The public is invited to participate in a survey about recreation in the Teanaway Community Forest as part of the State’s long-term recreation planning process. The Teanaway Community Forest is an important source of water and wildlife habitat, as well as a statewide recreation destination in the heart of the Cascades with opportunities for fishing, camping and taking in expansive views of the Teanaway Valley.
The 50,241-acre forest, located in the Yakima River Basin headwaters, is managed through a partnership between the state departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The departments want input from the forest’s many visitors and nearby neighbors on current and future recreation priorities. The agencies, along with a 20-member advisory committee, value public feedback as they develop a recreation plan intended to guide long-term recreation priorities in the community forest.
“Whether you’ve pulled off I-90 for the views or were lucky enough to snag a first-come, first-serve spot at one of the camping areas during a summer weekend, we want to hear from you—and all who help make up the shared story of Teanaway Community Forest,” said Glenn Glover, acting statewide recreation manager.
To take the survey, visit bit.ly//TeanawaySurvey before close of business Thursday, Aug 24.
“It’s crucial we hear from people who value the Teanaway as we develop a recreation plan consistent with the watershed protection and conservation objectives that were key to establishing this community forest,” said Mike Livingston, WDFW south central regional director.
Teanaway Community Forest- An enduring partnership: The forest is managed through a partnership between DNR and WDFW, with input from the advisory committee, the local community and interested stakeholders. The plan will lay a foundation for the preservation and development of recreation opportunities consistent with watershed protection, the Teanaway Community Forest Management Plan and other priorities identified by state lawmakers.
The 2013 acquisition of the community forest was the single largest Washington state land transaction in 45 years and reflected more than a decade of collaboration. Acquisition of the Teanaway was one key step in implementing the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan – an initiative developed by a coalition of public and private organizations to safeguard the basin’s water supply, restore fisheries, conserve habitat, preserve working lands and enhance recreational opportunities. The property is Washington’s first state-managed community forest under the terms of legislation enacted in 2011. That law empowers communities to partner with DNR to purchase forests to preserve land in danger of conversion, and to support local economies and public recreation.
– Department of Natural Resources
