Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
OLYMPIA — One elected state official and two bureaucrats have moved to keep publicly owned lands managed by their agencies off limits to the public.
On Friday, State Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz, D-Poulsbo, and appointed Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind and Washington State Parks Director Don Hoch said they will not be opening up public access because of the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic.
Rather, they have said they will keep publicly owned lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources, the State Parks and Recreation Commission and the state Department of Fish and Wildlife closed to public access through May 4.
“The decision to extend the closure of public lands was an extremely difficult one,” Franz said in a joint press release. “I share the sense of disconnection and loss that we are all feeling by not being able to be out in nature.
“Our trails, campgrounds, and outdoor spaces are core to who we are in the Washington, but this temporary sacrifice is necessary to turn the tide and protect our loved ones and neighbors. We have the responsibility to do what we must to save as many lives as possible.”
Franz’s comments came after Gov. Jay Inslee said last week that he is extending his stay-home quarantine until May 4 for all residents and workers, except for “essential” activities.
Inslee, a Democrat from Bainbridge Island, may be facing opposition on the extension beyond 30 days, as Revised Code of Washington 43.06.220 (4) requires the Legislature’s approval for any suspension of constitutional rights and state laws more than 30 days.
His initial emergency declaration was made Feb. 29. That order has been amended, and several other new executive orders issued. Republican attorneys are reviewing the legality of the extension, which infringes on state and federal constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, Inslee has suggested the public get outside and enjoy spring — just not on the land it owns that’s managed by state agencies.
Franz claims the closing of trails, campgrounds and public lands is necessary.
“We have the responsibility to do what we must to save as many lives as possible,” she said.
Susewind agreed.
“We know many Washingtonians find great solace in spending time on the water or in the wilderness, and we are taking these painful steps only because of the urgent need to protect the health and well-being of our neighbors and communities,” he said.
Hock, too, echoed Franz’s statement.
“We all need to do whatever we can to help contain the spread of this virus,” he said. “That means postponing a trip to a state park and staying home and staying healthy.”
Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Having grown up Benton City, Roger is an award-winning journalist, photographer, editor and publisher. He's one of only two editorial/commentary writers from Washington state to ever receive the international Golden Quill. Roger is dedicated to the preservation of local media, and the voice it retains for Eastern Washington.
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