MEDIA ADVISORY
April 11, 2012
DNR to open Tiger Mountain State Forest seasonal mountain bike trails
Weekend opening starts summer mountain biking season
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plans to open the seasonal Tiger Mountain State Forest mountain bike trails Saturday, April 14. These trails provide vital mountain biking opportunities in the central Puget Sound area for mountain bikers of all skill levels.
| Who: | DNR’s Recreation Program |
| What: | Tiger Mountain State Forest mountain bike trails open |
| When: | Saturday, April 14 |
| Where: | Iverson Railroad Grade, NW Timber, and Preston Railroad Grade trails |
| Why: | Season opening for mountain biking on trails in Tiger Mountain State Forest |
Potential isolated road closures
For updates on road closures that may affect recreation access at Tiger Mountain, visit http://tinyurl.com/tigermtn .
During weekdays in April, several culvert installations may close the Main Tiger Mountain #4000 forest road and will likely delay recreationists travelling this road. During mid-summer, crews will be installing a vehicle bridge on the West Side #1000 forest road, which will likely require a temporary closure of the Iverson Railroad Trail for a few days.
Trail Project Update
Due to a heavy winter snowpack, the new mountain bike trail in the East Tiger Mountain area will not likely be complete and open until mid-summer 2012. The East Tiger Summit Trail project involves assistance from the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, and its completion depends on the support of volunteer labor. To learn more about volunteer trail work parties on DNR-managed state trust lands, visit www.dnr.wa.gov/volunteer and follow the link to the Volunteer Calendar.
Recreation on DNR-managed lands
DNR manages 5.6 million acres of state-owned forest, aquatic, agricultural, conservation and urban lands. Most recreation on these lands takes place in the 2.9 million acres of forests that DNR manages as state trust lands. By law, state trust lands are managed to produce income for schools, universities, prisons, state mental hospitals, community colleges, local services in many counties, and the state’s General Fund. State trust lands are also managed to provide fish and wildlife habitat and educational and recreational opportunities.
DNR-managed lands provide 1,100 miles of trails, 143 recreation sites, and a variety of landscapes throughout Washington State. Recreational opportunities include hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, camping, motorized vehicle riding, mountain biking, and boating.
DNR’s main recreation focus is to provide trails, trailhead facilities, and a primitive camping experience in a natural setting.
Media Contact: Sam Jarrett, Recreation Manager, 206-375-0448, sam.jarrett@dnr.wa.gov