Hooves and wings unite to clean up Samish Overlook

Equestrian riders and paragliders come together to volunteer at Samish Overlook. Photos: Rick Foster, DNR.

Samish Overlook in Blanchard Forest near Bellingham (map), not only offers stunning views of the San Juan Islands, but also is a place where hikers, paragliders, and equestrian riders work together to preserve this beautiful recreation area.

On March 9, almost 40 volunteers came out to clean-up Blanchard Forest and the overlook. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would like to thank each of these volunteers for their hard work and the following partner organizations:

• North Cascade Soaring Club
• Whatcom Back Country Horsemen
• Skagit Back Country Horsemen 

Check out photos from the event and the fun volunteers had after they cleaned up the site!

Equestrian riders clean up trails

A horse and rider take a break after spending the morning clearing trails at Blanchard Mountain. Photo: Rick Foster, DNR

Ten volunteers brought their horses and rode up from the lower trailhead to clear brush and wind throw from the trails. They split into 2 groups and covered 7 miles of trail with enough time to meet up with other volunteers at the overlook for lunch. They continued working in the afternoon with the rest of the volunteers at Samish Overlook.

Paragliders and other volunteers clean up Samish Overlook

Volunteers clean up a paragliding launch site at Samish Overlook. Photo: Rick Foster, DNR.

At Samish Overlook, about 30 folks spent time spring cleaning the overlook. The work consisted of removing grass in the gravel paths and putting down 6 yards of new gravel. Other volunteers were weed eating and clearing short brush from the paragliding launch sites. Volunteers also filled in ruts at one of the launches, cleared around plants that were put in last year, and picked up garbage around the site.

Volunteers were able to get a lot of work accomplished with time to take advantage of the great weather to play…check out the photos!

Find out about upcoming volunteer opportunities in your area or join us and invite your on April 13 for another Samish Overlook volunteer event.

Related blog: Thank you volunteers! Blanchard Forest has new horse mounting blocks

 

Don’t forget your Discover Pass, your ticket to millions of acres of state-managed recreation land.

 

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DNR’s 2012 Volunteer Hero honored by American Motorcycle Association

Bob Langley has spent thousands of hours volunteering his time working on DNR trails.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) honored Bob Langley last year as one of our 2012 Volunteer Heros for his outstanding contribution to DNR. Now Bob has received a second award for his volunteer efforts on DNR-managed land:

The 2013 American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Outstanding Off-Road Rider Award highlights the achievements of an individual who has contributed to the promotion of the motorcycling lifestyle and the protection of off-highway motorcycling.

For 2013, Washington state’s Langley was acknowledged for his tireless work — 800-1000 hours per year –maintaining riding trails in off-road-vehicle areas throughout his home state. The Boeing Company retiree was hailed by the state’s Department of Natural Resources as one of its top volunteers statewide in 2012.

“I am grateful to the AMA for this award,” said Langley. “Giving back to the sport that I love is why I do what I do. Off-road riding is in my blood and volunteering on our trails is one way to make sure that these trails will be around for future generations to enjoy.”

In 2012 alone, Langley logged over 600 hours volunteering at Walker Valley State Forest and over 100 hours at Capital State Forest. Bob’s leadership, humor, concern for the environment, and amazing attitude inspire children and adults alike.

Thanks for all the awesome volunteering Bob! You inspire us all!

To learn how you can volunteer with DNR, view our Volunteer Calendar and invite your friends to events on Facebook.

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Woodard Bay: Who knew sustainability could look so good? Check it out on March 15!

This Friday, March 15, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will reopen trails at Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA). The area was temporarily closed last October to conduct a restoration project.  The Loop Trail and Whitham Road Trail will reopen along with new viewing access to Woodard Bay (see map). The Overlook Trail will close on March 25 for the nesting season to protect herons and eagles.

