From: wengland@stephsf.com (Bill England)
Subject: Re: National Forest Recreational Report
    <1992Jul29.144841.12320@stephsf.com> <1992Jul31.162426.10994@stephsf.com>
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1992 17:23:16 GMT
Organization: Stephen Software Systems Inc., Tacoma/Seattle, +1 800 829 1684
X-Bytes: 43097

  This report is the latest in a series provided by the  US
  National Forest service with which I have _no_ affiliation.

  These reports are intended for Network release, primarily
  Fido-Net, and I am forwarding them to Usenet at large.

  If you have questions regarding the report contents please
  contact the Forest Service.  Problems with the Posting format
  etc are entirely mine.

  Enjoy,

  Notes:

  1>   Other questions or comments may be directed to Craig
       Buckman, craigb@stephsf.com  whose brainstorm these
       reports originated from.

----------

>Forwarded message:
>From somewhere!sprint.com!/s=r.demario/ou=r06f17a/prmd=usda.fs.x400/admd=telemail/c=us/ Wed Aug 12 02:57:49 1992
>Date: 11 Aug 92 15:53:32 UT
>From: /S=R.DEMARIO/OU=R06F17A/PRMD=USDA.FS.X400/ADMD=TELEMAIL/C=US/@sprint.com
>To: /PN=outdoorbbs/OU=R06F17A/PRMD=USDA.FS.X400/ADMD=TELEMAIL/C=US/@sprint.com
>Subject: Wenatchee N.F. recreation report
>Message-Id: <"BJS-IACLKG"*@sprint.com>
>
Current for the week of Aug. 11, 1992.


-------------------------------------------------------------------

WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST RECREATION REPORT

Editor's Note:  Recreation Reports will be printed every week until Labor

Day.

August 11, 1992



    It will be 28 years this September since the Wilderness Act was signed

into law, a law that has had a profound effect on lands administered by the

Wenatchee National Forest.

    Portions of seven different Wilderness areas are managed by the

Wenatchee Forest.  They include the Lake Chelan Sawtooth, Glacier Peak,

Henry M. Jackson, Alpine Lakes, Norse Peak, William O. Douglas, and Goat

Rocks Wildernesses.  These Wildernesses account for about 40 per cent of the

land area of the Wenatchee Forest.

    The Wilderness Act of 1964 contains several key prescriptions for the

management of these Wilderness lands.  In part, the Act states: "A

wilderness... is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its

community of life are untrammled by man, where man himself is visitor who

does not remain... without permanent improvements or human habitation,

protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions...," and yet

the Act also states that Wilderness exists for the public's "use and

enjoyment."

    Because both public use and preservation of the Wilderness resource are

mandated by the Act, certain restrictions placed upon the public while

visiting Wilderness have been necessary.  

    Restrictions in Wilderness on the Wenatchee Forest and those managed by

neighboring National Forests may vary, depending on the special needs of

each Wilderness area.  Those planning visits should check ahead with the

local Forest Service office before entering a particular Wilderness.

    An example of a regulation which attempts to balance use and

preservation of Wilderness is one which deals with maximum group size

limits.  All Wilderness areas on the Wenatchee National Forest (except for

the Lake Chelan Sawtooth) have a maximum group size (without special permit)

of 12--any combination of people and stock.  The Lake Chelan Sawtooth has a

maximum group size of 12 persons and 18 head of stock.  

    The need for limits on group size in some Wilderness areas is two-fold.

Large groups tend to detract from the sense of solitude which is meant to

characterize Wilderness.  Large groups also tend to have a much greater

physical impact on vegetation and soils in some Wildernesses than would two

or three smaller groups.      Another regulation which is intended to enhance the opportunity for

solitude and lessen impact on the land is the prohibition on use of

mechanized and motorized forms of transportation within Wilderness.  Pedal

bicycles, motorcycles, and hang gliders are illegal within any Wilderness

area.

    Another type of restriction, which only applies in certain areas,

involves the use of campfires.  Generally, campfire closures are not

instituted because of high fire danger.  Instead, they are meant to protect

the land from "over-grazing" by people.

    In the higher elevations of the Cascades, trees 2 inches in diameter may

take over 100 years to grow.  With the number of people now using

Wilderness, many places simply cannot produce enough firewood to meet

demand.  In response to this, the Forest Service has selectively restricted

campfires in certain areas.  Always check with the local Forest Service

office before counting on a fire for your camp.

