Volunteer at a National Trails Day event and make a difference!

Trails Day 2012 volunteers in Blanchard Forest. Photo by: Diana Lofflin, DNR

The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® is June 1. With the recent heat wave, it’s a great time to get out there and enjoy some of Washington’s beautiful trails. Celebrate National Trails Day® by volunteering to improve and develop the trails you love, at one of the many Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) events.

National Trails Day® is a celebration of the vast system of trails in the United States. All across the country organizations, as well as individuals, are organizing events to encourage people to experience the nature that surrounds them.

National Trails Day® is also a day to celebrate the volunteers that make it all possible. For every breathtaking view we have the chance to experience, there’s a volunteer who gave their time to share it with us.

Introduce a friend to Washington’s beautiful trails and invite them to one of these National Trails Day® volunteer events on June 1.

Tiger Mountain National Trails Day Event® – Near Tacoma

Help DNR and the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance construct a new non-motorized trail in East Tiger Mountain State Forest. To join in the fun, please sign-up through the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.

Volunteers work on the Tarbell Trail. Photo: Josh Riepe, DNR

Little Pend Oreille ORV Trail Maintenance Day June 1- National Trails Day – Near Colville

Come out to Little Pend Oreille ORV Trail and help get the trails ready for the busy season. Volunteers will clear trails of brush, limbs, and other debris. We will also be working to replace boards on bridges, clean out culvert headwalls, and digg out or install waterbars.

Blanchard Forest National Trails Day® Event – Near Bellingham

Join a variety of groups as they work together to clean up Blanchard Forest. There is work for all skill and fitness levels. North Cascade Soaring Club, Pacific Northwest Trail Association, Skagit Chapter BCHW, Whatcom Chapter BCHW, and Whatcom Trails Cooperative are co-sponsoring the event.

Selah Cliffs NAP National Trails Day Event® – Near Yakima

Help pull knapweed along the valley bottom and clean-up the interpretative trail at Selah Cliffs Natural Area Preserve. Bring along work gloves, sturdy work shoes, lunch, water, sunscreen, and small digging tool if possible. Some tools will be available to use.

Reiter Foothills National Trails Day Event® – Near Gold Bar

Volunteers will work on ATV trails. Please bring your ATV and trailer to haul rock. If you don’t have one, there will also be opportunities to use powered wheel barrows, install signs, and other activities to build trails.

Tarbell Trail National Trails Day® Volunteer Event, Yacolt Burn – Near Vancouver

The Chinook Trail Association and volunteers will work on the Tarbell Trail between the L1300 Road and Cold Creek Day use area. We will harden the trail, do drainage maintenance, and possibly install skid resisters on puncheons.

Wedekind Trail National Trails Day® Volunteer Event, Capitol State Forest – Near Olympia

Join the Friends of Capitol Forest in replacing a section of old wooden puncheons with a number of culverts and improving drainage along the trail. Volunteers will also work on rehabbing the Wedekind Trail to remove fallen rocks and debris from the C-Line fire and fire fighting operations.

National Trails Day® on Mailbox Peak – Near North Bend

Join DNR and the Mountains to Sound Greenway at mailbox peak to continue construction of the new sustainable hiking trail. Visit the Mountains to Sound Greenway website to sign up for the event.

Nicholson Horse Trails Maintenance - Near Elbe

Join DNR and the Pierce County Backcountry Horsemen to do maintenance on Nicholson Horse Trail. Backcountry Horsemen will provide a late lunch at the end of the day for the trail workers.  Coffee and sweets in the morning!

Mt Tahoma Trails Maintenance June 1 and June 2- Near Ashford

Mt. Tahoma Trails Association and DNR will be working together to do trail maintenance on June 1 and June 2. To join in the fun meet at the Ashford Fire Station, at 29815 Hwy 706 E, by 10 a.m. Dinner on Saturday will be provided in Ashford by the Mt Tahoma Trails Association.

We’ll see you on the Trails!

If you’d like to know more about volunteer opportunities on DNR managed lands check out the DNR volunteer events page.

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It’s National Volunteer Week and DNR’s motorized community is getting into gear!

A young volunteer lends a hand at the 2012 Beverly Dunes Clean-Up. Photo: Eastern Washington Adventures.

April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has organized a number of opportunities to get involved and improve the recreation available to you on DNR-managed lands.

All across the country we are being reminded of the important role that volunteers have played in making America what it is today. 

