Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark welcomed volunteers from across the state at the 8th Annual Great Gravel Pack-In

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark greeted and mingled with almost 90 volunteers who braved the rain to shovel gravel, load up pack stock, and hike to the work site. Photo: Diana Lofflin

The 8^th Annual Great Gravel Pack-In, held on Saturday, April 13, in Capitol State Forest, drew a large crowd this year. Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark greeted and mingled with almost 90 volunteers who braved the rain to shovel gravel, load up pack stock, and hike to the work site.

Check out photos from the event!

The event was an opportunity for people with diverse recreation interests, from ATV-riders to horseback riders, to come together to clean up the trails. This year, the focus was on the new Equine Loop Trail, much to the delight of the 28 mules and horses who came out to ‘volunteer’.

In the true spirit of volunteering, the motorized community helped spread rock on non-motorized trails. These folks were a big help in moving some of the 32 yards of gravel with just 12 quads and trailers.

Curious about the numbers? Check out the breakdown below:

• 1 Commissioner of Public Lands
• 89 volunteers
• 28 mules and horses
• 12 quads and trailers
• 32 yards of gravel total (7 yards moved by horses; 25 yards moved by quads)
  

  In the true spirit of volunteering, Washington ATV Association helped spread rock on non-motorized trails.  Photo: Diana Lofflin

DNR would like to thank all the volunteers and the following groups for their contributions:

• Backcountry Horsemen of Washington (BCHW) helped sponsor the event.
• Pierce County Chapter BCHW assisted by cooking food for hungry volunteers.
• Washington ATV Association co-sponsored the event and brought members out to work on non-motorized trails.
• Friends of Capitol Forest donated equipment and tents to help out the volunteers.
• House Brother’s Construction contributed by donating the outhouses on the trail.
• Northwest Epic Series ‘fueled’ the day with a hot breakfast for everyone.
  

  Ed Haefliger, one of the founders of the of the Great Gravel Pack-In announces the tasks to the equestrian group. Photo: Diana Lofflin

Finally, special thanks to Ed Haefliger, one of the founders of the event. After eight years, he has decided to move into a supportive role so he can have more time to work on his other projects. He also turned 70 years old this year, and volunteers celebrated with a cake during the lunch.

Inspired to volunteer? Check out DNR’s volunteer calendar and invite your friends!

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Commissioner will celebrate National Trails Day® with volunteers – June 2

The 10,270-acre Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area in eastern King County designated NRCA by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. Photo: DNR

Commissioner of Public Lands, Peter Goldmark, is lending his hand to celebrate the launch of construction on a new Mailbox Peak Trail and trailhead in Middle Fork Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) in the Snoqualmie Corridor during National Trails Day®.

The Middle Fork NRCA is conserved to protect native and unique habitat, while providing trails and facilities that offer low-impact and sustainable recreation, such as hiking and wildlife viewing.

Commissioner Goldmark also will talk about other enhancement projects including:

• Conversion of roads to trails in Granite Creek Basin
• Improving access to the Middle Fork NRCA  (including paving the access road and building  a 42-car parking lot).

This event is a joint project with the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust and will also feature a presentation by Sally Jewell, immediate Past President of the Greenway Trust, and CEO of REI.  

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust have enjoyed a 20-year partnership in many efforts in the I-90 corridor. This partnership has resulted in the Greenway landscape that you see today– a matrix of working forests and conservation lands connecting 1.5 million acres with recreational access for a variety of low-impact activities. The best part: This area is less than an hour’s drive from Seattle.

Mailbox Peak Trail – Did you know?!
The Mailbox Peak Trail is one of the highlights of this National Trails Day® event. It is a hiker magnet, but dangerous conditions and environmental damage have inspired the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust and DNR to work with stakeholders to redesign the trail to be sustainable and user friendly. 

…And guess what! You can be a part of the solution by volunteering to kick-off trail construction at Mailbox Peak Trail on June 2! Or join one of the other National Trails Day activities going on across the state.

Happy Trails!

 

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