Join Forest Watch and become a better friend of the forest

Forest Watch Volunteers provide information to the public and report any safety concerns. Photo: Clay Graham, Eastern Washington Adventures.

Did you know that the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has only 36 recreation employees to assist visitors on 2.2 million acres of state trust lands? As dedicated as these staff are to providing an enriching recreation experience, these limited numbers are not able to assist every visitor in the forest.

This is why the Forest Watch Program is critical in providing visitor information and reporting safety concerns.

Join DNR’s Forest Watch Program and become a resource of friendly information for forest visitors while learning new skills.

What do Forest Watch volunteers do?
• Provide information to visitors.
• Monitor and observe trails, sites, and facilities.
• Report safety concerns and suspicious or criminal activities.

“We plan daylight patrols and set up stations at the common entrances into the area. We have tread-lightly information, and other brochures about helping to keep the forest open for the community to enjoy. We also have spill kits available, and encourage people to have one on hand in case they need it.”
– Elizabeth Wells, Forest Watch volunteer

What are the goals of Forest Watch?
• Create a responsible presence in the forest.
• Prevent unsafe activities.
• Educate the public on safe and sustainable recreation.

“To me, forest watch means saving the forest for future generations.”
 – Ronald Coleman, Forest Watch Volunteer

 Why should I become a Forest Watch Volunteer?
• Improve recreation trails, sites, and facilities.
• Learn new skills and information.
• Meet others with a passion for outdoor recreation.
• Enhance your resume.

“I became a Forest Watch volunteer officially a few years ago. It all began when I would go to the Ahtanum State Forest area with my father fishing and camping. He taught me to take care of the land and respect nature. This was in the mid 1950s and the same concerns are present today with additional issues.”
– Ron Rutherford, Forest Watch Volunteer

Want to find out more about becoming a Forest Watch volunteer? Join us at the following training events:

• Tumwater Forest Watch Volunteer training – March 21
• Yakima Forest Watch Volunteer training – March 28

For more information, contact Ken Dean at 360-902-1701 or ken.dean@dnr.wa.gov or check out our webpage.

Like what you see? Let us know what you need to know to plan your next DNR recreation adventure.
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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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Volunteer at the mysterious Mima Mounds NAP near Olympia

Dozens of volunteers worked to remove invasive Scotch Broom weeds from Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve on National Public Lands Day (Sept. 26, 2009). Photo: DNR/ Nancy Charbonneau

This spring, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting three volunteer work parties at the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve (NAP) to get the area ready for summer visitors.

Join us and start working towards your complimentary Discover Pass.

Mima Mounds NAP Spring Volunteer Event Details

February 23 
March 30
April 20
Events are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Only  7 miles south of Olympia. From south bound or north bound I-5, take exit 95. Go west on Highway 121 toward Littlerock. In Littlerock, continue west on 128^th to the ‘T’ in the road. Turn right on Waddell Road. The Mima Mounds NAP entrance is about 1 mile on the left.

Print out a flyer.

Volunteer Activities
Aid in facilities maintenance including repairs, sign and trail maintenance, and prairie restoration. An interpretive walk will be offered near the end of the day for interested volunteers. Light refreshments will be provided.

What to Bring
Please bring work gloves, sturdy shoes, water, and dress for the weather. We’ll provide the tools.

Spring is a wonderful time to volunteer at Mima Mounds NAP. Be sure to stop and check out the spring blooms. Photo: DNR

About Mima Mounds NAP
Mima Mounds NAP protects the largest and highest quality example of mounded Puget Prairie landscape, which has a mysterious natural history.

The preserve, established in 1976, includes native grasslands, a small Garry oak woodland, and savannah (widely spaced oak trees with grass understory), Douglas-fir forest and habitat for a variety of prairie-dependent butterflies and birds.

In 1966, the National Park Service designated Mima Mounds NAP a National Natural Landmark, for itsoutstanding condition, illustrative value of a landform, rarity, and value to science and education. The site is one of only 17 such landmarks found in Washington State. Find out more at Mima Mounds NAP.

For more information about the work parties, contact Birdie Davenport at 360-902-1434 (roberta.davenport@dnr.wa.gov) or Tanner Scrivens, 360-791-1368 (tanner.scrivens@dnr.wa.gov).

Check out more photos of Mima Mounds NAP.

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A Day in the life: Recreation Planning Committee

Members from the Snoqualmie Corrdior Planning Committee explore the landscape. Photo: Laura Cooper, DNR.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to help plan for recreation development on thousands of acres of land?

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has citizen-based planning committees who are given the opportunity to draft recommendations on recreation planning efforts on state trust lands and natural areas across Washington State. Their commitment will mean more recreation opportunities for you.