    In an era of ever-increasing population, the demands placed upon our

Wildernesses continue to grow.  Land managers are faced with the seemingly

impossible task of providing for "public use and enjoyment" of Wilderness

while retaining "outstanding opportunities for solitude" and a nearly

pristine environment.  

    As we move toward the 28th year of Wilderness, we must recognize that

achieving this goal requires cooperation from all Wilderness users.

Practicing minimum impact camping techniques and being aware of the rules

and regulations for Wilderness use can go a long way toward helping preserve

this resource of Wilderness for years to come.



CHELAN RANGER DISTRICT  District Ranger Al Murphy, 509/682-2576 or 664-2702 

Office Hours:  Open daily through Labor Day, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    The Chelan Ranger Station is located at 428 W. Woodin Avenue, on the

shores of Lake Chelan, across the old bridge from downtown Chelan.  Maps,

books and other information on the Lake Chelan area may be obtained at the

station.  We have lots of new books on Chelan and Stehekin for your

enjoyment.  Many of these books will identify plants, birds, mammals, and

fish that may be easily seen.  We also have a large selection of maps.

FIRE PREVENTION:  We would like to remind folks that fire danger remains

quite high.  Several days of typically hot and dry August weather will

quickly erase the cooling effects of any rain.  Please be extremely cautious

with all sources of flame at this time of year, in all locations.ROADS:  All forest roads on the Chelan District are open.  The roads are

rough at higher elevations and dusty.  Passenger cars are not recommended

for travel off paved roads.

    The Chelan Butte Road is a favorite for hang gliders, mountain bikers,

and those who enjoy beautiful views.  Just a reminder, most of the roads in

Chelan are either straight up or straight down, so please be careful!  Shady

Pass Road #5900 has not been maintained and is rough.

    Roads on the the north shore tend to be more difficult to drive on.

Grade Creek Road #8200 is rough past Gold Creek, and Cooper Mt. Road #8020

has not been maintained.  There are logging trucks on Black Canyon Road

#4010 and around Oss Peak; delays up to 30 minutes may occur in these areas.

    All visitors are encouraged to use Forest or district maps and talk to

people familiar with the area before attempting travel.  Wenatchee National

Forest maps may be purchased at any Forest Service Ranger Station and only

cost S2.00.  Remember, to legally ride on Forest roads, both motorcycle and

operator must be street legal.

CAMPGROUNDS:  All Chelan District campgrounds are open and receiving regular

maintenance.  Sites are on a first-come first-serve basis.  No fees are

charged, but we request that folks be responsible for packing out their own

garbage and bring their own drinking water.  PLEASE DO NOT DRINK WATER

UNLESS IT HAS BEEN PURIFIED FIRST!  The water may look clear in streams and

lakes, but Giardia is an invisible pest and will ruin an otherwise great

trip.  Symptoms of giardiasis may take a week or longer to appear.  They

include nausea, diarrhea, cramps, and loss of appetite.  See your physician

if these symptoms appear.

BOAT IN CAMPSITES: All boat accessed campsites are open and maintained.

Sizeable drift still is being carried down lake.  Boaters need to be on the

lookout for partially submerged logs and other debris.  Gasoline is not

available in Stehekin and there are no uplake services past Twenty-five Mile

Creek State Park.  This past week, a few folks have found this out the hard

way.

TRAILS:  Some words of wisdom for hikers--be prepared for hot conditions,

lots of bugs, and all types of critters, especially bears.  Make sure to

hang your food and aromatic personal belongings from a rope thrown over a

branch high enough for the food to be at least 15 feet off the ground.  Make

sure that the bundle is four feet from the trunk of any tree or supporting

branches.  Please help keep our wildlife healthy by not leaving tempting

goodies or feeding them.    Trails on the district are all snowfree.  Most district trails are

maintained with the exception of Devore Creek Trail #1244.  All other trails

in the Glacier Peak Wilderness are ready for hikers to explore.  A good long

day trip (16 miles round trip) is the West Fork Agnes Trail #1272 beginning

at High Bridge; or make it an easy overnight trip by camping in the meadow.

(Remember you're in bear country).  Some trails are not suitable for stock

to travel, these are the S. Fork Agnes #1239 and Emerald Park #1230

especially around Milham Pass.

    All Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness trails are open and maintained for both

hikers and stock animals.  Alpine lakes on the district are all snowfree.

    If you are traveling in the North Cascades Park or the Lake Chelan

National Recreation Area, you need to obtain the proper permits from the

National Park Service.  The shuttle bus service in Stehekin requires advance

reservations.

