From DNR ~
I just wanted to let you know about two dates coming up regarding the Sustainable Recreation Work Group—a funding forum and a general public meeting.
Funding forum
On Thursday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, some of the work group members will be meeting online for their third and final discussion forum about how to fund recreation on DNR-managed lands. The group has made great progress, narrowing down some viable options. You can listen in on the discussion by phone or attend in person here at the Natural Resources Building in Olympia.
In either case, you will only be able to listen, but not speak, to the work group during the 2-hour discussion. If you do have any comments about the discussion, send them to sustainablerecreation@dnr.wa.gov
Instructions for calling in:Dial: 360-407-3780When asked for the PIN number, enter: 617478, followed by the # symbolPlease note that the phone number is local to Olympia. Long distance charges may apply.
In person:Location: Room 172Natural Resources Building1111 Washington St., N.E.OlympiaDirections
We’ll be providing an agenda and background materials for this forum closer to the April 30 meeting. You will be able to download these at: www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/Events/Pages/amp_srwg_event_forums.aspx
Sustainable Recreation Work Group public meeting
I also want to give you a heads up that the group will be meeting as a whole on May 7 to consider funding and access issues. This will be a public meeting, and you will have the opportunity to comment. The meeting will be at the Cedarbrook Conference Center in Sea-Tac. I will send you more information about this meeting when it becomes available.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Rock Creek - Hidden Falls (Tarbell Trail)
FYI, we rode at RC this weekend and there are a couple trees down across the trail almost to Hidden Falls. The trail isn't passable on horseback.
There is a work around if you go up to the logging road above the trail and then cut back down.
Just be aware though that the trail itself is not clear at this time.
There is a work around if you go up to the logging road above the trail and then cut back down.
Just be aware though that the trail itself is not clear at this time.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Rock Creek Trail Work
From a list I belong to. Sounds like a great opporunity for us to get out and help with some trail work on trials we all get to enjoy.
This Saturday April 18th at 9:00 AM, members of the Columbia River Longears and Backcountry Horsemen are bringing their mules to pack in the gravel to finish off the second culvert and some muddy spots on the Tarbell trail (Rock Creek Horse Camp).
They would appreciate help loading the gravel into 5 gallon containers and folks to help hold the mules or open the gravel bags when the gravel needs to be dumped. This may be the only time you ever get to see our equines put to this kind of work!
Meet at the shelter around 8:30-8:45 . Nancy Rust will also lead a riding trail clearing party up the Appaloosa trail and across the creek (this is a little too high for us two legged creatures to cross hence the need to ride your horse across) where there is a flagged trail that needs brushing out.
Call Nancy at 360-253-7307 for details.
Randy will bring up a pot of chili for lunch and you know he is a better cook than I am so it will be something to look forward to. This could be an entertaining opportunity for people. At the same time this is going on there is a goat packing party at Bells Mountain. I think I will bring my camera and show my animals what it means to be useful.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Pilchuck Tree Farm - Arlington, WA
This trail is pretty far North of those of us in Clark County, however, it's worth posting here for anyone looking for an overnight adventure. It's definitely on my trail to-do list for this summer!
This is a shared use trail so be prepared to encounter a few bikers and hikers.
Directions:
I-5 north from Seattle (south from Bellingham) to Arlington exit. Head East about 4 miles to highway 9. Turn left on 9. follow 1.8 miles until you see very steep off shoot on the right. Follow up to trail head.
NOTE from Back Country Horseman Regarding USAGE:
This is a shared use trail so be prepared to encounter a few bikers and hikers.
Directions:
I-5 north from Seattle (south from Bellingham) to Arlington exit. Head East about 4 miles to highway 9. Turn left on 9. follow 1.8 miles until you see very steep off shoot on the right. Follow up to trail head.
NOTE from Back Country Horseman Regarding USAGE:
Happy Trails!Please, please, please spread the word to everyone you know who rides at the Pilchuck treefarm. This is private property. They grow AND HARVEST TREES.
They are currently logging some of the areas that are most actively used by trail riders. STAY AWAY FROM THE ACTIVE LOGGING OPERATIONS!
Do not use this as an opportunity to bomb proof your horses. Stay far away from operating machinery. One of the operators had to shut down his machine because a woman kept moving her horse closer to his machine and the horse was freaking out. It is extremely unsafe.
