OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A state agency wants your input on its management of outdoor recreation.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) opened comments for its first statewide recreation strategic plan earlier this month. The draft plan seeks to provide an outline on how DNR will both protect the lands from harmful recreation and benefit those that use or visit the lands.

DNR manages about 5.6 million acres of largely undeveloped land and water that are used for a variety of purposes from recreation to timber, grazing, agriculture and wind power.

DNR’s hands-off approach to land management has increased opportunities for vandalism like the closure of Sumas Mountain following illegal garbage dumping and trail-building last year.

Recreating responsibly is at the top of mind with the new draft plan, and tribal impacts are being taken into account.

Public comment period is open until Nov. 21 on the draft Outdoor Access and Responsible Recreation Strategic Plan.