SEPA checklist guidance, Section B: Recreation

We provide guidance to help applicants complete the Recreation section of the SEPA Section B: Environmental elements checklist.


12. Recreation

a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?

This information helps reviewers better understand a development project's community impacts. Applicants should be specific and address possible impacts to formally-designated recreation areas as well as other uses such as access to state shorelines and common fishing spots. Other examples include:

  • Walking, hiking, biking, and picnicking
  • Dirt biking, dune buggies, and horseback riding
  • Play ground, ball field, tennis or basketball courts, and golf courses
  • Recreation centers, swimming areas or pools, boating, rafting, fishing, and beach combing
  • Parks, stadiums, museums, aquariums, zoos, and wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Theaters, fairs, convention centers, and other public facilities

b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses?

Consider how a proposal will directly impede, interfere, or prevent current and reasonably-foreseeable future recreational uses. These could include:

  • Shoreline access
  • Shellfish harvesting
  • Swimming, boating, and other water activities
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Hiking, camping, horseback riding, and skiing

c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any.

These measures could include:

  • Development or improvement of a playground
  • Recreation center
  • Donation of park land or facilities to a recreation agency
  • Donation of land to create a park facility, club house, or public access to a beach and shorelines.

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