WINTER SPORTS -- The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is looking for winter sports enthusiasts to serve on the Washington State Winter Recreation Advisory Committee (WRAC).

The committee for non-motorized recreation has three positions that will soon become vacant. Two of the  positions are  for  non-motorized (cross country skier, snowshoer, dog musher, skijorer) who live in Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln or Spokane counties (Area 3). Another position is for a non-motorized recreation representative living in Adams, Whitman, Franklin, Garfield, Columbia, Walla Walla or Asotin counties (Area 6).

An additional open position is for an at-large candidate to represent motorized (snowmobiler) winter sports enthusiasts.

Nominations must be received by August 30. New appointments begin Oct. 1, for a term of three years.

The WRAC is made up of six non-motorized representatives and three representatives from snowmobile winter sports. The committee also has one representative each from the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Association of Counties. Also included is an ex-officio member from the Washington Department of Licensing.

The committee meets at least two weekends each year, once during the winter and once during the summer. The committee reviews vital issues and advises the Commission and its staff on program policy and funding priorities for snow removal, trail grooming, sanitation, education and enforcement. Members are appointed by the Commission and may serve up to two, three-year terms. Travel, lodging and meal costs for the meetings are reimbursed for members.  

The Winter Recreation Program manages more than 3,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, 300 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and more than 120 Sno-Parks (plowed parking areas near snowmobile and cross-country ski trails).

The Winter Recreation Program is supported entirely by user fees, snowmobile registrations and a percentage of the state fuel tax.

Contact the Winter Recreation Program by email at winter@parks.wa.gov, or P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650,

Info: (360) 902-8684.