Woodard Bay NRCA is nestled in South Puget Sound near Olympia and protects native shoreline habitat, much to the delight of bird watchers, nature conservationists, and others who enjoy the beauty and peace of minimally disturbed habitat.

However, beneath the serenity of Woodard Bay NRCA, environmental concerns lingered. Before the restoration, old creosote-treated logs and piers along with fill material choked the natural coastline.

Thanks to the 2012 Jobs Now Act funding, DNR was able to complete restoration projects that weren’t anticipated to be completed for many years.

• Learn more about the Woodard Bay NRCA restoration projects.
• Learn more about why creosote-treated materials are dangerous to the environment and human health.

What is the big deal with creosote?

An excavator works to restore native shoreline at Woodard Bay by removing fill. Photo: Michele Zukerberg, DNR.

Creosote contains more than 300 chemicals, many of which are toxic, and pose a threat to human and environmental health and safety. It was a big job pulling out creosote-treated logs and piers, removing hundreds of tons of fill and restoring the natural coastline, and developing long-term access for the public.

What’s the 2012 Jobs Now Act?
To boost the state’s economy, the 2012 Washington Legislature directed $505 million in the Jobs Now Act to quickly create thousands of jobs in the state. DNR received $37 million of this funding for a broad range of jobs that include removing invasive species, cleaning up beaches, replacing culverts to improve fish passage, restoring shorelines, protecting natural resources, improving recreation facilities, maintaining and enhancing urban forests, and increasing fire protection. Of the $37 million, $200,000 is to be used specifically for removing large debris.

Don’t forget your Discover Pass, your ticket to millions of acres of recreation opportunities on Washington state-managed recreation lands. The Discover Pass is now transferable between two vehicles.

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Temporary closure of ORV trail and bridge at Walker Valley

EZ Valley Connector Trail in Walker Valley is temporarily closed. Photo: Diana Lofflin, DNR.

3/15/13 UPDATE: The EZ Valley Connector Trail and bridge are now open.  

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has temporarily closed the EZ Valley Connector Trail in the Walker Valley ORV riding area to conduct emergency bridge repairs. The trail was closed to protect public safety.

4×4 vehicles and other ORV users can use the Upper Mainline Trail to access the upper half of the trail system (see map).

DNR expects the trail to reopen in 2 weeks.

Check DNR’s recreation page to find the latest information on openings and closures in Walker Valley and other DNR-managed areas.

And don’t forget your Discover Pass, your ticket to millions of acres of recreation opportunities on Washington state-managed recreation lands. The Discover Pass is now transferable between two vehicles.

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Thank you volunteers! Blanchard Forest has new horse mounting blocks

Volunteers at Blanchard Forest install much needed equestrian mounting blocks. Photo: Christ Thomsen, DNR.

The Whatcom County Pony Club stepped up to make a difference at Blanchard Forest near Bellingham (map). 

Club members and Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff  realized there was a great need for mounting blocks at equestrian trailheads on state trust land in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Equestrian mounting blocks are safer for horse riders to use than trailer hubs, slippery rocks, logs, and other potentially unsafe substitutes.

Check out our photos!

The first two blocks were installed at Blanchard Forest in October 2012 with another seven mounting blocks scheduled to be installed soon.

Volunteers and Washington Conservation Corps crew members made the mounting blocks from lumber and gravel donated by the community.

DNR would like to thank volunteers from the local community, the Whatcom County Pony Club, WCC crews, and the Back Country Horsemen of Whatcom County for this revitalizing project.

Want to get involved? Check out our volunteer calendar for upcoming volunteer events or join us on March 9 at Samish Overlook on Blanchard Forest for a Spring clean-up.

Like what you see? Let us know what you need to know to plan your next DNR recreation adventure.
Take a few moments and take a short online survey.

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Top 5 reasons to download the new Capitol State Forest map onto your smartphone

The new Capitol State Forest Map is now geo-referenced, making it ideal to download onto your smartphone. Photo: Diana Lofflin, DNR.