More than 64 million people volunteered in 2012 in the United States. They donated personal time to help their communities—from serving food, to improving local parks, and fundraising for charitable organizations.

Why do people volunteer to help their community? Some do it because they feel the need to give something back. Some are looking for an opportunity to gain new skills. Others find that volunteering is just a great way to get out and meet like-minded people. Whatever the motivation, DNR appreciates the hard work people contribute every year.

Don’t forget to thank a volunteer next week.

DNR has planned the following events for the weekend of April 27 and 28. This is your chance to help improve recreation in your community.

Help fix trails this weekend in Little Pend Orielle. Photo: Kyle Pomrankey

Beverly Dunes Clean-Up, April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join Yakima Kittitas Forest Watch Group and DNR as they clean up Beverly Dunes. Please bring gloves, lunch, and water.
Contact Mike Williams at 509-925-0973 or michael.williams@dnr.wa.gov

Little Pend Oreille ORV Trail Clean-Up – April 27-28, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Help clean up Little Pend Oreille ORV area. Volunteer activities include clearing trails of blowdowns, limbs, and other debris. Please bring gloves, handsaw, axe, appropriate riding gear, lunch, and water.
Contact Kyle Pomrankey at 509-685-2719 or kyle.pomrankey@dnr.wa.gov

Elbe ORV Trail Spring Clean-Up – April 27-28 10 a.m to 6 p.m.
Join the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association (PNW4WDA) and Elbe Focus Group for two days of spring cleaning at Elbe State Forest. Everyone should bring gloves, boots (or sturdy shoes), clothing appropriate for the weather, food and water. If you have shovels, rakes or pulaskis, bring them. Some tools will be available.
Contact Nancy Barker at 253-312-4301 or nancy.barker@dnr.wa.gov

Come out and volunteer to receive a voucher towards a complimentary Discover Pass. Check out more events for the weekend of April 27 & April 28 on our volunteer calendar.

You can find more information on these events on the DNR recreation and events page, and invite your friends to events on DNR’s Facebook page.

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Volunteers to the rescue after a bizarre series of car fires in Walker Valley ORV Area

Members of the Rainier Ridge Rams, a 4×4 club, came to the rescue when two off-road vehicles caught fire at the Walker Valley ORV area last week. Thankfully, no one was hurt and the heavy rains kept the fire from spreading.

Special thanks to the volunteers who helped remove abandoned and burnt cars in Walker Valley. From left to right: Kevin Vanderhorst, Jim Paget, Alexis Kodoskey, Anneliese Muller, and Kyle Farrar. Photo: DNR

Continue reading to find out about the bizarre chain-of-events that led up to the fire, how Rainier Ridge Rams stepped in to help DNR, and see photos of the fires’ aftermath.

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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Reiter Foothills Test Rides Draws a Crowd

Is this 4×4 trail a draw for the drivers or for the enjoyment of spectators? From the photo above, what do you think? Photo: David Way/DNR.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been hosting test rides on the first 4×4 trail built at Reiter Foothills Forest in Snohomish County since a  major restoration project began in November 2012. Word has spread, and 4×4 enthusiasts from across the state are participating in test rides to lay tracks on the new trails.

On Saturday February 9, some 35 off-road vehicle enthusiasts came out to play on their one-and-only designated 4×4 trail in Snohomish County. The crowd grew to more than 60 spectators, drivers, and even a few ‘back seat drivers.’

The 4×4 users also had an opportunity to take a survey that will guide recreation managers on future trail development.

Mark your calendars; the next 4X4 test day is February 17.

Get your 4×4 ready to go! This weekend there is a test ride at Reiter Foothills. Photo: David Way/DNR.

How much 4×4 trail is there?

Currently there is about 1,000 feet of finished 4×4 trail with another 1,000 feet of road base awaiting trail features. Every foot of the trail has a different log, boulder, or stump to crawl up, over or around. DNR plans to build another two more sections of challenge trail before July.

Are there single-track motorcycle trails, too?

Single-track motorcycle trails will be available for test rides as well. Two miles of trail were scheduled to be open, but snow and wet ground conditions forced DNR to close the trails during the recent and upcoming test rides. Join our Facebook page to find out when the single-track trails will be open for test rides. Check out Riders Leave First Track at Reiter Foothills for more information on the single-track trails.

The ATV trails are not yet ready, but we will let you know when you can bring those along to the test rides.

