Last Saturday, DNR staff and 23 interested citizens spent a day at Reiter Foothills Forest in part of the forest where DNR plans a motorized trail system. The group looked at the lay of the land and talked about locations and what elements should be considered in designing the trails.
Saturday’s activities included discussions about what sections of the forest could be opened more quickly, with a minimal amount of permitting. The more complex trails and those with bridges and culverts will require permits and more time to develop. All ORV trail development must go through the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review process.
Joining the group were two consultants from Hough Beck & Baird, a Seattle-based landscape architecture firm hired by DNR to help design and develop the more technical trails and challenge courses—for both motorized and non-motorized recreation. DNR staff will design the less-technical trails.
Reiter Foothills Forest field days are part of a comprehensive recreation planning effort with the goal of providing enjoyable recreation that is safe and sustainable.
Next field day this Saturday
DNR will have more field days, including one on February 27 to focus on the area identified for non-motorized opportunities, such as hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. If you’d like to join this tour, here are the details:
When: Saturday, February 27; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Meet at the large gravel parking area off of Reiter Road, just west of the gated road to May Creek.
Directions: From Gold Bar, head east and go left on Reiter Road. Follow the road straight at the intersection of May Creek Road and Reiter Road, continuing on to the gravel parking area. You’ll see many ecology blocks along the road and a large Reiter Foothills Forest sign.
Other details:
- We will be carpooling for the tour and driving on gravel state forest roads. If you have a vehicle appropriate for these conditions and want to take riders, that would be a great help.
- We will be taking hikes (1-2 miles) through the woods, which may involve uneven and steep off-trail terrain and possibly crossing streams.
- Please, don’t bring pets.
- Dress for changing weather conditions: warm clothes, rain jacket, boots, etc.
- Pack a lunch and water.
- There are no restroom facilities in this area, so plan accordingly.
Please RSVP by noon, Thursday, February 25: Toni Droscher at 360-902-1523 or toni.droscher@dnr.wa.gov.