Are you ready to take your outdoor recreation adventure into the digital world?

The new 2013 Capitol State Forest map has been developed to easily download onto your smartphone or tablet.  

The smartphone is becoming an outdoor recreationist’s most trusted side-kick. With a built-in GPS unit, camera, compass and technology to track your trip, the smartphone is becoming another handy tool to have in the woods.

Here are 5 reasons to try it out today:

1. Stay safe. Capitol State Forest is over 100,000 acres with trails and roads intersecting across the landscape. When you download the map to your phone, you have up-to-date trail and road names at your fingertips.
2. No cell service? No problem! If you download the map into an app service (explained below) the map will still work even if you are out of cell range using your phone’s GPS chip.
   *Bonus Tip: Save battery power and turn your cell on airplane mode.
3. Photo-capture your favorite spot.  With your geo-referenced Capitol Forest Map, you can take a picture of your favorite lunch spot, write a note, and tag its location on your phone to show it off to your buddies next time you are out.
4. Are we there yet?! With accurate longitude and latitude programed into the map, you will know exactly where you are and how far the next stop is on your trail adventure.
   *Bonus Tip:  Some apps even offer a measuring tool as part of their options.
5. FREE map! Can’t beat free and convenient, right?!

Ready to give it a try? Follow the easy steps below to get started.

New Capitol State Forest map is hot off the presses!

Calling all Capitol Forest enthusiasts… the new Capitol State Forest map is here!
Buy your copy now.

Can’t wait for it to arrive in the mail? Request it from your favorite vendor or visit the state printing office at:

State Department of Enterprise Services
7580 New Market St SW (Front Office)
Tumwater, WA 98501
See: Vicinity Map – Tumwater

The last edition was printed in 2002.

What’s new in the 2013 edition? Plenty!

• New trails
• New road names
• Updated trail names and locations
• More precise elevation data
• More detailed maps of the Middle Waddell, Margaret McKenny, and Mima Falls areas.
• Tips for ‘Playing it Safe’ in the forest
• A ‘Recreation Fun Guide’ to get you started on a Capitol State Forest adventure…and much more!

Stay tuned. We will be featuring a FREE downloadable Capitol State Forest map for your smart phone and the top 12 reasons to visit Capitol State Forest in upcoming blogs.

Like what you see? Let us know what you need to know to plan your next DNR recreation adventure.
Take a few moments and take a short online survey.

Don’t forget your Discover Pass, your ticket to millions of acres of recreation opportunities on Washington state-managed recreation lands. The Discover Pass is now transferable between two vehicles.

 

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Join Forest Watch and become a better friend of the forest

Forest Watch Volunteers provide information to the public and report any safety concerns. Photo: Clay Graham, Eastern Washington Adventures.

Did you know that the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has only 36 recreation employees to assist visitors on 2.2 million acres of state trust lands? As dedicated as these staff are to providing an enriching recreation experience, these limited numbers are not able to assist every visitor in the forest.

This is why the Forest Watch Program is critical in providing visitor information and reporting safety concerns.

Join DNR’s Forest Watch Program and become a resource of friendly information for forest visitors while learning new skills.

What do Forest Watch volunteers do?
• Provide information to visitors.
• Monitor and observe trails, sites, and facilities.
• Report safety concerns and suspicious or criminal activities.

“We plan daylight patrols and set up stations at the common entrances into the area. We have tread-lightly information, and other brochures about helping to keep the forest open for the community to enjoy. We also have spill kits available, and encourage people to have one on hand in case they need it.”
– Elizabeth Wells, Forest Watch volunteer

What are the goals of Forest Watch?
• Create a responsible presence in the forest.
• Prevent unsafe activities.
• Educate the public on safe and sustainable recreation.

