— from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee —
Gov. Jay Inslee announced today a partial re-opening of some outdoor recreation activities.
As of Tuesday, May 5, some outdoor recreation will be allowed with appropriate safety precautions, including: fishing; hunting; playing golf; and day use at state parks, state public lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources and at state Fish and Wildlife areas.
“Outdoor recreation is one of the best things we can do to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being for Washingtonians during a time of great stress and isolation,” Inslee said. “And springtime in our state is Washington at its best and people want to be out enjoying outdoor activities in a safe and responsible way.
“If we see a sharp uptake in the number of people who are getting sick or are not following appropriate steps, then we won’t hesitate to scale this back again. This is not a return to normal. This is only a beginning phase of relaxing outdoor recreation restrictions.”
Public gatherings, events, team sports and camping, among other things, are not resuming at this time.
Read the full plan on the governor’s Medium page.
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What about kayaking, Guv? It’s awfully difficult to get within six feet of another kayaker while on the water! Unless you raft up, that is.
And does this mean that Moran State Park is open for day use?
It’s a sad, sad day in the history of our country when anyone would even think they need to ask permission of our government to go kayaking (or fishing, hiking, camping, etc). Strange times.
“It’s a sad, sad day in the history of our country….”
It is a sad, sad day in the history of our country. Strange times indeed. I’m glad to see them loosening the temporary emergency restrictions on hunting, hiking, and fishing. Social isolation, social distancing, wearing masks, gloves, and washing hands has, so far, proven effective. It’s only a matter of time that other social venues will open up again too.
If we follow Dr. James’ advise we should get thru this O.K.
I couldn’t find it on the Governor’s page but during the San Juan County council meeting on Tuesday they said the governor excluded San Juan County from the order. So Moran Park will not be open for day use.