The Washington departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are asking recreationists for their advice by January 4 on recreation opportunities in a scenic portion of Kittitas and Chelan counties that includes one state forest and two state wildlife areas.

The agencies today released a survey to gather public input on recreation opportunities in the Naneum Ridge to Columbia River area, near Ellensburg and Wenatchee. The survey results will help a citizen-based planning committee develop draft recommendations to DNR and WDFW on sustainable recreation development in the area.

The 230,000-acre recreation area (map) includes the DNR-managed Naneum Ridge State Forest along with WDFW-managed Colockum Wildlife Area and eastern portions of the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area. It attracts people from across the state for its unique ridges, pine forests, and shrub-steppe landscapes that offer many recreation and wildlife viewing opportunities.

The survey asks a variety of questions to help determine how residents currently spend their time in the recreation area and what opportunities they would like to have in the future. The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete, and the results will be posted online.