Reiter’s ongoing construction

Hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrian riders get ready! This summer, DNR will break ground on non-motorized trails at Reiter Foothills.

Beginning in April, Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crews will pick up where they left off last construction season on the motorized trails. The priority will be to finish the first section of ATV trail and then begin building the Green Line Single-Track Motorcycle Trail. 

Stay in the loop on what is happening and Reiter Foothills. Join DNR’s Northwest Monthly E-newsletter.

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2012 wrap up: Wildfires were big news this year

A glance back at postings to this blog in 2012 shows that wildfire was a big topic – in terms of the number of stories we posted and the number of people who read them. Here is a look back at 2012 through Ear to the Ground:

Wildfires consumed thousands of acres of forest and brush lands last summer. During August, September and early October, we posted daily (sometimes twice daily) updates about the several large fires burning in the state. For example, our blog, Washington wildfire update: 1 pm, Wednesday, September 12, brought readers up to date about 11 large wildfires burning at one time — most were started by lightning strikes.

One of our most popular posts of the year looked at the people on the frontlines of DNR’s wildfire response: A Day in the Life of a Firefighter: Table Mountain Fire. Our tips for protecting lives and property from wildfires also drew many readers, including our blog: With wildfire threatening Washington State, DNR wants you to be prepared.

Disaster of another type — earthquakes — drew readers in large numbers to the blog, Washington State’s earthquake and tsunami risks compare to Japan’s.

But it wasn’t all gloom and doom in 2012. Many readers were drawn to our blog in early September announcing a new mountain bike trail at popular Tiger Mountain State Forest, near Issaquah (Mountain bikers rejoice! New Tiger Mountain trail opens September 5).

State trust lands are open to many types of outdoor recreation, including hunting in season. With so many wildfires on state, federal and other public lands in the early days of the fall hunt season, many turned to our blog, Hunting Alert: what’s open and how to stay fire safe this season, to see which lands were still open.

And for those who enjoy motorized recreation, our several blogs about progress in creating safe riding trails at Reiter Foothills in Snohomish County drew many readers. Two of the more popular blogs about Reiter described the opening of a new motorcycle trail (Riders leave first tracks at Reiter Foothills), and a limited opening of a trail for 4X4s: Trick your rig and get ready for a 4×4 adventure at Reiter Foothills.

Another blog that drew many readers to Ear to the Ground was: Effective immediately: Discover Pass can now be transferred between two vehicles that described legislation taking effect on March 30.

Finally, we share another blog about wildfire: common sense prevention tips as demonstrated by Boy Scouts: You can’t have a campfire without these 5 necessary tips (you have our permission to print this one out and post it on your wall or bulletin board while you wait for spring outdoor recreation weather to show up.

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Our top posts from October: Wildfire was the ‘hot’ topic

Articles about wildfire were among the most frequently viewed blog posts last month on Ear to the Ground.

Severe fire conditions we have not seen in our lifetime
Washington State had no measureable rain in August and just experienced the third-driest September on record. Read more

Brush fire sparked by burn barrel; yes, they are illegal!
The use of burn barrels in Washington is illegal, and outdoor burning is a leading cause for wildfire ignitions across Washington as a homeowner on Fox Island learned recently. Read more

Bonfire left to burn, only to be someone else’s problem
In early October, during record dry conditions and high fire danger, DNR employees and volunteers came upon a large campfire that had not been put out. Read more

Forest Road Survival Guide
Before you head into the outdoors, make sure you know the rules of the road so you and others will stay safe on forest roads.  Read more

Walker Valley reopens in time for the weekend!
After closing while crews supressed a nearby wildfire, this popular spot for offroad vehicles re-opened. Read more

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Recreation closures continue due to wildfire suppression efforts on DNR land

Naneum Ridge State Forest
The area and road west of Coleman Creek Road is closed to walk-in and vehicle access.

The portion of the Naneum Ridge State Forest, located North of Ellensburg in Kittitas County, remains closed to protect both firefighters and the public as crews continue to monitor the Table Mountain Fire. The closure includes the area west of Coleman Creek Road. The area will remain closed at least through the weekend. Closure includes both vehicle and walk-in access.

Hunters are encouraged to visit Colockum, Quilomene, and Whiskey Dick Wildlife areas, managed by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)

View a map of the Naneum Ridge State Forest with closure area.

