OLYMPIA – Sept. 28, 2012 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission reminds visitors that Saturday, September 29 is a State Parks free day in recognition of National Public Lands Day. The Discover Pass is not required of visitors exploring their state parks on “free days.”

The free days are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass, a $30 annual or $10 one-day permit required on state-managed recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Discover Pass legislation provides State Parks with the ability to designate up to 12 “free days” when the pass would not be required to visit state parks. The free days apply only at state parks. A Discover Pass is required to access DFW and DNR lands.

The final 2012 State Parks free days are scheduled for November 10 through 12 during the Veteran’s Day holiday weekend. For more information about State Parks free days, visitwww.discoverpass.wa.gov/faq/#freedays.

Stay connected to your state parks by following Washington State Parks at www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks, www.twitter.com/WaStatePks_NEWS andwww.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks. Share your favorite state park adventure on the new State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 99-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visitwww.discoverpass.wa.gov.