Also, respect the vehicles on the logging roads. They always have the right of way. Remember, you are a guest on their private property. Earlier this winter a tree farm employee was hauling gravel to the work party location (they paid for the transportation and gravel for our us). There were several women riding their horse down the middle of the road and refused to get out of the way.
We are on the verge of getting the tree farm shut down, at least while they are logging, if people don't respect the rights of the Pilchuck tree farm management. It's their property. They are extremely worried about riders getting hurt and the liability. They do not have to let us into their property. Please pass this message onto everyone you know who rides at the tree farm.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Olympic National Park - Wilderness Workshop
Olympic National Park
Stock Users Invited to Attend Wilderness Workshop,
Co-Hosted by Olympic National Park and Backcountry Horsemen
Date: March 25, 2009
Contact: Barb Maynes, 360-565-3005
Stock users interested in learning more about packing techniques, ‘Leave No Trace’ principles and using stock animals, such as horses, mules and llamas, on Olympic National Park trails are invited to participate in a one-day wilderness stock packing workshop on April 17.The workshop will be held at the park’s stock corral near the Elwha Ranger Station from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 and is offered free of charge. A chili and hot dog lunch will be provided by the Peninsula Chapter of the Backcountry Horsemen for a $3.00 donation.
Professional stock packers, including park staff and volunteers, will demonstrate packing techniques and will coach participants in hands-on packing practice. Information about training and conditioning animals for trail use, protecting resources by using ‘Leave No Trace’ techniques, and an overview of wilderness regulations and park volunteer guidelines will also be discussed.
Space is limited; to register for the workshop, interested people should contact the park’s animal caretaker and packer Clare Donato at 417-9231. The workshop will be held outdoors, so participants should come prepared for a range of weather conditions.
Olympic National Park has nearly 200 miles of wilderness trails that are maintained for stock use. More information about using, enjoying and protecting the Olympic National Park wilderness is available at the park’s website or by calling the Wilderness Information Center at 360-565-3100.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Frenchman's Bar Trail & Vancouver Lake
Have you had a chance to ride your horse along the Columbia River? If not, here's your opportunity!
The trail from Frenchman's Bar (2.5 miles) to the river and eventually down to Vancouver Lake is a great place to go on a hot day to cool off and splash in the water.
This is a shared use trail and is heavily used so your horse should be comfortable with bikes, people walking and running, strollers, dogs, and more.
Water access is available at many points along the trail so there will be plenty of opportunities to get your horse into the water and splashing around!
Parking:
There is equestrian parking on Lower River Road at Frenchman's Bar. Instead of following the road to the left toward Vancouver Lake, go straight and then make a right into the designated equestrian parking area. A sign will mark the spot. Parking can get tight on hot days so make sure you are considerate of others and pull in so that others can use that parking as well.
Directions:
I-5 to Exit C1-1D
W on Fourth Plain Blvd turns into Lower River Road
Follow signs to park
Trail Map
Website: http://www.cityofvancouver.us/parks-recreation/parks_trails/trails/frenchmans_trail.htm
The trail from Frenchman's Bar (2.5 miles) to the river and eventually down to Vancouver Lake is a great place to go on a hot day to cool off and splash in the water.
This is a shared use trail and is heavily used so your horse should be comfortable with bikes, people walking and running, strollers, dogs, and more.
Water access is available at many points along the trail so there will be plenty of opportunities to get your horse into the water and splashing around!
Parking:
There is equestrian parking on Lower River Road at Frenchman's Bar. Instead of following the road to the left toward Vancouver Lake, go straight and then make a right into the designated equestrian parking area. A sign will mark the spot. Parking can get tight on hot days so make sure you are considerate of others and pull in so that others can use that parking as well.
Directions:
I-5 to Exit C1-1D
W on Fourth Plain Blvd turns into Lower River Road
Follow signs to park
Trail Map
Website: http://www.cityofvancouver.us/parks-recreation/parks_trails/trails/frenchmans_trail.htm
Monday, April 6, 2009
Rock Creek Trails Update
Just a quick note on the trail conditions at Rock Creek.
I rode there this weekend and ventured out the Tarbell Trail in search of Hidden Falls (exiting at the back of the campground). We didn't make it to the falls (must have missed a trail point) but we did travel for a long distance on the Tarbell Trail which was in great condition. There were a few sloppy spots, but nothing that made the trail impassable.
