japerry
Well-Known Member
After some hard work between Steve Davies, Ted Jackson, Ed Tenny and myself -- we managed to get the re-written trails act passed the senate and into law.
This means that the expensive building for Reiter is going to come to an end! No more massive amounts of rock and there is potential that the rock garden and other user-built trails could be opened (if they still fit the environmental requirements of the plan)
We're working now to create a no nonsense plan that will be used state-wide and stop doing piecemeal, case-by-case trail plans. This may delay some short term planning, but should not interfere with already planned trails.
Edit -- here is some more details:
Here is the bill in all its finished glory:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2013-14/Pdf/Bills/House Bills/2151-S.E.pdf
The key take-aways:
1) Inclusive stakeholders will build a trail policy that covers our sport for our needs.
These rules will include provisions that allow us to build trails like the outlet mall. Its very sad that DNR doesn't own that property, because we could have the outlet mall if they did own it =/
2) Trail plan should be based off of the USFS or similar standard, like Minnesota, or something we come up with if none of the standards fit.
The trails currently are being built above and beyond what the USFS usually requires. Class 5 trails are not recommended, and yet thats what we've been building. Existing trails are not likely to get altered, but it will change how new ones are built.*
3) Trails must be built to meet Ecology standards (not that hard), but also need to be built at the lowest cost possible.
That means they cannot build how they've been building them. Money is to be spent on bridges and wet areas, but otherwise conform to the law
4) User built trails MUST be considered for inclusion.
When a trail system is being evaluated, any trail that otherwise fits the trail plan, should be incorporated. This should help us get some user-built trails re-included into the Rieter plan, it will also help get more trails at walker and Yacolt. It will also potentially allow unauthorized recreation areas to be added to a trail plan instead of being shut down.
5) DNR is not liable for heavy equipment and other volunteer activities
This will allow volunteers to use heavy equipment again, and should make it easier for a volunteer organization to 'adopt a trail' to be built.
6) Holds counties responsible for working with DNR to establish a streamlined permitting process. If counties hold out and cause barriers, the DNR can bring that to the legislature to override the counties
* I presume DNR will continue building the way they have been until the new plan is in place later this year or 2015.
I'll be at swap meet if people have questions or concerns. Also ask away on here.
This means that the expensive building for Reiter is going to come to an end! No more massive amounts of rock and there is potential that the rock garden and other user-built trails could be opened (if they still fit the environmental requirements of the plan)
We're working now to create a no nonsense plan that will be used state-wide and stop doing piecemeal, case-by-case trail plans. This may delay some short term planning, but should not interfere with already planned trails.
Edit -- here is some more details:
Here is the bill in all its finished glory:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2013-14/Pdf/Bills/House Bills/2151-S.E.pdf
The key take-aways:
1) Inclusive stakeholders will build a trail policy that covers our sport for our needs.
These rules will include provisions that allow us to build trails like the outlet mall. Its very sad that DNR doesn't own that property, because we could have the outlet mall if they did own it =/
2) Trail plan should be based off of the USFS or similar standard, like Minnesota, or something we come up with if none of the standards fit.
The trails currently are being built above and beyond what the USFS usually requires. Class 5 trails are not recommended, and yet thats what we've been building. Existing trails are not likely to get altered, but it will change how new ones are built.*
3) Trails must be built to meet Ecology standards (not that hard), but also need to be built at the lowest cost possible.
That means they cannot build how they've been building them. Money is to be spent on bridges and wet areas, but otherwise conform to the law
4) User built trails MUST be considered for inclusion.
When a trail system is being evaluated, any trail that otherwise fits the trail plan, should be incorporated. This should help us get some user-built trails re-included into the Rieter plan, it will also help get more trails at walker and Yacolt. It will also potentially allow unauthorized recreation areas to be added to a trail plan instead of being shut down.
5) DNR is not liable for heavy equipment and other volunteer activities
This will allow volunteers to use heavy equipment again, and should make it easier for a volunteer organization to 'adopt a trail' to be built.
6) Holds counties responsible for working with DNR to establish a streamlined permitting process. If counties hold out and cause barriers, the DNR can bring that to the legislature to override the counties
* I presume DNR will continue building the way they have been until the new plan is in place later this year or 2015.
I'll be at swap meet if people have questions or concerns. Also ask away on here.
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