Walker Valley ORV Recreation Area
Walker Valley’s 36 miles of trails are closed to off road vehicles and all other recreation use.

The 36 miles of trails were closed to public access on Sunday, October 7, due to fire danger and will remain closed until Monday, October 15. The wildfire, which started Saturday, is burning in an area where a recent timber harvest took place, as well as in older standing timber and threatens the safety of those using the popular ORV trails. The fire was 50 percent contained by Sunday evening. The fire has a high potential for renewed growth because of the heavily wooded conditions and the presence of slash piles.

Recreation areas remained closed for public and firefighter safety as wildfire suppression efforts continue. Photo by: DNR/Diana Lofflin

We appreciate patience with these closures as wildfire suppression efforts continue. The goal is to protect public and firefighter safety as fire crews continue their work. Recreation areas will re-open as soon as fire conditions allow safe return.

To get the latest on DNR hunting closures and fire safety tips, visit Hunting Alert.

For updates check http://www.dnr.wa.gov/recreation

 

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Walker Valley recreational area closed due to fire danger

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has closed the Walker Valley off-road vehicle (ORV) recreational area due to fire danger.  A 24-acre wildfire burning on DNR lands east of Mt Vernon, in Skagit County, threatens the safety of those using the popular ORV trails.

The 36 miles of trails were closed to public access on Sunday, October 7, and will remain closed until Monday, October 15.  The wildfire, which started Saturday, is burning in an area recently logged, as well as older standing timber.  The fire was 50 percent contained by Sunday evening. The fire has a high potential for renewed growth because of the heavily wooded conditions and the presence of slash piles.

“We are asking for everyone’s patience as we get this fire under control,” said Laurie Bergvall, State Lands Assistant Regional Manager for DNR “As soon as the fire conditions will allow safe return we will open up the Walker Valley ORV area.”

For updates check http://www.dnr.wa.gov/recreation  

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Mark your calendars: September 29 is National Public Lands Day

 

Volunteers build a new table at Lummi Island NRCA at the 2010 National Public Lands Day event. Photo: Jason Goldstein, DNR.

National Public Lands Day is a time for people across the country to rally together for one common cause: to lend a hand on public land. With nearly one-third of America’s land in public hands, it is an opportunity to maintain and support some of the natural resources that serve us all.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has volunteer events scheduled across the state to celebrate National Public Lands Day. Some volunteers will be building sustainable mountain bike trails on Tiger Mountain State Forest, while others may be restoring native shoreline in Woodard Bay Natural Resource Conservation Area (NRCA). There is something for everybody!

Please join us at one of the following events and help maintain public lands on September 29!

They may not move mountains, but they do move some big rocks. Volunteers work on trail maintenance projects on Little Si Trail during the National Public Lands Day 2011 event. Photo: DNR

 

• Tiger Mountain State Forest – near Issaquah, WA – Contribute to efforts to create a sustainable network of mountain bike trails…the first in over 20 years!
• Capitol State Forest – near Olympia, WA – Grab your quad and ‘rock the loop.’ Volunteers will move gravel into place along the Lost Valley Loop Trail.
• Yacolt Burn State Forest – Near Vancouver, WA – Clean up Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) trails as you ‘pick up the burn.’ Bonus: enjoy lunch by Piston Wild Motorsports.
• Cattle Point NRCA– San Juan Islands – Protect sensitive bluffs around Cattle Point by installing a split rail fence.
  

  Volunteers help remove invasive Scott’s Broom from Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve on National Public Lands Day 2009. Photo: Nancy Charbonneau, DNR.

• Woodard Bay NRCA– near Olympia, WA – Spend the day restoring native habitat by removing invasive weeds. At the end of the event, learn about the area by joining a guided, interpretive trail walk. 
•  Camas Meadows NRCA– near Ellensburg, WA – Event canceled do to wildfire in area. 
• NEW! Mailbox Peak - near North Bend, WA - Keep hikers safe by building a new sustainable trail to Mailbox Peak.
• Reiter Foothills Motorized Trails – near Gold Bar, WA – Build motorized trail and break new ground on ATV trails.
• NEW! September 30 Reiter Foothills Non-Motorized Trails – near Gold Bar, WA – Continue the spirit of National Public Lands Day and layout new hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking trails at Reiter Foothills!

Not only is National Public Lands Day the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort on public lands, it is a chance to encourage your family to get outside, be active, and make new friends!

We’ll see you September 29!