“To me, forest watch means saving the forest for future generations.”
 – Ronald Coleman, Forest Watch Volunteer

 Why should I become a Forest Watch Volunteer?
• Improve recreation trails, sites, and facilities.
• Learn new skills and information.
• Meet others with a passion for outdoor recreation.
• Enhance your resume.

“I became a Forest Watch volunteer officially a few years ago. It all began when I would go to the Ahtanum State Forest area with my father fishing and camping. He taught me to take care of the land and respect nature. This was in the mid 1950s and the same concerns are present today with additional issues.”
– Ron Rutherford, Forest Watch Volunteer

Want to find out more about becoming a Forest Watch volunteer? Join us at the following training events:

• Tumwater Forest Watch Volunteer training – March 21
• Yakima Forest Watch Volunteer training – March 28

For more information, contact Ken Dean at 360-902-1701 or ken.dean@dnr.wa.gov or check out our webpage.

Like what you see? Let us know what you need to know to plan your next DNR recreation adventure.
Take a few moments and take a short online survey.

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Thank you Town of Northport for saving Sheep Creek Campground!

With funding from Discover Pass, DNR has now resumed maintenance and upkeep of the Sheep Creek campground. Photo: Diana Lofflin, DNR.

In 2009, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was faced with closing many campgrounds across the state due to serious budget cuts in the outdoor recreation program.

Sheep Creek Campground was one of many DNR campgrounds facing closure.

Realizing Sheep Creek campground could possibly be closed; the Town of Northport adopted the campground to keep it open for the public.

DNR greatly appreciates the time and effort put in by all the volunteers from the Town of Northport. Without their hard work and dedication this facility would have been closed.

Thanks to funding from the Discover Pass, DNR has now resumed maintenance and upkeep of the Sheep Creek campground.

Finally, thank you to all who have purchased a Discover Pass. Your Discover Pass dollars go directly into keeping recreation sites like Sheep Creek Campground open.

Check out other ways the Discover Pass has come to the rescue.

Sheep Creek Campground

Sheep Creek Campground is in northern Stevens County, close to the border of Canada and not far from the Town of Northport. The Town of Northport is small — just 295 people. The campground is surrounded by miles of forestland with a rich history of prospecting, logging, and family outings. For years, the campground has provided a location for visitors to camp, hunt, fish, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of northern Steven County.

The dedicated Town of Northport, population 295, joined together to keep Sheep Creek Campground open. Photo: Kyle Pomrankey, DNR.

A dedicated group of citizens, business owners, and city council members from the Town of Northport routinely maintained the campground. They picked up litter, cleaned outhouses, painted buildings, repaired roofs, and installed signs. Their hard work kept the campground safe and open to the public.

In 2011, Stevens County Conservation District and the Town of Northport were awarded a grant to further restore and improve the campground. The grant’s purpose was to protect natural resources and protect water quality. Improvements included installation of an updated outhouse, removal of unwanted campfire pits, and some needed trail maintenance. The project will continue this spring as soon as the snow melts. Join our recreation e-newsletter to find out about volunteer opportunities.

Sheep Creek Campground offers beautiful forests and streams for a relaxing getaway. Photo: Kyle Pomrankey, DNR.

Thank you Town of Northport

Want to visit Sheep Creek Campground this summer? Check out our recreation guide for directions.

Don’t forget to take DNR’s survey to improve access to recreation information.

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Make your voice heard. What information do you need for your epic DNR-recreation adventure?

Spring is in the air and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants your opinion on ‘sprucing up’ our online recreation information.

Please take three minutes to tell us how we can help you gear up for your next DNR recreation adventure.

Do you love DNR’s Facebook posts?
Are you anxious for the latest Capitol State Forest Map?
Can you find what you are looking for on our website?
…Now is your chance to let us know.

Hurry, the survey closes March 8.

Please share with your friends and make an even bigger impact.

“What you invest your time in defines who you are.”
-Todd Duncan

Survey icon design by Rémy Médard.

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