Washington § 46.09.300 - Application of chapter — Permission necessary to enter upon private lands.

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all lands in this state. Nothing in this chapter, RCW 79A.35.040, 79A.35.070, 79A.35.090, 79A.35.110, and 79A.35.120 shall be deemed to grant to any person the right or authority to enter upon private property without permission of the property owner.

Findings—Construction—2005 c 213: "The legislature finds that off-road recreational vehicles (ORVs) provide opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor recreation activities. The legislature further finds that the limited amount of ORV recreation areas presents a challenge for ORV recreational users, natural resource land managers, and private landowners. The legislature further finds that many nonhighway roads provide opportunities for ORV use and that these opportunities may reduce conflicts between users and facilitate responsible ORV recreation. However, restrictions intended for motor vehicles may prevent ORV use on certain roads, including forest service roads. Therefore, the legislature finds that local, state, and federal jurisdictions should be given the flexibility to allow ORV use on nonhighway roads they own and manage or for which they are authorized to allow public ORV use under an easement granted by the owner. Nothing in this act authorizes trespass on private property." [ 2005 c 213 s 1.]

Effective date—2005 c 213: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2005." [ 2005 c 213 s 9.]

Purpose—1972 ex.s. c 153: See RCW 67.32.080.