In honor of Earth Day, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is offering a free day at all state parks on Friday, April 22. Visitors will not need to display a Discover Pass for day-use visits to state parks.

“Earth Day is a good way to remind Washingtonians how important state parks are to the preservation of our state’s rich natural and cultural heritage.” said Lisa Lantz, stewardship manager for Washington State Parks. “We invite everyone to come visit a park and enjoy nature at some of its finest.”

The “free days” are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass. The pass costs $30 for an annual pass or $10 for a one-day permit and is required for vehicle access to state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources. The Discover Pass legislation provided that State Parks could 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; the Discover Pass is still required on WDFW and DNR lands.

The remaining 2016 State Parks free days are as follows:

· May 8 – (Sunday) A springtime free Sunday

· June 4 – (Saturday) National Trails Day

· June 11 – (Saturday) National Get Outdoors Day

· Aug. 25 – (Thursday) National Park Service 100th birthday

· Sept. 24 – (Saturday) National Public Lands Day

· Nov. 11 – (Friday) Veterans Day

The Discover Pass provides daytime access to parks. Overnight visitors in state parks are charged fees for camping and other overnight accommodations; day access is included in the overnight fee. For information about the Discover Pass, visitwww.DiscoverPass.wa.gov<span class=’neIDcs’ style=’display:none;’ data-neidcs=”!~IDlt~!http:/!~IDgt~!”> .