    Rattlesnakes and ticks are out this year in abundance, so watch your

step.  Be careful and move quietly and smoothly away if you encounter any

snakes, this is good advice for any wild animals that you may come in

contact with.

WOODCUTTING:  Woodcutting permits are being offered for sale at this time.

The cost for a permit is S5 per cord with a minimum purchase of two cords.

Maximum purchase is ten cords.  There are timber sales in operation on Black

Canyon Road #8020, Cooper Mountain Road to Oss Peak, and also on a section

of Black Canyon Road #4010 on the Okanogan Forest.  Permits may be purchased

at the ranger station.  Check with Mary, Linda, or Jack for additional

information.

BOAT SERVICE:  The Lady of the Lake II and the Lady Express leave Chelan

daily at 8:30 a.m.  The Lady Express departs Field's Point at 9:20 a.m.,

arriving in Stehekin at 10:45.  After a one-hour layover, the Lady Express

departs Stehekin at 11:45 and arrives back in Chelan at 2:00.  The Lady of

the Lake II arrives at Field's Point at 9:45 a.m. and Stehekin at 12:30

p.m.  The Lady II leaves Stehekin at 2:00 p.m. arriving back at Field's

Point at 4:45 p.m. and Chelan at 6:00 p.m.  This boat will also make "flag

stops" for hikers when pre-arranged with the boat company.  For further

details contact the Lake Chelan Boat Company at (509)682-2224.

    A short interpretive program on board the Lady II and the Express is

offered every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday by Chelan Ranger District

Interpreter Holly Weber.  The NPS also offers an orientation to Stehekin

aboard the Lady, from Lucerne to Stehekin 5 days per week.    The gate at Field's Point Landing is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00

p.m.  A self-pay parking system is in effect.  The concession shop (which

sells maps and coffee during morning boat time) is operating out of the

exhibit building.  Picnic tables, overlooks, interpretive signs, a relief

map, and a short hiking trail are all available for your use.  

TREAD LIGHTLY:  (The following information refers to trails open to hikers,

horses, bicycles, and motorcycles.  Please use caution and care when

enjoying them.)

    The Sawtooth highcountry is lush and green this time of year.  The

temperatures have been warm and even close to hot these past 2 weeks.  The

biting insects are in low numbers in the Boiling Lake area of the Chelan

District and the Eagle, Martin, and Cooney Lakes area of the Twisp District.

    All of the 51 miles of ORV trails in the Sawtooth area are logged out

and in pretty good shape.  The Chelan District fire crew spent a day

brushing out portions of the Safety Harbor Trail #1261 and working on an

eroded swithcback on the Uno Peak Trail #1260.  This switchback, at the

lower end of the Uno loop, is now greatly improved and needs only a small

amount of tread work to complete the restoration.

    The ORV map for the Sawtooth backcountry is very close to completion and

should be off to the printing office by next week.

    On the Okanogan side of the Sawtooth, please remember that motorcycles

are not allowed into Merchant's Basin or into Martin, Cooney, Crater, Upper

and Lower Eagle Lakes.  Park your bikes at the signed trail junction and

have a peaceful walk into these beautiful Alpine lakes.

    To operate an ORV on public lands or private lands open to public use,

you must have a U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrester and a current

ORV permit or your motorcycle must be street legal with a current state

license plate.

    Much of the area bordering the Sawtooth Backcountry is designated

Wilderness.  Vehicle closure signs are clearly visible on all trails leading

into Wilderness Areas and on those trails outside Wilderness which are

closed to bikes.  Please take the responsibility to know where these

boundaries are located and respect these vehicle closures. 

    A reminder to those of you utilizing the fire rings at the developed

campsites.  Please keep in mind that cans and tin foil DO NOT burn!  The

only reason you do not see them in the fire rings when you return to a site

is that someone packs them out on their back, their horse, or their

motorcycle.  It is fine to burn the food out of cans and off your tin foilbut please clean out your fire ring and pack your garbage out when you leave

camp.  It makes it much more pleasant for the next person.

    The riding opportunities in this high alpine setting are some of the

finest in the state.  Help to protect and preserve this unique area.  Ride

safely and TREAD LIGHTLY!



ENTIAT RANGER DISTRICT  District Ranger Karin Whitehall 509/784-1511

Office Hours:  Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ROADS:  Roads are essentially snowfree.  Shady Pass Road #5900 is clear to

Shady Pass.