Many of our committee members learned about these planning efforts through DNR’s recreation e-news. Here’s a look at two planning efforts nearing completion – Tahuya and Green Mountain State Forests and the Snoqualmie Corridor recreation plans – and what it’s like to participate.

Volunteers step up to remodel DNR winter cabin in time for snowmobile season

Paul Coppock arrives at Hunters Meadow Cabin after a day of snowmobile riding. Photo: Ken Orford.

The Hunters Meadow Cabin in Loomis State Forest is shiny and up-to-date after a collaborative effort to remodel it in time for the snowmobile and hunting season. The Butte Busters Snowmobile Club and the Association of Okanogan County Snowmobile Club led the way in this remodel with a generous grant from the Washington State Snowmobile Association.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would like to thank all of those involved in returning this welcome and warm snowmobile oasis back to its original condition!

Nestled in Loomis State Forest, the Hunters Meadows Cabin is a place where remote adventurers including snowmobilers, cattlemen, and hunters take a rest during their adventures. It is located in north central Washington in Okanogan County about 25 sled miles north of the town of Conconully and about 4 sled miles east of 30 Mile Meadows.

This quaint, A-frame cabin was built by DNR in 1972 and was need of restoration and repair. In 2012, the recreation community came to the rescue, donating time, resources, and grant money to update this cabin in time for the 2012-2013 snowmobile season.

The dedicated time, supplies, and grant money exceeded $8,500.

The Hunters Meadows Cabin before renovations. Photo: Ken Orford

The Hunters Meadow Cabin after renovations.
Photo: Ken Orford

Improvements
When you arrive at the cabin, you will notice the changes immediately. The rickety stairs were replaced and new windows installed. But the most important change you will experience is a brand new stove donated by Ken Orford to warm your toes, and your spirits, after your journey. Other improvements include a new table, countertops, wood box, and crack and critter seals.

We are sure you will all enjoy the efforts of these folks, especially during those snowmobile trips that turn cold and icy wet, when a shelter and a warm stove is a welcome sight. Please join DNR in celebrating the following for their contributions:

• Helen Maxwell
• Dick Coppock
• Chris Marcolin
• Tom Windsor
• Gary Allard
• Ken Orford
• Aaron Randall
• Bill Johnson
• Steve Kirkhus
• Jerry Krusoff
• Washington State Snowmobile grant program
• Hamilton Farm Equipment
• Joe Berney
• Bob Henrie
• Gary Allard
• Barb Weller

…and the many others who donated time, dollars, and equipment to make this project possible.

Thank you!

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Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark honors two Volunteer Heroes

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark and recreation leaders discuss how to improve sustainable recreation on DNR lands. The 2012 Volunteer Heroes were honored at this meeting for their on-the-ground contribution to DNR lands. Photo: Bryan Flint

Yesterday, Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark presented two outstanding individuals a Volunteer Hero Award for their sustained service, superior performance, leadership, and commitment to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) volunteer program.

In September, DNR asked for your nominations. With enthusiasm, 27 people from across the state nominated 19 different volunteers. From this outstanding pool of candidates, Tom Faubion of Eatonville and Bob Langley of Everett, were honored  as Volunteer Heroes. Commissioner Goldmark presented a certificate and a jacket to each of the recipients with a unique Volunteer Hero patch.

“These Volunteer Heroes inspire the best in all of us. Not only do their actions directly influence the success of the program, but their dedication and sense of service inspire those who have the opportunity to work with them” said Peter Goldmark. “It is an honor to recognize Tom and Bob’s volunteer accomplishments today.”

By honoring these individuals, we also celebrate the countless others who serve by their side, rain or shine. Volunteering reminds us that we can’t do this alone. After all, imagine what one hand can do when multiplied?

Meet DNR’s volunteer heroes

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

DNR planner Dana Leavitt flags trail at Reiter Foothills. Photo: Sue Jensen, DNR

Do you think you have what it takes to lay out hiking, biking and equestrian trails? Do you have an adventurous spirit that likes to lead the way into uncharted territory? Are you passionate about increasing recreation opportunities?

Become a trailblazer on September 30 and October 6 and learn how to flag trails for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at Reiter Foothills, near Index, WA.

Reiter recreation manager David Way and DNR planner Sue Jensen will teach you how to flag sustainable non-motorized trails at Reiter Foothills. Get the lowdown in the interview with Sue Jensen below.

DNR planner Sue Jensen and her husband Jim Jensen enjoy a day hike at Mount Rainier. Photo: Sue Jensen

Q: Why are you building trails at Reiter Foothills?

JENSEN: This project is part of the Reiter Foothills Recreation Plan – a management plan to guide sustainable recreation in the area. We have been making great progress on the motorized trail system, and it’s now time to focus on developing the non-motorized trails.

Q: What exactly will people be doing?

