New Capitol State Forest map gets a tip of the hat from ThurstonTalk

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently updated its Capitol State Forest map. Thurston Talk got their hands on a copy of the new map and wrote an article for their website.

The author points out that many trails and roads in the forest have changed over recent years, bringing about the need for updates to the Capitol State Forest map. DNR used the update as an opportunity to improve on the older version of the map.

While the new map has increased the accuracy of the listed trails, it also added a few new features. One of these new features mentioned in the article is the Fun Guide. The Fun Guide is a large section of the map dedicated to pointing out several popular features of Capitol State Forest. With points of interest such as best mountain biking loop, most peaceful walk, best drive and best camping, users are guaranteed to find something new whether they’re newcomers or regular visitors to Capitol State Forest.

The author of the article was able to provide an interesting perspective on the map and its new features. Check out the article on Thurston Talk, and for more information on the new Capitol State Forest map check out these related links:

Top 5 reasons to download the new Capitol State Forest map onto your smartphone
New Capitol State Forest map is hot off the presses!

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DNR invites public to meeting on Reiter Foothills recreation plan

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a public meeting on May 7 to receive comments on the proposed non-motorized recreation trail plan for Reiter Foothills.

DNR and the public have been collaborating since 2009 to develop a recreation plan that takes into account the many users, as well as the environmental well-being, of the Reiter Foothills in Snohomish County.

Join DNR Recreation staff on May 7 to learn about proposed non-motorized trails at Reiter Foothills. Photo by: DNR

The plan is currently going through the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review process. The May 7 meeting will be a great opportunity for the public to learn about the SEPA process, discuss their concerns, and submit their SEPA comments.

The meeting will take place:

When: Tuesday May 7, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Park Place Middle School
1408 W. Main Street
Monroe, WA

Join us and invite your friends on facebook.

Those attending the meeting will have an opportunity to share their thoughts about the environmental impacts of the proposed trails. Comments and suggestions about how to limit damage to the natural or built environments will be carefully considered by in the SEPA review.

Comments from the public about the SEPA process must be received before 4:30 p.m., May 14, 2013, by the SEPA Center at sepacenter@dnr.wa.gov or PO Box 47015, Olympia, Washington 98504-7015

Visit the SEPA website for more information about the proposed project and to review the plan.

Related Links:
Reiter Foothills Test Rides Draws a Crowd

Riders leave first tracks at Reiter Foothills

Calling all trailblazers! Rare opportunity on September 30 to lay out hiking, biking and equestrian trails at Reiter Foothills!

Invite your friends to the event on Facebook!

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Take a hike…a nature hike that is! Celebrate Native Plant Appreciation Week with DNR

Photo of wildflowers at Lacamas Prairie. Photo: Carlo Abbruzzese, DNR.

Today kicks off Native Plant Appreciation Week in Washington, and as spring brings the landscape to life around us, it’s a great time to celebrate Washington’s diverse ecosystem. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be hosting events across the state.

 April 27 — A native plant walk at the Lacamas Prairie Natural Area Preserve (near Camas) is scheduled for anyone interested in an informative tour of some of Washington’s native flora.

April 27 — Celebrate native plants with a nature hike at West Tiger Mountain (near Issaquah)

May 4 — Wildflower Hike at Columbia Hills State Park. Join DNR staff and State Park staff for a hike around Columbia Hills State Park.

Find out more about Native Plant Appreciation Week

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.  

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.

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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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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The popular Cattle Point NRCA gets a make over

A Puget SoundCorps crew installs split rail fencing to protect native habitat at Cattle Point NRCA. Photo: Christopher Robertson, DNR

Located on the southern-most tip of San Juan Island, Cattle Point Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) is a well-loved area that boasts magnificent views of the surrounding islands and the Straits of Juan de Fuca.

Unfortunately, increased visits to the Cattle Point Interpretive Center have threatened conservation efforts at the site. The trails around the Interpretive Center were showing signs of age through loss of soil and rotten wood edging. With the help of Puget SoundCorps crews, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was able to reconstruct all 600 feet of trail with a new base layer, trail edging, and gravel. These trail improvements will enhance the condition of surrounding grassland ecosystems and habitat for grassland-associated species, particularly butterflies. 

 

In addition, more than 500 feet of split rail fencing was installed to keep visitors away from perilous cliff edges as well as to help minimize trampling of foliage. Significant improvements were also made to the gravel parking areas to better define parking spaces.

About Cattle Point NRCA
Many of the restored trails are located around the interpretive center. The interpretive area includes parking, beach access, hiking trails with viewpoints, and a picnic area with shelter and restroom. Wildlife is abundant and includes eagles and other birds of prey. Cattle Point NRCA offers outstanding views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains and surrounding islands.

Cattle Point NRCA offers beautiful views of the San Juan Islands. Photo: Paul McFarland, DNR.

Plan your trip to Cattle Point NRCA this spring
Cattle Point is impressive any time of year, but is especially pleasant late spring into autumn, when temperatures and wind are moderate. 

Cattle Point NRCA includes about 1.3 miles of trail that connects to Third Lagoon Preserve, Mount Finlayson, and San Juan Island National Historical Park.  A trail leads from Cattle Point Road to the Coast Guard lighthouse south of the interpretive center. Download a map of Cattle Point NRCA. 

Don’t forget your Discover Pass. Your purchase helps to keep this and other outdoor recreation opportunities open and accessible to the public

For information on classroom visits and other educational opportunities, please contact Paul McFarland, DNR natural areas manager, at 360-854-2882 or paul.mcfarland@dnr.wa.gov.

Directions
From the ferry terminal at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, take Spring Street for 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Mullis Street, which will become Cattle Point Road. Continue for about 8 miles, travelling past American Camp. The Cattle Point NRCA interpretive center is on the right.

 

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