OLYMPIA — The state Department of Natural Resources has lifted its temporary ban on the lawful discharge of firearms on its lands.
The ban, which was put into place because of fire danger on Aug. 15, was lifted Thursday.
Recent rainfall has squelched wildfire fear, according to DNR.
The restriction has applied to state forests, community forests and other DNR-managed lands.
It temporarily banned the discharge of firearms for anyone engaged in activities other than lawful hunting.
“Closing off our lands to any kind of activity on our public lands, whether that is camping or target shooting due to wildfire risk, is a difficult decision to make.
“Now that conditions have improved in wildfire-prone areas, residents can get back out to target shoot where it is safe to do so,” said Brock Milliern, DNR’s conservation and recreation division manager.
“We are excited to welcome back all recreationists to our public lands, and we are grateful to recreational target shooters for doing their part in preventing wildfires this season.”
The reopening of shooting will take several days as DNR staff head out to recreation areas across the state to remove signs and open gates.
“It takes time to open gates and take down the signs across the state, so we ask that people remain patient as we work to reopen completely,” said Leah Dobey, DNR’s statewide recreation manager.
Shooters can review the guidelines set out in Washington’s Administrative Code (WAC) 332-52-145 for all the rules and regulations pertaining to discharging firearms on public lands.
