The Umatilla National Forest will receive $4.7 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for recreation facilities improvements and trail maintenance as part of a nationwide effort, the Agriculture Department announced this week.
"People need work right now and the Umatilla National Forest has fallen behind for years in maintaining trails, recreation facilities and historic buildings due to lack of federal funds. These economic recovery dollars will finally address the backlog of needed projects in the Umatilla National Forest and create local jobs in the process," Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said in a statement.
The Umatilla National Forest is set to receive $1.7 million for recreation facility improvements and
$3 million for trail maintenance.
Kevin Martin, forest supervisor, said the work will include replacing older restroom facilities, picnic tables and fire rings at many recreational campgrounds; maintaining the safety of old water systems at recreation sites; and refurbishing historic Civilian Conservation Corps-era bunkhouses and ranger stations that are part of the Forest Service's large regional rental program.
"We are reinvesting in our historic guard stations, helping to preserve our heritage and provide a unique experience for forest visitors," Martin said in a statement.
The Forest Service trails system provides access to a wide diversity of users including hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, and all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts.
"Trails will be maintained to the standard of their intended use, providing access to users and protecting the environment," said Martin.
Trail maintenance includes protecting soils and reducing erosion, along with clearing vegetation, controlling invasive species, and removing downed trees. Repairs and upgrades to trail bridges and trail head parking areas will improve access and safety for trail users.
Project work is expected to begin later this summer and will continue through 2010.
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OUTDOORS: Forest Service waives day-use fees Saturday
OUTDOORS: Forest Service waives day-use fees Saturday
The USDA Forest Service is waiving fees at hundreds of recreation sites across the country Saturday in recognition of National Public Lands Day.
In the Pacific Northwest Region, day-use fees will be waived at Forest Service-operated sties. Concessionaires operating day use facilities have the option of waiving fees. Fees are not waived at campgrounds or for recreation rentals.
The Forest Service has more than 60 project sites for initiatives across the country participating in this hands-on, national volunteer effort to improve America’s lands. Forest Service local activities may range from building and maintaining trails, cleaning waterways, pulling invasive weeds to sprucing up campgrounds.
Congress hears pitch for public access to Rattlesnake Mountain
Congress hears pitch for public access to Rattlesnake Mountain
U.S. Fish and Wildlife cannot be trusted to ensure access to the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain, said Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., at a congressional subcommittee hearing Tuesday.
The agency is working on public access to the mountain, but it has taken longer than planned, as discussions continue with tribes that consider the mountain sacred, said James Kurth, who was just appointed chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Both testified at a subcommittee hearing of the National Resources Committee, which Hastings heads, about legislation Hastings introduced in May to allow access to the top of the mountain.
Outdoors briefs: 82 acres in Pierce County to be wildlife preserve
Outdoors briefs: 82 acres in Pierce County to be wildlife preserve
TACOMA -- An 82-acre peninsula in Pierce County has been purchased for protection as a wildlife preserve.
The Jacob's Point property on the south side of Anderson Island on Oro Bay had once been targeted for a Christian youth camp. The News Tribune reported that it now it will be protected as a wildlife habitat with limited public recreation.
The Anderson Island Park and Recreation District plans to develop a trail, a stop for kayaks and canoes, interpretive signs and viewpoints on the property.
Tahuya State Forest reopens 2 campgrounds
Tahuya State Forest reopens 2 campgrounds
BELFAIR -- Two campgrounds in Tahuya State Forest -- Camp Spilman and Kammenga -- reopened today.
The campgrounds will be open seven days a week. The maximum stay limit is 10 nights in a 30-day period. These campgrounds are available only on a first-come, first-served basis.
The state forest is west of Belfair in Mason County.
Bill giving access to Rattlesnake summit passes House
Bill giving access to Rattlesnake summit passes House
Mid-Columbians soon could have access to the summit of Rattlesnake Mountain with the unanimous passage of a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday opening the mountain to the public.
The bill was introduced in August by Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., who has argued the mountain -- which is part of the Hanford Reach National Monument -- belongs to the American people and should be open for public visits.
"The 3,600-foot summit of Rattlesnake holds one of the best views of central Washington and the Columbia River, but has been closed to the public," Hastings said in a statement.
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