal partners. We are happy to see that DNR is evaluating recreation impacts on treaty rights and want to encourage continued collaboration with these important partners.
Continue public engagement on this plan and on specific local implementation. DNR should continue engaging with advocacy groups, community organizations, non-profits, listening groups, underrepresented communities, and members of the public. The landscape is constantly shifting and maintaining connections to groups on the ground will be essential to adaptively managing this plan.
Describe in more detail if and how DNR is considering changes to commercial permitting that would allow official group use of DNR land and trails for events and activities.
Consider including strategies and actions related to NRCA development and maintenance. The NRCA program is a powerful tool for conservation and recreation opportunities–we’d like to see DNR take more advantage of this program in the future.
Thank you again for the opportunity to provide feedback on this plan. The Issaquah Alps Trails Club is a long-time partner of DNR and shares its vision of public lands that provide for Tribal use, trust-revenue generation, sustainable outdoor access, and high-quality, equitable recreation opportunities. We are looking forward to the positive changes this plan seeks to bring.
Sincerely,
Kim Ngo, Executive Director
On behalf of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club