There was quite a bit of fresh rock and drainage that has been put in. Thanks to whomever is working so hard to maintain these trails!
We also went up the opposite side of the Tarbell Trail, across the road and through the clear cut. That trail was also in great condition. We didn't travel quite as far on that one but what we did ride, we didn't find any issues.
It did look though that the Bells Mountain trail is closed? Does anyone have any information on that? I've got a couple emails out and will update everyone when/if I find out more.
Happy trails!
I rode there this weekend and ventured out the Tarbell Trail in search of Hidden Falls (exiting at the back of the campground). We didn't make it to the falls (must have missed a trail point) but we did travel for a long distance on the Tarbell Trail which was in great condition. There were a few sloppy spots, but nothing that made the trail impassable.
There was quite a bit of fresh rock and drainage that has been put in. Thanks to whomever is working so hard to maintain these trails!
We also went up the opposite side of the Tarbell Trail, across the road and through the clear cut. That trail was also in great condition. We didn't travel quite as far on that one but what we did ride, we didn't find any issues.
It did look though that the Bells Mountain trail is closed? Does anyone have any information on that? I've got a couple emails out and will update everyone when/if I find out more.
Happy trails!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Packing Clinic in April - Spokane
Yes, I know, this event is a ways away both in time and travel distance. However, I thought it sounded fun and thought I'd post for all of you that have an interest in packing but might not have had the opportunity to learn much about it.
For those of you that may have missed it in the Trailhead News, Inland Empire Chapter will be holding a hands on Packing Clinic the 25th of April here in Spokane. This is a hands on clinic, not a demo, so you will need to bring gloves, lunch and a good attitude. The clinic will be held in an indoor arena, it may be cold but the rain should not bother us.
Subjects to be covered will be proper saddle fitting (pack and riding) mantying, basket hitch, california box hitch, top packing, boxes, horse containment and equine first aid plus much more. For those of you just starting or may have an
interest this is a good starting point.We are also tentatively scheduling an overnight pack trip in Riverside state park in June for those that attend the packing clinic. Here is how that will work, you arrive at the trail head around 8 am, load your horses and go for a one to two hour ride in a loop and arrive back at the trail head, where you will camp. Around noon other who wish to trailhead camp will arrive and will hold a camping with horses
clinic. The packers may not go to their trucks except for hay and can only use equipment they have on their horses, they may share and borrow from each other, but should we have an emergency we are right down town Spokane. There will be outriders and experienced people riding with you to assist you and then assist you it setting up camp once you get back to the trail head. Everyone attending must agree to stay overnight. No coming for just the day.
Anyone interested may email me or call me at 509-283-4250.
Don Dyer
IEBCH
Friday, April 3, 2009
Stub Stewart State Park
I'm staring out my window right now so thankful that this weekend is going to be nice and there's an end in sight to this rainy weather.
Warmer weather inspires me to look for new trails and this one looks like fun!
I've not been to it, but after watching the video (below), I'm hooked! I can't wait to saddle up and head out.
Has anyone been there? If so, let us know what you thought!
http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_255.php
Happy viewing and see ya'll on the trail!
Warmer weather inspires me to look for new trails and this one looks like fun!
I've not been to it, but after watching the video (below), I'm hooked! I can't wait to saddle up and head out.
Has anyone been there? If so, let us know what you thought!
http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_255.php
Vital Stats:
Park open year round.
Map:
View Larger Map
Happy viewing and see ya'll on the trail!
Horses for Clean Water Events
Most of these events happen pretty far North of those of us in Clark County, however, I think the classes might be worth checking out regardless of distance. All of us want to know how to manage our property better and make a better life for our horses.
PRESTON, WA
Wednesday, April 15th
CLASS: Creating Your Own Horse Property
Thinking of moving your horse home to save on costs? Want to make improvements to your horse property so it’s more chore efficient? Would you like to build an outdoor arena but don’t know if permitting is necessary? In this class Alayne Blickle of Horses for Clean Water will cover considerations for siting and laying out a barn and horse facilities, as well as chore efficiency considerations. Learn when you need a county permit and how to go through that process. Talk with King County Rural Permit Coordinator, Joelyn Higgins, who can answer your permitting questions on building and zoning issues, including property setback requirements and grading for arenas. Join HCW to learn things now that will help you set up your horse property to be chore efficient and more enjoyable later on. Preston Community Center, Preston, WA. Wednesday, April 15th, 6:30 – 9pm, FREE!