JENSEN: Our volunteers will have the opportunity to do backcountry hiking and learn the techniques of trail layout. We will be working in teams, using the US Forest Service guidelines for trail design, to flag the preliminary trail routes.  After the route is determined, we will train volunteers to use a variety of equipment– GPS, compass and clinometers– to record trail logs.

Volunteers should wear sturdy boots and trail clothing, and have work gloves and rain gear.  They should bring sack lunches, snacks and plenty of water.

Q: Who do you want to attend?

JENSEN: We are looking for all willing volunteers, including active hikers, mountain bikers or backcountry equestrians, especially those who might know this section of the woods or who like to do backcountry travel. This would be a great opportunity for hiking or biking clubs, high school students, and scout troops to get involved with an important project.

We will host more events in October. Groups and individuals can contact the recreation manager David Way at 360-333-5741 if they would like to schedule an event or join one of our work parties.

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Many DNR volunteers are working towards a complimentary Discover Pass this weekend

 

Volunteers work together to place a rock during a volunteer event. Photo: Ray Lapine

Did you know that volunteers can earn vouchers toward a complimentary Discover Pass by putting in 24 hours of time working on eligible projects on recreation lands managed by DNR, Washington State Parks, or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife?

Here are the details:

1. If you are not already a registered volunteer, please contact your local DNR volunteer coordinator or recreation program staff member to complete a Volunteer Registration and Agreement form.

2. Pick a Discover Pass-eligible event from DNR’s volunteer calendar (volunteer events from State Parks and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife may also count toward your complimentary voucher).

3. Attend an eligible work party where you will receive a volunteer voucher documenting your hours of service. When you have 24 hours’ worth of eligible vouchers, mail them to the address indicated on the front of the voucher.

Volunteers used recycled materials for railings on two bridge projects in Capitol State Forest. Photo: DNR

What did I hear about volunteer hours?

Recently there have been changes to DNR’s Discover Pass-eligible volunteer project hours. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you in the loop — the changes are summarized below.

• Travel Time – If you bringing materials or equipment for the work party, talk to your volunteer supervisor to see if your travel time to the event will qualify toward the voucher—up to 2 hours.
• Forest Watch Volunteers and Adopt a Trail/Site volunteer hours may now qualify toward the complimentary Discover Pass. Contact your volunteer supervisor for more information.

Volunteers are instrumental in keeping state-managed recreation sites maintained and open. From brushing trails in Capitol State Forest to fixing up ski huts on Mt. Tahoma, volunteers are always willing to give their best to some of Washington’s most beautiful recreation areas.

Ready to get started? Start making your weekend plans, and don’t forget to include volunteering!

Other Volunteer Related Blogs

Mark your calendars; National Public Lands Day is September 29
Imagine that, an entire day devoted to maintaining and enhancing public lands across the country! This year DNR is hosting 8 events across the state – there is something for everyone! Check out our blog for the details.

 

 

Volunteer Hero Award
Do you have a volunteer hero you would like to nominate? Hurry, nominations close September 28.

 

 

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Nominate a Volunteer Hero today! It’s time to celebrate volunteers.

A volunteer helps with a restoration project at McClane Creek Nature Trail. Photo: DNR

The Commissioner’s Volunteer Hero Award was established to salute DNR’s volunteers who have dedicated their time, enthusiasm, and efforts to support several of DNR’s programs.

This award not only recognizes an outstanding volunteer who has shown tireless commitment, it also celebrates all of DNR’s valuable volunteers.

This is your chance to nominate a volunteer who has spent countless hours battling blackberries and scotch broom from overtaking trails and other natural areas.

Or maybe this person spends weekend after weekend volunteering for the Forest Watch Program. The nominee may faithfully spend time providing information and nature interpretation to school children and other forest visitors. Your ‘volunteer hero’ may regularly trek out in the field to collect data or monitor plant species, providing valuable information to staff scientists.

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark helps volunteers pull up scotch broom at Mima Mounds NAP. Photo: DNR.

Whether they have spent years maintaining and building recreational trails, organizing volunteer work parties, or providing clerical assistance, we want to hear about their extraordinary dedication and support.

Please take a moment to fill out the form to nominate a ‘Volunteer Hero’ – someone whose dedicated service, impeccable performance, and demonstrated leadership can serve as an inspiration for us all.

Thank you for taking the time to celebrate DNR’s Volunteer Heroes.

 Other Volunteer Related Blogs

Mark your calendars; National Public Lands Day is September 29
Imagine that, an entire day devoted to maintaining and enhancing public lands across the country! This year DNR is hosting 8 events across the state – there is something for everyone! Check out our blog for the details.

 

Many DNR volunteers are working towards a complimentary Discover Pass this weekend
Did you know that volunteers can earn vouchers toward a complimentary Discover Pass by putting in 24 hours of time working on eligible projects on recreation lands managed by DNR, Washington State Parks, or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Check out our blog for the details.

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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!