Howdy Folks,
Here's an update on Walker Valley that I just received from the DNR:
++++++
Hi Everyone.
Just wanted to send a quick update about how things are going. Feel free to
contact me with any questions.
Jeep Trail
The main jeep trail is still blocked after the Walker Creek crossing. The
logger was caught by snow and has not been able to return to finish the job. I
check often with our timber sale compliance guys and they don't know when the
logger with move back in. Due to this and the following, 4WD opportunities are
very limited right now.
Bridge Project
We are close to wrapping up the bridge project. The only work left is surfacing
the approaches to the two 4WD bridges. As per the request of 4WD club
representatives, we don't want to open the new section of 4WD trail until after
the rainy months. The fear is that breaking in a new trail during the wet season
would be disastrous. We want to let it dry out, weather in and then get good and
packed from use this coming summer. Everyone needs to stay off this trail until
it is opened.
Trailhead
We recently spent some effort blocking access to the wet areas north of the
trailhead. People have been cutting through a wet area to gain access around the
gate. This has been a big problem for water quality and illegal activity in
areas near our closest neighbors. Parking at the trailhead was not affected.
Trail Crew
As many of you know, we have hired two trail folks that have been spending time
working out at Walker Valley. We plan to hire at least one more (maybe two)
seasonals later this spring. Their work days vary but plan to see them out there
on Saturdays much of the time. They will be spending a week in on-site training
in a couple of weeks.
Reconstruction Grant
We have begun working with this grant money. DNR has again contracted with Mike
Dolfay to help put together some packages to construct, re-construct, and remove
trails. Most of the actual work will be contracted out or done with DNR crews.
Mike will be involved in all aspects of the work from start to finish. Mike will
start in mid-February. He'll also help with training the trail folks.
We have a Special Use Permit application into Skagit County and plan to hear
something in the next couple of weeks. When we have that permit in hand, we'll
be able to start working.
Education and Enforcement Grant
We have applied for a grant to fund an education and enforcement officer who
will work mainly at Walker Valley and Reiter Trails. We should be hearing how we
faired within a week. I'll keep you posted on that.
Sign Plan
The plan (and grant) are still out there but is not on the top of the pile yet.
We know it's important and hasn't been forgotten.
Meeting
Mike Dolfay and I will be meeting with the small committee (it was called the
restoration committee last year) in a couple of weeks. These meetings have been
well attended by representatives of ATV, 4WD, and motorcycle clubs and have been
really productive. I'll discuss the idea of a broader user group meeting with
people at that time. In the meantime, get your comments to the club
representatives (even if you're not in a club). We'll keep plugging away.
Tom.
Tom Murley
Special Lands Coordinator
NW Region
Department of Natural Resources
919 N. Township St.
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
(360) 856-3500
tom.murley@wadnr.gov
Here's an update on Walker Valley that I just received from the DNR:
++++++
Hi Everyone.
Just wanted to send a quick update about how things are going. Feel free to
contact me with any questions.
Jeep Trail
The main jeep trail is still blocked after the Walker Creek crossing. The
logger was caught by snow and has not been able to return to finish the job. I
check often with our timber sale compliance guys and they don't know when the
logger with move back in. Due to this and the following, 4WD opportunities are
very limited right now.
Bridge Project
We are close to wrapping up the bridge project. The only work left is surfacing
the approaches to the two 4WD bridges. As per the request of 4WD club
representatives, we don't want to open the new section of 4WD trail until after
the rainy months. The fear is that breaking in a new trail during the wet season
would be disastrous. We want to let it dry out, weather in and then get good and
packed from use this coming summer. Everyone needs to stay off this trail until
it is opened.
Trailhead
We recently spent some effort blocking access to the wet areas north of the
trailhead. People have been cutting through a wet area to gain access around the
gate. This has been a big problem for water quality and illegal activity in
areas near our closest neighbors. Parking at the trailhead was not affected.
Trail Crew
As many of you know, we have hired two trail folks that have been spending time
working out at Walker Valley. We plan to hire at least one more (maybe two)
seasonals later this spring. Their work days vary but plan to see them out there
on Saturdays much of the time. They will be spending a week in on-site training
in a couple of weeks.
Reconstruction Grant
We have begun working with this grant money. DNR has again contracted with Mike
Dolfay to help put together some packages to construct, re-construct, and remove
trails. Most of the actual work will be contracted out or done with DNR crews.
Mike will be involved in all aspects of the work from start to finish. Mike will
start in mid-February. He'll also help with training the trail folks.
We have a Special Use Permit application into Skagit County and plan to hear
something in the next couple of weeks. When we have that permit in hand, we'll
be able to start working.
Education and Enforcement Grant
We have applied for a grant to fund an education and enforcement officer who
will work mainly at Walker Valley and Reiter Trails. We should be hearing how we
faired within a week. I'll keep you posted on that.
Sign Plan
The plan (and grant) are still out there but is not on the top of the pile yet.
We know it's important and hasn't been forgotten.
Meeting
Mike Dolfay and I will be meeting with the small committee (it was called the
restoration committee last year) in a couple of weeks. These meetings have been
well attended by representatives of ATV, 4WD, and motorcycle clubs and have been
really productive. I'll discuss the idea of a broader user group meeting with
people at that time. In the meantime, get your comments to the club
representatives (even if you're not in a club). We'll keep plugging away.
Tom.
Tom Murley
Special Lands Coordinator
NW Region
Department of Natural Resources
919 N. Township St.
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
(360) 856-3500
tom.murley@wadnr.gov
