FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2009
Stormy weather wreaks havoc on DNR trails in the Olympic Peninsula
DNR crews cleaning up Foothills and Sadie Creek trail systems
OLYMPIA – Last week’s high winds pounded the Olympic Peninsula, causing extensive damage to a widespread swath of forest land and recreation areas managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The agency is alerting visitors that sections of Foothills Off-road (ORV) and Sadie Creek/4x4 trail systems will be closed while crews assess the damage and work to clear downed limbs and trees from the trails.
For safety reasons, staff in DNR’s Olympic Region advise the public to turn around if they encounter tree limbs and downed trees across the trails. DNR asks that the public avoid cutting or bucking up downed limbs and trees, which can be highly dangerous. Certain sections of trail have also been washed out, creating even more unsafe conditions.
Crews are working to re-open the trails as soon as possible, but it may be a week or two before the trail sections are passable.
To find out the status of trails in the area, contact Wayne Fitzwater in the Olympic Region office at 360-374-2800.
Recreation on DNR-managed lands
DNR manages more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, aquatic, agricultural, conservation and urban lands. Most recreation on these lands takes place in the 2.1 million acres of forests that DNR manages as state trust lands. By law, DNR manages state trust lands 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 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 experience in a natural setting.
Media Contact: Toni Droscher, Communications and Outreach Specialist, 360-902-1523 and toni.droscher@dnr.wa.gov
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