To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904 or mailto:paul.borne@kingcd.org.
RENTON, WA
Saturday, April 18th
WORKSHOP: Caring for Your Horse & His Home
Are you new to horse ownership or do you have children who want a horse? Do you know what the regular health, dental and shoeing needs are for horses? Would you like to learn about shelters requirements and horse-safe fencing? Join Alayne Blickle for an all day workshop geared for novice horse owners. Topics include horse behavior, horse & handler safety, planning your horse facility, how to buy a horse, nutrition & feeding, vet & farrier care, and pasture, manure & mud management.
Renton Technical College, Renton, WA, room C113, Saturday, April 18th, 9am to 4:30pm. $50.
Register by contacting Jennifer Rock at Renton Technical College’s Lifestyle Program at 425-235-2352 ext. 5727 or email her at jrock@rtc.edu.
RENTON, WA
Wednesdays, April 22nd to May 6th
CLASS SERIES: Green Horsekeeping: Mud, Manure & Pasture Management for Horses
Tired of seeing your horses slosh around in mud? Wondering what to do with all the flies and manure behind the barn? Are you new to horsekeeping on small acreage? Then join Horses for Clean Water for Green Horsekeeping! There are many great ways to banish mud on horse properties. Learn about French drains, footing options, geotextile fabrics & other great ideas for managing horse paddocks. Find out how to compost horse manure, see different compost bin designs and get tips for reducing stall waste in the barn. Study basic techniques for good pasture management including how grasses grow, creating a winter paddock, liming, spreading compost, rotational grazing, weed control, fencing options & small farm equipment. Learn how to make your horse property chore-efficient, horse healthy, more productive during the growing season and a healthy place for the environment!
Renton Technical College, Renton, WA, room C113, Wednesday evenings, April 22nd to May 6th, 6:30pm to 9:00pm. $50.
Register by contacting Jennifer Rock at Renton Technical College’s Lifestyle Program at 425-235-2352 ext. 5727 or email her at jrock@rtc.edu.
MAPLE VALLEY, WA
Saturday, April 25th, 9am – 5pm
CLINIC: Natural Ways to Manage Horses & Horse Properties
Barb Apple & Alayne Blickle team up to bring you hands-on help & information towards a holistic approach to managing your horse and horse property. Build confidence with your horse and strengthen your horsemanship by understanding horse behavior with the Northwest’s own Natural Horsemanship Clinician, Barb Apple. The morning session will be groundwork with your horse to help you understand your horse and build your partnership together. For the afternoon, join Alayne Blickle to tour her eco-friendly farm. Get tips and ideas on ways to set up and manage horse properties that are good for you, your horses and the environment. Learn about mud-free paddocks, composting horse manure, pasture management with less chemicals – and more GREEN horsekeeping! Horse & rider participants, $195, limited to 10 participants. Auditors, $35.
For more on Barb: http://www.barbapple.com/.
More on Alayne: http://www.horsesforcleanwater.com/
For more clinic pricing, stalling, registration details, guest horses or overnight accommodations contact mailto:Alayne@horsesforcleanwater.com or 425-432-6116.
ISSAQUAH, WA
Saturday, May 2nd
WORKSHOP: Spring into Pasture Management & Equine Nutrition
Learn how pasture management and horse health weave into managing horse pastures. Alayne Blickle from Horses for Clean Water will cover pasture management and how it relates to horse health. Learn basic techniques for good pasture management including how grasses grow, creating a winter paddock, liming, spreading compost, rotational grazing, managing small grazing areas, weed control, fencing options and small farm equipment. We will also discuss what constitutes a “lush” pasture & how to manage horses & grazing so a horse doesn’t become fat. Harris Statema, a feeds expert from LMF Feeds, will speak on the horse’s digestive system and understanding forage and nutrition. Learn how sugar levels in your hay or pasture affect your horse’s health as well as carbohydrate intolerance in horses. Find out about hay probes and how to use them. Learn how you can borrow (for free!) the KCD hay probe to take samples of your hay. Meet resource staff from the King Conservation District who can suggest options for pasture management problems, soil testing, liming and other recommendations. Start the grazing season out right by learning how you can make your pastures become more productive & your horses healthier! Issaquah Salmon Hatchery Education Center, Issaquah, WA. Saturday, May 2nd, 9 am – noon. FREE!
