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11 .2 .2 Fall/Winter Opportunities Large areas of Kittitas County provide excellent opportunities for County residents as well as non-residents to hunt with modern firearms, muzzleloaders and archery equipment for a variety of big and small game animals, migratory waterfowl and numerous other game birds as defined by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. There are ten Game Management Units in Kittitas County designated by the WDFW for hunting deer, elk, bear and cougar as well as special permit areas for deer, elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goat. The various hunting seasons begin in August and end in March with defined time periods for each species of game animals and game birds. The Yakima River also provides ample opportunities for the winter sport of fishing for whitefish which are abundant. Other popular fall and winter recreational activities in Kittitas County are downhill and cross-country skiing. There are three private ski facilities located at Snoqualmie Pass, offering downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding areas for the public. Sno-parks provide County residents and tourists with parking areas to access snow mobile, snow shoeing, and cross-country skiing areas. The Washington State Parks Department currently provides a number of sno- parks within Kittitas County. Under a maintenance agreement with Washington State Parks Department, Kittitas County maintains five (S) of these sno-parks. This includes: Kachees Lake Road, Salmon La Sac Road, Teanaway Road, Reecer Creek Road, and Naneum Road. 11.3 FUTURE RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES As the population of Kittitas County grows, there may be an increased demand for improved recreational facilities and parks for County residents and tourists. In order to provide for the possible increased demands, Kittitas County is partnering and working with various government entities to fund various opportunities for parks and recreational facilities. Kittitas County has already achieved inter-jurisdictional parks/recreation projects with the various governments through establishment of the West Ellensburg Park, the Upper Kittitas County Youth Baseball Association Complex in Cle Elum and the City of Cle Elum Skate Park. During the course of the planning period, Kittitas County may conduct feasibility studies for the future parks within other urban growth areas. The foundation of the work contained in the County Recreation Plan/Outdoor Recreation Inventory, adopted by reference, also identifies future recreation opportunities for the county. 11 .3.1 Kittitas County Parks and Recreation District #1 Formed in 2005, the Kittitas County Parks and Recreation District #1 is a potentially important partner for providing important recreational facilities and opportunities, particularly in northwestern Kittitas County. In August 2016 the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners affirmed its support for the District's goals and mission. 12 In particular, the Commissioners highlighted the importance of expanding the trail network in the County to provide increased access to hikers, mountain bikers, trail riders and recreational tourists. Also highlighted was the importance of parking facilities along the County's waterways to support greater access to recreation. 12 Letter of Support for Kittitas County Parks and Recreation District #1, August 2, 2016. Page 134