MEDIA ADVISORY
July 29, 2011
Culvert replacement at Walker Valley ORV riding area will affect some recreation access week of August 1
Project will improve fish passage
OLYMPIA – Next week, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will replace a culvert on the main line forest road in the Walker Valley Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail System, east of Mount Vernon. ORV riders should be aware of some temporary reroutes as a result. The project is expected to be completed by Friday, August 5.
| Who: | DNR Engineering, Northwest Region |
| What: | Culvert replacement |
| When: | Beginning the week of Monday, August 1, through Friday, August 5 |
| Where: | Walker Valley Mainline Road, south of the Walker Valley Trailhead |
Why:
| The existing culvert blocks fish passage. Crews will replace the culvert with a new 8-foot span arch culvert on concrete footings and establish a fish-friendly streambed. Old culverts and other barriers in fish-bearing streams, such as dams and spillways, can block fish such as salmon from reaching their spawning grounds and other important habitats. A major key to restoring fish populations is removing these barriers or replacing barriers with structures that allow for fish passage. Since 2002, DNR has been removing barriers, addressing the worst ones first. |
Alternate routes: Access to the 4x4 trail system from the main trailhead at the north end will not be available during this time. Four-wheel-drive users will need to access the 4x4 trail system from the south via Peter Burns Road, off the Lake Cavanaugh Road. ATV and motorcycle users can still access the trail system from the north end via Pat’s Trail, near the trailhead entrance.
Aerial view of project area: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/SiteCollectionImages/Places/amp_rec_walker_valley_culvert_replace080111.pdf
Media Contact: Toni Droscher, DNR Recreation Program Communications Manager, 360-902-1523, toni.droscher@dnr.wa.gov
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