Here at DNR we are getting ready to do a little spring cleaning on our online recreation information.
 Do you love DNR's Facebook posts?
Are you anxious for the latest Capitol State Forest Map?
Can you find what you are looking for on our website?
...Now is your chance to let us know.
Please share with your friends and make an even bigger impact."What you invest your time in defines who you are."
-Todd Duncan
Enjoy February's e-newsletter with updates on the following areas:
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 Reiter Foothills
Reiter Foothills test rides draw a crowd
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Outdoor recreation enthusiasts test out 4x4 trails at Reiter Foothills. Check out more photos from the Seattle Times. Photo: David Way, DNR |
Over the last several months, test rides have offered a glimpse of what is to come at Reiter Foothills for the 4x4 community (more).
Reiter test rides have even drawn local media interest. Check out a photo gallery from the Seattle Times.
Upcoming test ride dates are open from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and are scheduled for:
- March 9
- March 24
- April 6
- April 21
Before you head out, check out our blog for any temporary closure information.
Motorized trail construction update
Winter is quickly coming to an end, which means trail construction at Reiter Foothills will be here soon once again. Washington Conservation Corp (WCC) crews are scheduled to begin construction of ATV trails in April. In addition, DNR will hire one or two temporary equipment operators through the summer.
Non-motorized trail planning progress
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Hold your horses! Reiter Foothills non-motorized trail plan will be in public review next month! Photo: Toni Droscher, DNR.
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DNR staff and volunteers have been busy over the past several months planning the non-motorized trail system. Next month, the plan will go through a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review, where the public will be able to make comments on the plan.
We will send an update as soon as the public comment period begins.
In addition, DNR will host a public meeting in March to answer questions and collect comments. We will announce that meeting date soon.
Next Reiter Foothills focus group meeting - February 27
Anyone may attend the monthly Reiter Foothills focus group meetings. These are a great way to hear, firsthand, about the progress at Reiter Foothills Forest and to provide your input on recreation in the area. This month's meeting will be an update on the different work that is progressing in the area.
Reiter Foothills Forest Focus Group meetings are from 7 to 9 p.m. every fourth Wednesday of the month in the East Public Meeting Room in the Snohomish County Building, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett.
For more information, contact David Way, 360-854-2830.
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Blanchard Mountain
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Check out this shot from Blanchard Mountain. Send your recreation photos to recreation@dnr.wa.gov to be featured in our next e-newsletter. Photo: Alexis Kodosky, DNR
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This mild winter has proven kind to the hiking trails. As of February 12, all trails at Blanchard Mountain are snow-free, with an occasional muddy spot. Download a map and check out Blanchard Mountain this weekend.
Samish Bay Trail
Washington Conservation Corps crews and volunteers will be working on the Samish Bay Trail through the spring. If you see folks working on the trail, let them know you are approaching. They will stop and make room for you to pass.
Feeling inspired to help? Join one of our volunteer work events below:
For more information, contact Christ Thomsen, 360-854-2860
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Harry Osborne
Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crews have been working hard to clear blow-down and brush trails in the area. Expect high elevation snow patches and muddy spots and water on the trails in lower elevations.
If you come across maintenance needs in either Blanchard Mountain or Harry Osborne, please contact Rick Foster.
For more information, contact Christ Thomsen, 360-854-2860. |
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Walker Valley
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Sam Chesnut, with the Skagit Motorcycle Club, volunteered at the January 12 Walker Valley Clean-Up event, despite the snow. Photo: Jim Cahill
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Kudos to all the volunteers who came out despite the cold temperatures to lend a hand a Walker Valley.
This month, volunteers added gravel to 300 feet of the I-5 motorcycle trail. The work involved using motorized hauling equipment (including donated equipment), a power compactor, and hand tools.
Walker Valley work party -- March 9
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Volunteers added gravel to 300 feet of trail at the February work party. Photo: Jim Cahill
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Join DNR staff and volunteers on March 9 to add gravel to ORV trails. This will help harden them for all-season use and to protect water quality. Volunteers will use hand tools and some motorized power equipment.
Show up at 9 a.m. Work as long as you want. Bring a hard hat, gloves, lunch, and water. Meet at the Walker Valley Trailhead information kiosk, 18652 Peter Burns Rd, Mount Vernon. Directions.
Walker Valley work parties take place every second Saturday of the month.
For more information, contact Jim Cahill, 360-854-2874.
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Forest watch
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Natural areas
Natural Resource Conservation Areas (NRCAs) protect outstanding examples of native ecosystems and habitat for endangered, threatened and sensitive plants and animals. Low-impact recreation is allowed, as long as it doesn't jeopardize conservation efforts. When visiting natural areas, please stay on the trails, obey all posted rules, and help us protect these special places for this and future generations. For more information on DNR's effort to protect the state's extraordinary diversity, please visit the Natural Areas page. 
The popular Cattle Point NRCA gets a makeoverLocated 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 ( more). For more information, contact Paul McFarland, 360-854-2882.
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Northwest Region
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
360-856-3500
www.dnr.wa.gov
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