The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invite the public to attend an informational meeting to discuss about recently adopted state regulations on small-scale mineral prospecting and mining on ocean beaches.
The meeting will be held 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16, at the Montesano City Hall, 112 North Main Street, Montesano. Information will be provided about small-scale beach prospecting rules enacted by State Parks in 2011 to regulate this activity on ocean beaches. The public is welcome to share opinions and preferences about the rules and regulations during the discussion.
WDFW and State Parks conducted a two-year, legislatively mandated pilot program from 2008 to 2010 on small-scale mineral prospecting and mining on ocean beaches. The agencies reported their findings and recommendations on the activity to the Legislature in December 2010. Based on the results of the pilot program, State Parks adopted rules that allow mineral prospecting and mining on a small, recreational scale, under certain restrictions. The pilot program findings and the State Parks rules on small-scale beach prospecting are available online at www.parks.wa.gov/rules. Large-scale commercial mining is prohibited on ocean beaches in Washington. For more information about the informational meeting, write This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (360) 725-9777.
The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 98-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.
Washington State Parks is on Twitter at WaStatePks_NEWS and YouTube at WashingtonStateParks.

New Programs Offer Winter Fun, Learning: Snowshoe Hikes in Mt. Baker Area; Cross Country Skiing at Snoqualmie Pass.  Viva Worthington treks through the Snoqualmie National Forest. US Forest Service photo.  Check website for more information:  www.fs.usda.gov/mbs  See larger photo: click Read More

WA State Parks Partners With Seattle Seahawks On Boating Safety Education
Washington boaters are invited to learn how to boat safely this year and qualify for prizes. Washington State Parks Boating Programs, together with the Seattle Seahawks are launching a contest to highlight boater education.
The opening day of boating season is five months away, but there are still dedicated boaters on the water during winter. Since boating is year around in Washington, State Parks Boating Programs urges boaters to take a boater safety class, get a boater education card to learn how to be safe on the water and to qualify for a Seattle Seahawks VIP game package. The 100,000th boater card recipient will win four field access passes and four tickets to a 2012 Seahawks game at Century Link Field in Seattle.