View from Samish Overlook; a scenic alternative hike for the Talus Trail. Photo: DNR
Over the last few years, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has worked to reduce the negative effects of visitors on bat habitat along the Talus Trail in Blanchard Forest. There are a growing number of safety concerns, an unsafe water crossing, and habitat protection issues regarding the sensitive bat species and potential for their increased exposure to white nose syndrome. DNR, working with Blanchard Forest Advisory Group, has decided to close this area to the public.
Both the talus and cave habitats found in this area are designated as ‘uncommon habitat’ under DNR’s trust lands Habitat Conservation Plan. Continuing the current level of visitation would jeopardize these delicate areas. In recognizing that this is a popular destination, DNR has signed the area as closed and has increased patrols to help educate the public about the reasons for the closure.
We hope that visitors to Blanchard Forest will join us in protecting this valuable and rare habitat.
For more information regarding the Talus Trail closure, please contact David Way at 360-854-2830.
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