DNR (Northwest Region) ORV Users Meeting - October 9, 2001

DNR (Northwest Region) ORV Users Meeting - October 9, 2001

Those present representing the DNR: Susan Emley, Olympia Office; Jesse Herrick, Tom Murley, Christ Thomsen - Sedro Woolley Office.

User Groups represented: PNW4WDA individual members, Northern Toys, SNORT/ PSVB, BEST, Rainier Ridge Rams, Skagit Motorcycle Club, NMA.

Susan Emley discussed the current budget and how it affects ORV users. The proviso that was signed at the end of the last session which made a drastic point to spend ORV dollars to improve DNR trailheads to accommodate ADA (am w/disabilities) somewhat backfired into the green sponsors. The allocation did not allow for hiker type trail maintenance but required trailheads to be brought to standard, though most of the DNR trailheads already are. Both sides lost and now the government sees the ill of their ways. ORV users can write letters to the constituents to support getting rid of the last minute provisos that were written on this issue.

The DNR definitely needs our log of hours to be turned in for matching hours for our Forest Watch Program. The hours that we log in can be matched for funds to improve ORV areas.

Please write letters now and in the future to remind your representatives how important recreating on state land is to you. Send them a letter, show them a photo of you out enjoying your 4x4/quad/atv etc let them know how much you enjoy your sport. When possible land closures come up and you write them again and remind them of what you are losing they may be able to understand your cause a little better.

Anytime you have done trail work, litter pick or improved DNR land somehow, take the time to fill out a volunteer log sheet and get it to the DNR. We need to be keeping track of the hours we are spending out there, it does help them and it will help us should we face the threat of closure. Forest Watch logs are to be turned into Jesse. Trail maintenance logs should be turned into Christ. Christ also asked that you get in touch with him before conducting any work, there are areas that need more work than others and finding out what needs the most work or is the priority will better spend your volunteer hours.

NORTH FORK AREA:

Jesse has been in contact with the representative from the Whatcom Land Trust who owns from the end of the paved county road to the beginning of DNR land off of the North Fork Road in Whatcom County. ORV users are allowed to drive on the existing gravel road to get to DNR land, we are not allowed to park or loiter on Whatcom Land Trust Land for any reason.

The gravel parking area adjacent to the Racehorse Bridge is owned by the DNR so parking of trucks and trailers is allowed in this area. There have been some problems with individuals attempting to get down into the creek bed again and are pulling out barricades to get to the river. This is a big NO-NO. Avoid stream crossings as well as any trail or area that will put you in contact with a live stream. The Department of Fish and Wildlife as well as Ecology will not allow us to hamper the salmon in the nearby river. Please respect the rules for the area and stay out of the creeks and riverbed.

WALKER VALLEY ORV PARK:

There is a motorcycle event taking place at WV on 10/14/01, they will be using some of the 4wd trails - please be aware of this.

The annual fall litter cleanup sponsored by Northern Toys 4wd Club and Skagit Motorcycle Club is occurring on Saturday, October 27, 2001. Meet at 9:00 am in the parking lot.

The Disabled Hunter Program is going on from the 13th of October through October 31. Hunters and their partners have a blue sheet of paper that designated them as a Disabled Hunter and they have been given keys to the B1000 gate to gain access for both deer and elk in the area. Jesse has posted the blue Disabled Hunter signs in the area as well if you see someone gaining access through this gate this is probably why.

There are some problems with individuals gaining access to DNR land through Longview Fiber's private property via Old Day Creek Road. Jesse is looking into this.

Christ noted that the Slow, Congested Area signs have been posted at the user's request. The main parking lot was graded last week. He is having the CCC crew paint with red "no 4x4's" on the bollards that were installed at the beginning of the motorcycle trails to make it very clear to the 4x4's which trails were not appropriate or designated for their use. Please respect the bollards and stick to the 4x4 approved trails.

Christ also asked if anyone had any concerns with the rock that was dumped in the shoe fly area that accesses the 4x4 trails. No concern was heard from the users but he noted he had gotten a few phone calls complaining of the rocks. He wanted to make clear that the trails are for short wheel base, modified vehicles, The dumping of the rocks was to discourage "Street vehicles" which are causing environmental impacts to the area and damaging resources. The DNR is looking at placing rock at the lower Jeep access trail as well.

Signing the trails to indicate short wheelbase and modification or a list of suggested equipment is something that is being planned. Discussion also ensued about a trail rating system and having proper signage on the trails. Christ said that once his assessment is complete it would include some of these issues.

Christ noted that there would be on-going future timber sales that will affect trails within the park. Sales may have gone out for bid but not come back in yet and once they do the purchaser has two years to complete the project. Something to keep in mind.

Christ has asked for a 1-year extension for the Cavanaugh Conversion that Northern Toys and Rainer Ridge Rams have been working on. The project was put off for about a year due to a logging contract that went through a major part of the trail conversion. The current trail project is due to expire as of 12/1/01 and currently will not be completed by that time.

Discussion on future trail work party training classes was discussed; there is a need for it and the need for trail crew leaders as well. This is a project that the DNR is putting together and we may see something next spring some time. Additional bobcat certification, tool certification as well as chainsaw certification was brought up as well and will be addressed by the DNR.

The Trailhead II grant is due to expire 11/1/01. Mark Thor is still working this project and we do not have a firm update on where things stand at this time, it was requested by the users that we be given an update by email or have Mark attend the next users meeting. There was mention that he put in a request for a 6-month extension and that will not affect applying for a grant for construction.

Christ asked users what they thought of having a guest speaker at future meetings such as a rep from Dept of Ecology, Fish and Wildlife, Deputy Sheriff etc. It was thought to be a good idea by the users and will be set up for the next meeting.

It was suggested by the users that the DNR come up with an agenda prior to the meetings so that users are prepared for discussion at the meeting.

Christ said that he is approximately half way though the assessment and this summer the forest fires took away from this project. He does accept those willing to volunteer to go out and walk the trails with him. Please call him at he office to arrange.

If anyone is aware of trails that have been converted to or had a road placed over them please let Christ know.

REITER TRAILS:

They have finished paving all the way to Index now. The partial timber cut above the pond is nearly complete.

Jesse will email out maps that he has that show DNR land as well as the private holdings in the area.

A quick discussion covered the watershed for Spada Lake being closed to users due to the threat of terrorism.

The Users meetings have been moved to even numbered months, the next meeting will be Tuesday December 11, at 7:00 pm at the NW region office in Sedro Woolley.

Respectfully submitted,

Kim Johnson
creapcrawl@earthlink.net
Northern Toys 4wd Club
www.northerntoys.com

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