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NEWS RELEASE
December 12, 2014
Scenic BBQ Flats to open for recreation next summer
DNR to expand public access to popular backcountry site

OLYMPIA – BBQ Flats, a pine forest south of Ellensburg, will soon be reliably open to public access. The land, managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), had historically been available to the public. However, the access road to BBQ Flats crossed private property, leaving the public with intermittent access based on owner preference.

This week, DNR solidified agreements to gain ownership of the BBQ Flats access road for on-going public access. DNR will trade 80 acres and purchase another 560 acres, which will allow regular public access by this summer.

Several improvements, such as toilets, fencing, gates and road extensions are slated for the area, which will support dispersed camping, hiking, trail riding and other activities. DNR expects to finish the work and open the site no later than July 2015.

This open, flat pine forest, located in the Wenas area, has long been a popular backcountry horseback riding destination. It connects to higher country with views to several mountain ranges.

“We’ve strived for predictable access for 20 years. This is great for locals, yet people from across Washington and other states come to experience this unique landscape,” said Mike Drougas, with Back Country Horsemen of Washington. “BBQ Flats will be a wonderful location for all kinds of recreation activities. We’re very happy.”

The 2013 State Legislature approved funding, at the request of State Rep. Judy Warnick (R-Moses Lake), of $500,000 to help make this action possible.

“The people of Washington will enjoy exploring BBQ Flats for generations,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “I appreciate Representative Warnick’s leadership to expand outdoor recreation opportunities in this part of the state, and to help give DNR the resources to achieve it.”

The future recreation site at BBQ Flats will fall within existing DNR working lands where periodic timber harvests and grazing will continue to generate funding for public needs. BBQ Flats will join more than 140 sites and 2.2 million acres of DNR-managed lands that further serve to provide diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Media Contact: Carrie McCausland, Deputy Communications Director, 360-902-1523, carrie.mccausland@dnr.wa.gov