 |
 |
 |
Newsletter
|
|
|||
|
Newsletter
|
February 2008 | |||
| 9711 W Charles Road | ||||
|
As many of you are aware, the equestrian area in Riverside State Park has been going through a transition. The equestrian vendor has left the area and the park staff has made great strides in cleaning up the area. Last year a group of interested people met to start discussions about the future of the area. From this meeting a questionnaire was developed to gather additional input from the public. The results are now in on that survey and we are in position to carry this project to the next step. The survey provides information on a wide variety of equestrian interests for Riverside State Park. For the equestrian area to be effective, and provide the most benefit to the most equestrians, we need to develop a site plan. The survey is a good starting point but there is always room for clarification and developing the details of what is needed, and desired, in the area. Of course due to limited resources we must also develop priorities. We also need to know what resources are available to help with this development. This next step is to have a meeting of interested equestrians with Park Planner Bill Fraser and Park Manager Rene’ Wiley on the future plans for the equestrian area. We invite all interested equestrians to attend a meeting March 4th, 2008 9AM to 2PM at the Riverside State Park Headquarters 9711 W. Charles Rd Nine Mile Falls. Please come and help us improve the facility and design an equestrian area to meet the public’s need. For further information you may contact the park at 465-5064. Happy Trails! |
|
|
April is Community Partnership MonthYou’re invited to partner with Riverside Rangers in our annual spring clean up of Riverside State Park. During the month of April thousands of volunteers throughout Washington State celebrate Earth Day by volunteering at their local state park. If you would like to volunteer give us a call at (509) 465-5064. For more information about community partnership month you can visit our web site at www.parks.wa.gov/volunteer.asp |
Riverside State Park Multi-Use Trail System Riverside State Park is fortunate to have an extensive trail system that provides access to most all areas of the Park. Except for some specific areas, all trails in the Park as designated as multi-use. This means that the trails are open to all modes of non-motorized transportation including: hiking, mountain bicycling, equestrian use, trail running, orienteering and more. With the trails being open to such a variety of uses, trail users need to be aware of potential encounters with those other types of trail user groups and how to avoid potential conflicts between uses. Some Park areas have been designated only for specific types of trail uses. The trails south of the Bowl and Pitcher on the west side of the river are set aside for equestrians and hikers. No mountain bikes are permitted in this area between the river and the Centennial Trail. The Little Spokane River Natural Area trails are for hikers only; no bikes or horses are permitted. Bikes must be walked across the suspension bridge at the Bowl and Pitcher. The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) has developed some trail use guidelines to assist trail users to maximize their enjoyment of trails on public lands and keep conflicts to an acceptable level: 1. Ride On Open Trails Only. Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies. 2. Leave No Trace. Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in. 3. Control Your Bicycle! Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations. 4. Always Yield Trail. Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely. 5. Never Scare Animals. All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked. 6. Plan Ahead. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear. While these guidelines are geared towards mountain biking, they are common sense matters that can be generally applied to all trail user groups. Mostly, we need to remember that we are using public land that needs to be shared and protected. By being aware of our fellow trail users and their needs, we can all enjoy the incomparable resource that we have here in our back yard that is Riverside State Park. |