Power Kite Forum

Email from Washington State Parks

van - 31-12-2014 at 09:40 PM

Anyone get an email from the Washington State Park?? I'm not from the area so thought I pass this along ...


Quote:



"The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is considering changes to the rule that prohibits the recreational use of wind-powered vehicles on beaches managed by the agency. State Parks is proposing to allow these vehicles under certain conditions, including seasonal restrictions, specific locations for use, public safety considerations and wildlife habitat protection.



Wind-powered vehicles include kite buggies, blo-karts, and kite boards. Areas under consideration are portions of Long Beach, North Beach and South Beach in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.



State Parks is seeking your input on issues the agency should consider when revising the rule. For example:



· Where should wind powered vehicle use be allowed and where should it be restricted?

· What types of seasonal restrictions should apply to promote beach safety and protect important wildlife habitat?

· How should the agency address issues such as maximum speed, vehicle visibility, and the potential for conflict with other beach recreation uses (i.e. motorized vehicles, pedestrians, equestrians, etc.)?



Please let us know what you think. Visit the project webpage and select “Provide Comments.”



Please submit your comments by February 6.



In addition, State Parks will be holding two public meetings to solicit input:



· In Ilwaco: The meeting is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, January 28 at the Ilwaco Community Building at Timberland Regional Library, 158 1st Ave. North, Ilwaco. (Directions)

· In Ocean Shores: The meeting is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, January 29 at the Ocean Shores Convention Center, 120 West Chance A la Mer in Ocean Shores. (Directions)

Thank you for helping to improve Washington’s state parks! If you have questions please contact Randy Kline, Park Planner, at (360) 902-8632.

MeatŠriver - 31-12-2014 at 09:53 PM

Just wow. Thank you WA guys for pushing this for sooooo long..... I can only imagine your efforts had something to with this. We'll see how it goes. This would be a new years treat!

MeatŠriver - 31-12-2014 at 10:08 PM

Sorry... but they call it long beach for a reason. With much agony, I've been staying away from that turf for nearly a couple years. 18 straight miles of west wind heaven!

Morrie Williams - 1-1-2015 at 09:15 AM

This was sent out by Washington State Parks 12/31/2014. It's also been forwarded to all NAPKA members in the WA, OR and BC areas. If you'd like an original forward to access the links, read their website and comment, please email me at mmawilliams@comcast.net.

This has been a long time coming, started in 1995. Evans has been spearheading the work on this for the past 5 years.

Hopefully this is the beginning in the process to open up some beach areas in Washington for our use!

Keep your fingers crossed.

kitemaker4 - 1-1-2015 at 09:51 AM

Good luck.

Susan (npw goddess)

crazyherb - 1-1-2015 at 04:23 PM

Awesome, awesome, awesome.....(where's the LIKE button)...
WEEEE!

PHREERIDER - 1-1-2015 at 05:21 PM

nice

sand flea - 1-1-2015 at 06:33 PM

Fingers crossed

this would be epic to see the coast of Washington open up

thank you Evans

Windy Heap - 2-1-2015 at 11:58 AM

Morrie, can you just post the links here, might get a larger audience of national exposure.

As a local Seattle Kiter, I sure going to try help to open up our areas and provide comment.





This was sent out by Washington State Parks 12/31/2014. It's also been forwarded to all NAPKA members in the WA, OR and BC areas. If you'd like an original forward to access the links, read their website and comment, please email me at mmawilliams@comcast.net.

BeamerBob - 2-1-2015 at 12:42 PM

I got it too. I hope reason prevails and the beaches get opened up. Thanks to those who have worked hard to make positive changes in Washington.

Morrie Williams - 2-1-2015 at 03:33 PM

Here's the original email with hopefully working links:

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is considering changes to the rule that prohibits the recreational use of wind-powered vehicles on beaches managed by the agency. State Parks is proposing to allow these vehicles under certain conditions, including seasonal restrictions, specific locations for use, public safety considerations and wildlife habitat protection.

Wind-powered vehicles include kite buggies, blo-karts, and kite boards. Areas under consideration are portions of Long Beach, North Beach and South Beach in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.

State Parks is seeking your input on issues the agency should consider when revising the rule. For example:

· Where should wind powered vehicle use be allowed and where should it be restricted?

· What types of seasonal restrictions should apply to promote beach safety and protect important wildlife habitat?

· How should the agency address issues such as maximum speed, vehicle visibility, and the potential for conflict with other beach recreation uses (i.e. motorized vehicles, pedestrians, equestrians, etc.)?

Please let us know what you think. Visit the project webpage and select “Provide Comments.”

Please submit your comments by February 6.

In addition, State Parks will be holding two public meetings to solicit input:

· In Ilwaco: The meeting is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, January 28 at the Ilwaco Community Building at Timberland Regional Library, 158 1st Ave. North, Ilwaco. (Directions)

· In Ocean Shores: The meeting is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, January 29 at the Ocean Shores Convention Center, 120 West Chance A la Mer in Ocean Shores. (Directions)

Thank you for helping to improve Washington’s state parks! If you have questions please contact Randy Kline, Park Planner, at (360) 902-8632.

Windy Heap - 13-2-2015 at 12:57 PM

any report out on how it went?


didn't it make the newspaper before or after the meetings?


Morrie Williams - 13-2-2015 at 01:06 PM

Ilwaco meeting went great, lot's of positive comments. Ocean Shores was well attended, lots of support from kiting community. Negative response from city of Ocean Shores people. Parks will be at their next city council meeting. Still on schedule to be brought to the parks board on 3/26.

http://northcoastnews.com/news/wind-powered-rules-aired-loca...

awindofchange - 13-2-2015 at 04:50 PM

best of luck Morrie. Keep fighting the good fight. I hope things go your way.

Morrie Williams - 13-2-2015 at 05:36 PM

Thank Kent! We should see in about 6 weeks, around the time of IBX.

Windy Heap - 16-2-2015 at 10:12 AM

Link to how to Comment on-line to the Parks department.

I just took the quick 2-3 minutes out of my day to leave positive comments here:

http://www.parks.wa.gov/FormCenter/Planning-6/Public-Comment...