Celebrate Earth Day by volunteering with DNR

Join DNR this Earth Day by volunteering on state lands. Photo by: DNR

Earth Day is coming around again this Monday, April 22. It also happens to land within National Volunteer Week. With so much to celebrate, this is the perfect time to get outside and help the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) improve some of the recreation areas we love so much.

Join DNR this coming Saturday, April 20 at one of the many volunteer opportunities on DNR-managed lands. Be prepared to participate in site clean-up activities, including helping with facility, sign, and trail maintenance. Many DNR volunteers are working towards a voucher for a complimentary Discover Pass.

Mima Mounds Work Party near Olympia, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 20.
Show your kids and friends the importance of preserving our Natural Areas at the mysterious Mima Mounds near Olympia, Washington. After volunteering, stick around for an interpretive walk guided by DNR staff near the end of the day. Contact Birdie Davenport 360-902-1434, or roberta.davenport@dnr.wa.gov 

Capitol Forest Earth Day Work Party near Olympia, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 20.
Join Friends of Capitol Forest and REI for a day of volunteering at Capitol State Forest. Volunteers will work on finishing the Porter Trail. Lunch will be provided for volunteers during the event. Contact Nick Cronquist at 360-480-2700 or nick.cronquist@dnr.wa.gov

Clean the Tahuya Work Party near Belfair, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., April 20.
Get the Tahuya State Forest ready for summer recreation. Join volunteers to pick up garbage and clean-up the forest. Celebrate Earth Day with a barbeque lunch with fellow volunteers. Contact Jesse Sims at 360-801-5097 or  jesse.sims@dnr.wa.gov

Samish Bay Trail Clean-Up near Bellingham, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 20.
Help maintain the Samish Bay Trail with Washington Conservation Corps members. There is work for volunteers of all skill and fitness levels. Contact Christ Thomsen at 360-854-2860 or christ.thomsen@dnr.wa.gov

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.

Invite your friends to events on our Facebook page.

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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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Join the discussion on future recreation in the Naneum Ridge to Columbia River Area

Basalt Columns in the Naneum Ridge to Columbia River Recreation Area. Photo: Jack Powell

Join the Washington state departments of Natural Resources and Fish and Wildlife in a discussion about future recreation opportunities in the Naneum Ridge to Columbia River area.

The Naneum Ridge to Columbia recreation planning committee, along with members from the two agencies, will be hosting two community meetings in April.

April 9. Wenatchee, 5 – 8 p.m.           
Wenatchee Convention Center
121 N. Wenatchee Ave.
Wenatchee, WA 98801 (Directions)
Invite your friends

April 10. Ellensburg, 5 – 8 p.m.
Hal Holmes Community Center
209 N. Ruby St.
Ellensburg, WA 98926 (Directions)
Invite your friends

We need your help in providing the planning committee with your perspective. The committee will take these ideas and develop recommendations to the agencies as we plan how to achieve sustainable recreation opportunities for the next 10 to 15 years.

At the community meetings, we will ask to hear ideas about:

• How does having access to recreation opportunities help your community’s economic vitality?
• What businesses or organizations are impacted by recreational activities in the area?
• How can outdoor recreation impact your community?

We appreciate your interest in this important issue, and hope to see you at one of the meetings.

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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.

Picture gallery: The dirt on volunteering at Mima Mounds NAP

On February 23, volunteers were greeted with a sunny and beautiful day at Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve (NAP).

Check out our photo gallery and find links to upcoming volunteer events helping DNR maintain your natural areas.  

Lyre River Campground closed due to vandalism

The Lyre River Campground is closed after vandals stole $800 worth of wood from picnic tables. Photo: Wayne Fitzwater, DNR.

Update: April 1, 2013 – Lyre River Campground is now open.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has temporarily closed the Lyre River Campground in Clallam County. Why? Because of safety concerns after vandals stole recently installed several picnic tables. The sharp metal edges of the fasteners pose a safety risk. The campground will likely reopen in two weeks after the missing wooden tabletops and benches are replaced.

The missing pieces
DNR Recreation staff were surprised and disheartened to find that the new sections of picnic tables they had installed the previous week…were missing.

“Our recreation program has a limited budget. When vandals steal $800 worth of supplies, it directly impacts everyone’s recreation experience.”
-Wayne Fitzwater
DNR Recreation Manager

Report suspicious activity immediately by calling 911.

If you have any information on the missing wood from the picnic tables, please contact the Olympic Region Office at 360-374-2800.

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Spring into your DNR recreation adventure! DNR-managed lands offer a wealth of activities

Spring is officially here today and the warmer weather is starting to draw many Washington recreationists out of hibernation. Start making your spring recreation plans with these fun ideas from the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

Welcome spring with a new adventure on DNR-managed lands! Photo by: DNR/Toni Droscher

Prepare – What you need to do before heading out to recreate:

1. The first stop on your trip should be to visit our recreation page to see what locations are open for the season.
2. Get your map before hitting the trails. You’ll stay safer and you might find a new route to check out.
3. Sign up for DNR’s e-newsletter and get the insider’s guide to what recreation opportunities your state lands offer (click on the join email list at the top of the page).
4. Dust off the hiking boots and review your trail etiquette for happy travels in the forest.
5. Don’t forget to purchase your Discover Pass before you head out! It’s your year-long membership to nature’s gym.

Adventure – Make it a memorable spring by trying a new recreation activity this year:

DNR Recreation – Trail Etiquette 101

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities on a limited number of trails. Horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers are bound to come across each other while on an adventure. Knowing that everyone wants to have a safe and fun experience on the trails, here is a quick rundown on trail etiquette.

Mountain bikers yield to hikers and equestrian riders. Always. The logic being that cyclists are fast to stop and fast to go, therefore it is easiest for them to yield to all parties.

Equestrian riders have the right-0f-way every time. Horses are large and unpredictable. Its best for everyone’s safety if hikers and bikers yield (on the downhill side) to equestrian riders. Be sure to speak to the rider so the horse will know you are human and wont get spooked.

See something strange? Report it! Call our toll free Forest Watch reporting line at (855)883-8368

Do you have more questions about etiquette on the trail? Send an email to recreation@dnr.wa.gov.

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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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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