To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904 or the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904, or mailto:paul.borne@kingcd.org.
PRESTON, WA
Tuesday, May 12th
CLASS: Holistic Approach to Manure Management
Learn the latest on manure management and horse heath. Hear from equine veterinarian Dr. Hank Greenwald and Horses for Clean Water’s Alayne Blickle about a holistic approach to parasite control and manure management. Learn how to compost horse manure, see the latest & greatest on bin designs. Find out about off-site options for dealing with stall waste and view the latest techniques for reducing stall waste in the barn. Then hear about parasite control, resistance to dewormers, use/overuse of dewormers and techniques to target parasite control. Learn what “natural” options are out there and how you can safely cut back on your deworming program. Save money, keep your horse healthy AND keep the environment healthy, too!
Preston Community Center, Preston, WA. Tuesday, May 12th, 6:30 pm – 9 pm. FREE! To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904, or mailto:paul.borne@kingcd.org.
For more information on any of these programs, please contact Alayne Renee Blickle Program Director Horses for Clean Water http://www.blogger.com/www.horsesforcleanwater.com 425-432-6116
PRESTON, WA
Wednesday, April 15th
CLASS: Creating Your Own Horse Property
Thinking of moving your horse home to save on costs? Want to make improvements to your horse property so it’s more chore efficient? Would you like to build an outdoor arena but don’t know if permitting is necessary? In this class Alayne Blickle of Horses for Clean Water will cover considerations for siting and laying out a barn and horse facilities, as well as chore efficiency considerations. Learn when you need a county permit and how to go through that process. Talk with King County Rural Permit Coordinator, Joelyn Higgins, who can answer your permitting questions on building and zoning issues, including property setback requirements and grading for arenas. Join HCW to learn things now that will help you set up your horse property to be chore efficient and more enjoyable later on. Preston Community Center, Preston, WA. Wednesday, April 15th, 6:30 – 9pm, FREE!
To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904 or mailto:paul.borne@kingcd.org.
RENTON, WA
Saturday, April 18th
WORKSHOP: Caring for Your Horse & His Home
Are you new to horse ownership or do you have children who want a horse? Do you know what the regular health, dental and shoeing needs are for horses? Would you like to learn about shelters requirements and horse-safe fencing? Join Alayne Blickle for an all day workshop geared for novice horse owners. Topics include horse behavior, horse & handler safety, planning your horse facility, how to buy a horse, nutrition & feeding, vet & farrier care, and pasture, manure & mud management.
Renton Technical College, Renton, WA, room C113, Saturday, April 18th, 9am to 4:30pm. $50.
Register by contacting Jennifer Rock at Renton Technical College’s Lifestyle Program at 425-235-2352 ext. 5727 or email her at jrock@rtc.edu.
RENTON, WA
Wednesdays, April 22nd to May 6th
CLASS SERIES: Green Horsekeeping: Mud, Manure & Pasture Management for Horses
Tired of seeing your horses slosh around in mud? Wondering what to do with all the flies and manure behind the barn? Are you new to horsekeeping on small acreage? Then join Horses for Clean Water for Green Horsekeeping! There are many great ways to banish mud on horse properties. Learn about French drains, footing options, geotextile fabrics & other great ideas for managing horse paddocks. Find out how to compost horse manure, see different compost bin designs and get tips for reducing stall waste in the barn. Study basic techniques for good pasture management including how grasses grow, creating a winter paddock, liming, spreading compost, rotational grazing, weed control, fencing options & small farm equipment. Learn how to make your horse property chore-efficient, horse healthy, more productive during the growing season and a healthy place for the environment!
Renton Technical College, Renton, WA, room C113, Wednesday evenings, April 22nd to May 6th, 6:30pm to 9:00pm. $50.
Register by contacting Jennifer Rock at Renton Technical College’s Lifestyle Program at 425-235-2352 ext. 5727 or email her at jrock@rtc.edu.
MAPLE VALLEY, WA
Saturday, April 25th, 9am – 5pm
CLINIC: Natural Ways to Manage Horses & Horse Properties
Barb Apple & Alayne Blickle team up to bring you hands-on help & information towards a holistic approach to managing your horse and horse property. Build confidence with your horse and strengthen your horsemanship by understanding horse behavior with the Northwest’s own Natural Horsemanship Clinician, Barb Apple. The morning session will be groundwork with your horse to help you understand your horse and build your partnership together. For the afternoon, join Alayne Blickle to tour her eco-friendly farm. Get tips and ideas on ways to set up and manage horse properties that are good for you, your horses and the environment. Learn about mud-free paddocks, composting horse manure, pasture management with less chemicals – and more GREEN horsekeeping! Horse & rider participants, $195, limited to 10 participants. Auditors, $35.
