As announced at the Department of Natural Resources, northwest region recreational user group meeting in Sedro-Woolley tonight, Walker Valley ORV area will be closed to motorized recreation as of November 1, 2002. This closure may be lifted March 31, 2003 if the DNR feels that it is appropriate.
The DNR claims that this closure is being done to comply with the state Department of Ecology. Only problem is that is not true.
Grab a beverage and sit a spell (I'll try to be brief as possible)
March 2001, DNR invites the DOE to come look at Walker
August 2002, DOE submits a report to DNR
May 2002, DNR tells recreational users about DOE visit/report for the first time, stating that it may lead to closure, but refuses to provide details of the report to us. DNR claims that run-off from trails into streams was a huge issue.
June - August 2002, the Skagit Motorcycle Club organizes work parties and repairs the trails identified by them and the DNR.
September- DNR cancels major work party just days before it's scheduled and denies Skagit club access behind gated logging road to get to project areas.
Still, the DNR refuses to show the Skagit m/c the DOE report.
Skagit club member/lawyer obtains the report utilizing the public records act law a couple of days ago and discovers that the biggest problem the DOE has at Walker is with a bridge over the main road. Contrary to the claims of the DNR, the DOE report recommends against closing Walker Valley.
At tonight's meeting, when pressed for details concerning the closure, the DNR revealed the it only applies to motorized recreational use and that hiking, horse riding, bicycling and logging will still be permited.
It also look like, even though the DNR could not afford any law enforcement staff here for years, that they now are able to transfer an officer in from the Tahuya area.
All this is especially disturbing considering that the vast majority of the trails here were built and maintained by the Skagit club and all the funding for this area comes from ORV funds.
Well folks, that's the short version for now.
Tod :|
The DNR claims that this closure is being done to comply with the state Department of Ecology. Only problem is that is not true.
Grab a beverage and sit a spell (I'll try to be brief as possible)
March 2001, DNR invites the DOE to come look at Walker
August 2002, DOE submits a report to DNR
May 2002, DNR tells recreational users about DOE visit/report for the first time, stating that it may lead to closure, but refuses to provide details of the report to us. DNR claims that run-off from trails into streams was a huge issue.
June - August 2002, the Skagit Motorcycle Club organizes work parties and repairs the trails identified by them and the DNR.
September- DNR cancels major work party just days before it's scheduled and denies Skagit club access behind gated logging road to get to project areas.
Still, the DNR refuses to show the Skagit m/c the DOE report.
Skagit club member/lawyer obtains the report utilizing the public records act law a couple of days ago and discovers that the biggest problem the DOE has at Walker is with a bridge over the main road. Contrary to the claims of the DNR, the DOE report recommends against closing Walker Valley.
At tonight's meeting, when pressed for details concerning the closure, the DNR revealed the it only applies to motorized recreational use and that hiking, horse riding, bicycling and logging will still be permited.
It also look like, even though the DNR could not afford any law enforcement staff here for years, that they now are able to transfer an officer in from the Tahuya area.
All this is especially disturbing considering that the vast majority of the trails here were built and maintained by the Skagit club and all the funding for this area comes from ORV funds.
Well folks, that's the short version for now.
Tod :|