Washington to ease back into outdoors
Anglers try their luck Friday morning at Kelso Lake, due north of Athol. Idaho's lakes, boat launches, trailheads and parks have seen an abundance of Washington travellers since their governor, Jay Inslee, closed almost all public outdoor recreation. Inslee announced Monday he would ease those restrictions starting May 5. (Photo courtesy of Taryn Thompson)
Those looking for a reprieve from Washingtonians recreating in Idaho got some good news Monday.
Gov. Jay Inslee announced he will lift restrictions beginning May 5 on public lands in the Evergreen State.
“Based on the data we’ve now received, we’re close to the point with the spread of this virus where we can enjoy the outdoors again,” Inslee said.
However, Inslee said that if the state sees an uptick in infections of the coronavirus or if people don’t continue to take safety measures while recreating, the activities could once again be restricted. Public gatherings and events, team sports and camping are all still prohibited under the current stay-at-home order that has been in place since March 23.
“This is not a return to normal today, the virus is too rampant to allow that,” Inslee said. “This is only a beginning phase of relaxing our outdoor recreation.”
Inslee’s original orders closed state parks, public lands and golf courses while delaying hunting and fishing seasons, prompting many Washingtonians to travel east in droves to enjoy North Idaho’s outdoors.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office began responding to reports this month of out-of-state license plates at public trailheads. On April 16, deputies sent home a group of Washington disc golfers at Corbin Park in Post Falls.
The first American to test positive for COVID-19 lives in the Puget Sound area. Since late January, the state has been considered one of the epicenters of the pandemic, afflicting more than 13,300 and killing 738, compared to Idaho’s 1,870 cases and 58 confirmed deaths.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s stay-home order, issued March 25, spelled out much softer restrictions than Inslee’s near-lockdown of all public lands, rivers, lakes, parks and outdoor recreation.
Inslee said Monday he will ease those restrictions, but he will likely extend most provisions in the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, which was set to expire May 4.
Little’s order does not prohibit outdoor recreating, and it requires anyone traveling to Idaho from out of state for non-essential reasons to self-quarantine for 14 days.
The announcement on the partial reopening of outdoor recreation comes just a few days after Inslee announced a plan that allows the resumption of existing construction projects, as long as strict coronavirus social distancing protocols are in place.
In the case of outdoor recreation, Inslee said that those who are exhibiting signs of illness must stay home, and that people must limit their partners in these activities to those who live within their household. He also said that people must recreate locally and not make overnight trips to other areas.
Monday’s announcement does not prevent local governments or national agencies from closing parks, lands or trails in their jurisdictions based on public health needs in those areas, Inslee said.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.