September 23, 2010
IN THIS UPDATE:
· Reminder: Reiter closed to all but foot traffic
· Progress Report
· What’s Next
Reminder: Reiter closed to all but foot traffic
We have been receiving a number of phone calls and emails from individuals who have heard that the Reiter Foothills Forest is open for equestrian use. This is NOT true. The Reiter Foothills area is closed to all use except foot traffic at this time. We are working with various members of the recreation community to develop a safe and sustainable trail plan for motorized and non-motorized trails in the Reiter Foothills.
Progress Report
On Sunday, September 19, DNR staff and five volunteers began reconnaissance efforts to collect information about potential areas for non-motorized trails. You can access the most recent map of the non-motorized area and conceptual trails at: http://bit.ly/9cMSDr
We are continuing to work on the motorized trail plan and associated documents to prepare for the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review process and applying for permits from Snohomish County. We are working on more detailed trail design for those motorized trails that are not located in critical areas and we are considering for the first phase of construction. Work includes field verification of data collected; trail design and construction detailing, drainage and grading; technical reports; cost estimates; and trail construction specifications.
At this stage, we are translating field notes into the GIS system, giving us information on slope and drainage patterns, and calculations for the amount of cut and fill slopes for different types of trails. All this information is required for getting a grading permit.
We are coordinating with Snohomish County to identify permit and report requirements. We know the county will require a Land Disturbance Activity Permit, and there may be others.
On Wednesday, September 22, the Reiter focus group met in Everett to continue discussions regarding a number of things, including:
· Motorized trail plan including Phase 1 and Phase 2 development
· Project implementation timeline
· Map-based, non-motorized trail opportunity discussion
· Carrying capacity of different types of trails
What’s Next
Saturday, October 2, Work Party
The objective of this field day is to pick up where we left of on September 19th. We need to get more familiar with the non-motorized area and the potential opportunities for non-motorized trails and facilities. This will be arduous hiking through very steep terrain to continue reconnaissance. This is a chance to hike the area, and see and discuss trail possibilities. You can access the most recent map of the non-motorized area and conceptual trails at: http://bit.ly/9cMSDr
Work parties start at 9:30 a.m. and go until 3 p.m. or until we complete the projects for the day. Meet at the Reiter gravel parking area outside of Gold Bar on Reiter Road. If you plan to join us on this day, please be prepared to hike across rough terrain for up to five or six miles in all weather, and carry food and water for yourself. There are no facilities in Reiter Foothills Forest. It would be helpful but not required if you can bring a GPS unit.
If you would like to participate, please contact David Way in advance at 360-854-2830. Also please and let him know if you are able to bring a GPS.
The next focus group meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., October 27th at the Snohomish County Administrative complex in Everett. For more information, contact Candace Johnson at 360-854-2803 or candace.johnson@dnr.wa.gov.
Get involved!
If you’re interested in helping at Reiter Foothills Forest, we can always use volunteers to help with restoration work and trail planning, construction, and maintenance projects. For more information, contact David Way, 360-854-2830 or david.way@dnr.wa.gov.
Candace Johnson
Assistant Region Manager, State Lands
Northwest Region
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
360-854-2803
www.dnr.wa.gov
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