Dave W
Well-Known Member
Seasonal Trail Restrictions in Effect April 1st
NACHESâ€"Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest managers plan to implement a seasonal closure on Naches Ranger District motorized trails from April 1 until June 15 to protect natural resources, minimize damage to trails, and maintain quality trail systems.
The Naches Ranger District seasonal restrictions apply to all trails with any type of motorized designation and includes all trail users, motorized or non-motorized.
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has successfully implemented similar temporary closures the past three years in the wet spring months. If conditions warrant, trails will be opened prior to June 15th on a case by case basis.
Naches Ranger District recreation managers have worked with motorized user groups to implement the closures in a manner that minimizes impacts to the public, while protecting natural resources. Both motorized and non-motorized user group members volunteer to maintain trails and help educate the public on the adverse impacts of traveling on muddy trails. These impacts often include increased soil erosion and additional trail maintenance.
Naches District Ranger Irene Davidson said, “Year after year volunteers prove to be invaluable to our recreation program, these trails are as important to them as they are to us.†Approved volunteers will be permitted on certain trails prior to the opening date to assist with maintenance and to help make trail opening determinations.
The selected opening date of June 15th is flexible and based on weather information and existing trail conditions. Trails in different areas may open earlier or later than June 15. The Forest Service and volunteer partners will make every effort to clear trails of logs and other forest debris so trail systems can be opened as soon as they dry out.
Information on the trail restrictions will continue to be made available through signs on major roads, news releases, radio announcements and website notices.
Naches Ranger District recreation managers will continue to assess the effectiveness of the spring motorized trail closure with regard to the intent of protecting trails and reducing annual maintenance needs.
NACHESâ€"Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest managers plan to implement a seasonal closure on Naches Ranger District motorized trails from April 1 until June 15 to protect natural resources, minimize damage to trails, and maintain quality trail systems.
The Naches Ranger District seasonal restrictions apply to all trails with any type of motorized designation and includes all trail users, motorized or non-motorized.
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has successfully implemented similar temporary closures the past three years in the wet spring months. If conditions warrant, trails will be opened prior to June 15th on a case by case basis.
Naches Ranger District recreation managers have worked with motorized user groups to implement the closures in a manner that minimizes impacts to the public, while protecting natural resources. Both motorized and non-motorized user group members volunteer to maintain trails and help educate the public on the adverse impacts of traveling on muddy trails. These impacts often include increased soil erosion and additional trail maintenance.
Naches District Ranger Irene Davidson said, “Year after year volunteers prove to be invaluable to our recreation program, these trails are as important to them as they are to us.†Approved volunteers will be permitted on certain trails prior to the opening date to assist with maintenance and to help make trail opening determinations.
The selected opening date of June 15th is flexible and based on weather information and existing trail conditions. Trails in different areas may open earlier or later than June 15. The Forest Service and volunteer partners will make every effort to clear trails of logs and other forest debris so trail systems can be opened as soon as they dry out.
Information on the trail restrictions will continue to be made available through signs on major roads, news releases, radio announcements and website notices.
Naches Ranger District recreation managers will continue to assess the effectiveness of the spring motorized trail closure with regard to the intent of protecting trails and reducing annual maintenance needs.
