MVTC Spring Newsletter

After a long winter, the ski trails have melted, and the terra firma trails in the Methow Valley are emerging. Anyone who uses trails in the early season knows there are maintenance needs each Spring. Trees that have fallen in winter storms obscure the path. Melting snow makes for muddy spots along the trail, which leads to trails widening as users avoid the mud. Any trail issues that went unaddressed the year prior melt out, too, and still need to be addressed. Seasoned trail workers can relate to the myth of Sisyphus—cursed to remove logs from the path each year only to have to clear them again the following Spring. After a winter of planning, I look forward to getting back to this Sisyphean task of trail maintenance. The Collaborative’s 2023 project roster ranges from annual maintenance to more long-lasting bridge replacements and stabilization projects. This work will be completed with partner crews, Americorps trail crews, and help from volunteers like you. 2023 will be the Trails Collaborative’s second field season with a paid staff person and its 6th year of facilitating partners to accomplish in collaboration what they could not do individually.

I hope to see you on the trails.

Allen Jircik, Trails Manager.

MVTC Trails Manager, Allen Jricik, works with volunteers from Methow Valley Backcountry Horsemen to clear downed trees from the Twisp River trail #440 in 2022.

↓

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

The Methow Valley Trails Collaborative is facilitating several volunteer trail work parties this summer. Below is a list of currently scheduled events and a link to more information and our signup page. Several Collaborative partners are also hosting work parties this season. These can be found on the Trails Collaborative’s events calendar.

Signup for MVTC work parties

↓

Bi-Monthly Public Meeting May 16th

Join us for the Methow Valley Trails Collaborative's May public meeting. The meeting will be held at the Winthrop Public Library on May 16th from 9:00 am through 11:00 am. This event is intended to be a forum between trail users, land managers, and advocacy groups to discuss emerging trail-related issues and build consensus. All are welcome, please join us if you are able. Please RSVP at the link below.

RSVP to public meeting

↓

Leash Requirments in Effect on WDFW Land

From April 1st through July 31st, dogs are required to be on leashes on all land owned by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) as described in the WAC-200-500-170. Keeping dogs on leashes helps reduce stress on wildlife, which in turn increases the quality of WDFW land as a wildlife habitat. The 35,000-acre Methow Wildlife Area contains popular areas to recreate, including Lewis Butte, Riser Lake, Big Valley, Aspen Lake, and Pipestone Canyon. When you recreate with a dog in these areas or other WDFW land, please respect the leash requirement. If you see the WDFW logo at your trailhead, know that your canine companion should be on a leash to protect wildlife habitat.

↓

Grant Funding for MVTC

The Methow Valley Trails Collaborative has received three grants to support its mission of enhancing sustainable trail experiences in the Methow Valley. Thank you to the following grantors who have supported our projects.

MVTC was awarded funding from the first-ever cycle of the nationwide Legacy Trails Program administered by American Trails. Our project was one of 33 funded out of 84 applications. This grant will help replace three trail bridges in the Methow Valley Ranger District by 2024.

This Spring the Trails Collaborative received a MVF3K grant from the Community Foundation of North Central Washington. This funding will help cover the organization’s operating expenses not related to field work.

MVTC was awarded a small Clean Trail Project grant by Extreme Terrain. The purpose of the grant is to provide edible incentives—read snacks—for hard-working volunteers who attend work parties this summer.

Mud Season Etiquette

The snow line is rapidly receding, and the mud line follows it. When recreating this early season, take a moment to consider how your traffic can impact a trail for the remainder of the year. Tire grooves on Lewis Butte made in the spring last until winter. As hikers, runners, and bikers follow the snowline into higher country, consider how avoiding wet spots now tramples vegetation, ultimately widening the single track indefinitely. Please do your best to travel on trail surfaces that are dry and durable. Take time to check for condition reports before your head out. Together we can keep the trails around the Methow Valley in the best shape possible.

↓

Support MVTC with a donation