For more on Barb: http://www.barbapple.com/.
More on Alayne: http://www.horsesforcleanwater.com/
For more clinic pricing, stalling, registration details, guest horses or overnight accommodations contact mailto:Alayne@horsesforcleanwater.com or 425-432-6116.
ISSAQUAH, WA
Saturday, May 2nd
WORKSHOP: Spring into Pasture Management & Equine Nutrition
Learn how pasture management and horse health weave into managing horse pastures. Alayne Blickle from Horses for Clean Water will cover pasture management and how it relates to horse health. Learn basic techniques for good pasture management including how grasses grow, creating a winter paddock, liming, spreading compost, rotational grazing, managing small grazing areas, weed control, fencing options and small farm equipment. We will also discuss what constitutes a “lush” pasture & how to manage horses & grazing so a horse doesn’t become fat. Harris Statema, a feeds expert from LMF Feeds, will speak on the horse’s digestive system and understanding forage and nutrition. Learn how sugar levels in your hay or pasture affect your horse’s health as well as carbohydrate intolerance in horses. Find out about hay probes and how to use them. Learn how you can borrow (for free!) the KCD hay probe to take samples of your hay. Meet resource staff from the King Conservation District who can suggest options for pasture management problems, soil testing, liming and other recommendations. Start the grazing season out right by learning how you can make your pastures become more productive & your horses healthier! Issaquah Salmon Hatchery Education Center, Issaquah, WA. Saturday, May 2nd, 9 am – noon. FREE!
To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904 or the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904, or mailto:paul.borne@kingcd.org.
PRESTON, WA
Tuesday, May 12th
CLASS: Holistic Approach to Manure Management
Learn the latest on manure management and horse heath. Hear from equine veterinarian Dr. Hank Greenwald and Horses for Clean Water’s Alayne Blickle about a holistic approach to parasite control and manure management. Learn how to compost horse manure, see the latest & greatest on bin designs. Find out about off-site options for dealing with stall waste and view the latest techniques for reducing stall waste in the barn. Then hear about parasite control, resistance to dewormers, use/overuse of dewormers and techniques to target parasite control. Learn what “natural” options are out there and how you can safely cut back on your deworming program. Save money, keep your horse healthy AND keep the environment healthy, too!
Preston Community Center, Preston, WA. Tuesday, May 12th, 6:30 pm – 9 pm. FREE! To register and receive directions contact the King Conservation District at 425-282-1904, or mailto:paul.borne@kingcd.org.
For more information on any of these programs, please contact Alayne Renee Blickle Program Director Horses for Clean Water http://www.blogger.com/www.horsesforcleanwater.com 425-432-6116
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Rain & Snow Delay Opening of Capitol Forest
The information below is from a DNR press release issued last night. For the full release, check out their site.
ORV and horseback riders and campers longing to get out and play in Capitol Forest this April will have to wait another month. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which manages the forest, has permanently changed the opening date to May 1.
The decision to move the date back one month came about last year as a result of discussions with representatives from user groups in the area and feedback from the recreating public. This new season brings Capitol Forest’s season in line with the Yacolt Burn Start Forest season, which was changed five years ago at the suggestion of user groups.
“We know from the Yacolt Burn season change that there will be an immediate positive impact on the protection of natural resources,” said Brian Poehlein, a recreation manager with DNR’s Pacific Cascade Region.DNR staff also expect the season change will reduce the amount of maintenance needed on the trail systems in Capitol Forest by keeping traffic off saturated soils during the typically rainy month of April. This, too, was a lesson learned from Yacolt Burn.
The new season open and closure dates had unanimous support from the user group representatives. The closing date was moved back one month to December, which still offers seven months of outdoor recreation opportunities for ORV users, horse riders, and campers. Trails in Capitol Forest are open all year for non-motorized use, except for horses.For more information about recreation in Capitol Forest, contact Brian Poehlein at 360-575-5021 or brian.poehlein@dnr.wa.gov.
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