Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spin Control

State develops one-stop for outdoor resources

Washington may spread its outdoor responsibilities among many departments, but it has gathered them into one place on the web for people who want to use them.

So if you're planning on going camping for a week, need a fishing license and a hunting license, and wonder what sort of events are happening near the campsite, you could reserve a site, buy your licenses and check out a calendar, all starting from the same page.

You can also find out about air quality, water pollution, salmon recovery, shellfish seasons, burning permits and dozens of other things connected to the environment, natural resources, public lands, fish, wildlife and parks.

Gov. Chris Gregoire and Lands Commissioner Peter Goldmark announced the site today. A test drive reveals it to be practical, not particularly glitzy but practical and easy to use. The "How do I?..." feature is particularly good.



The Spokesman-Review's political team keeps a critical eye on local, state and national politics.