The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) is seeking public comments on a draft rule that describes procedures for considering recreational safety when placing large wood in rivers, often done to improve habitat for fish and wildlife and stabilize stream banks.

The purpose of the rule is to implement an ordinance (16581) adopted by the King County Council in 2009.

The ordinance directs DNRP to prepare a public rule establishing procedures that DNRP will use to consider recreational safety issues when designing projects involving placing large wood in King County rivers.

The rules also identify the procedures for public input on projects that will utilize large wood elements in the design.

The draft rule and supporting documents are available online at www.kingcounty.gov/environment/wlr.

DNRP has scheduled a public hearing in Issaquah on Jan. 25, where the public can learn more about the proposed rule, and provide comments.

The meeting will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 25., at the King County Library Service Center (administration building), 960 Newport Way NW.

Comments may also be provided in writing. Written comments must be received by DNRP no later than 5 p.m. on Feb. 19, 2010. Mail comments to:

Department of Natural Resources and Parks – Cathy Jimenez, 201 South Jackson Street, Room 600, Seattle, WA 98104-3855, or e-mail: Cathy.Jimenez@kingcounty.gov

For questions about the draft public rule, contact Janne Kaje at 206-205-8309 or janne.kaje@kingcounty.gov.