OLYMPIA — With the state’s recent extension of Gov. Jay Inslee’s extended “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, the state Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) all announced the extended closure of state lands to the public through May 4.
This action is a continuation of the state’s efforts to protect residents by stemming the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This extension will apply to all camping on state lands, boat launches and water access sites, wildlife areas and day-use recreation areas.
“The decision to extend the closure of public lands was an extremely difficult one. I share the sense of disconnection and loss that we are all feeling by not being able to be out in nature,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.
The WDFW anticipates additional fishing and hunting season announcements on Monday. Updates will be shared at wdfw.wa.gov.
“We understand and appreciate the hardship the park’s closure has on the outdoor-recreating public,” said state Parks Director Don Hoch. “Most of our staff work for Parks because of their passion for the outdoors, and many of them have had to be reassigned to indoor work during this crisis. We all need to do whatever we can to help contain the spread of this virus. That means postponing a trip to a state park and staying home and staying healthy.”
Campers who have state parks reservations through May 4 will be notified and offered a full refund. Visitors can find the latest information about State Park operations at parks.state.wa.us/COVID19.