    There is logging activity on the Entiat Ranger District.  Forest

visitors    should be prepared for sudden encounters with log trucks.  Log

hauling is also occurring near Sugarloaf on Road #5200 and down Tillicum

Creek Road #5800.     This road should likely have 6-10 loads per day.

There are no location numbers posted on the #5800 Road but truckers have

generally been using Channel 2 on their CB's.  Expect 10 loads per day off

the Tyee Ridge Road #5700.  Forest users travelling on the Tyee Ridge Road

should tune CB radios to Channel 2.  Location numbers are posted along the

roadway on the Tyee Road only.

CAMPGROUNDS:  Recreation activities are in full swing on the Entiat

District.  Cottonwood, North Fork, Silver Falls, Lake Creek, and Fox Creek

campgrounds are now open and under a full fee system which ranges from S3 to

S5 per vehicle per night.  These campgrounds offer centralized hand pump

wells and garbage service.  Spruce Grove, Three Creeks, and Pine Flat

campgrounds offer no drinking water or garbage service.  Campers are asked

to bring their own water and to please pack out all garbage at these non-fee

sites.  All campgrounds are on a first-come first-serve basis with large

group reservation sites at Silver Falls and Pine Flat.  All developed

campgrounds are accessible via the Entiat River Road #51 and the Mad

River-Tyee Road #5700. 

    The dispersed site at Camp 9 is closed at the gate to four-wheeled

vehicles this summer.  The camp can be accessed by foot or motorcycle.

    As a reminder, fishing season is open on the Entiat and Mad Rivers, but

there is a state-wide seasonal closure on Bull trout and Dolly Varden.

Also, the bears are out looking for an easy meal.  Please secure ALL food in

a vehicle or by hanging it from a branch at least 15 feet off the ground and

four feet from the trunk of the tree.  When using campground dumpsters,

please remember to close the lids.TRAILS:  Due to a large number of downed trees along all trails on the

district from last winter's windstorms, trail maintenance has been very slow

this year.

    Trails that have been maintained in the North Fork area are Pyramid Mt.

#1433, Pyramid Creek #1439, Pugh Ridge #1438, North Fork Entiat River #1437,

and Pyramid View Point #1441.  This area is a great place to take your

horses for that next pack trip.  

    Other trails that have been maintained on the district are Entiat River

Trail #1400 to the Entiat Glacier, Cow Creek Meadows Trail #1404, Ice Creek

Trail #1407, Duncan Hill Trail #1434 from the trailhead to Anthem Creek,

Larch Lakes Trail #1430, Garland Peak Trail #1408 and #1408.1, Shetipo Trail

#1429, and Pomas Creek Trail #1453. 

    A note of interest, Emerald Park Trail #1230 has a very large amount of

down trees across the trail and will not be cleared until the week of Aug.

17.  We have high hopes of having all district trails open by mid August.

For more trail information see the Tread Lightly section.

    The ranger district greatly appreciates your observations on trail

conditions which may be helpful in providing current and accurate

information to our public.

TREAD LIGHTLY:  (The following information refers to trails open to hikers,

horses, bicycles, and motorcycles.  Please use caution and care when

enjoying them.) 

    While many of these trails have been maintained, extensive windfall has

created many rootwads near the trails; horse traffic should use caution.

The Lower Mad River Trail #1409, Billy Ridge Trail #1413, and Tyee Ridge

Trail #1415 (about 5 miles from the lookout end in) are all ready for use.

In the Lake Creek Basin, the Lake Creek Trail #1443 is maintained and open

to the top of Devils Backbone.  Angle Peak Trail #1444 and Four Mile Ridge

Trail #1445 have extreme windfall and will not be maintained.  Duncan Hill

Trail #1434 is maintained.

    The Upper Mad River area is open for use.  Right now the Upper Mad River

Trail #1409.1 from Maverick Saddle to Blue Creek Shelter is maintained.  The

Lost Lake Trail #1421 is maintained.  This trail is freshly rebuilt and is

in excellent condition.  The Hunter Trail #1417 is maintained.  Please use

caution when crossing the wet spots.  The Middle Tommy Trail #1424 is

maintained. The North Tommy Trail #1425 is also maintained.  This trail has

many rootwads so please use caution.  Most of the trails from Lake Wenatchee

have been maintained (see the Lake Wenatchee Section.)  Please avoid

traveling on the unmaintained trails due to the extreme windfall located onthose trails; attempting to ride them will just require lots of extra work

and cause damage to the trail system.

    Please remember to stay on the trail; off trail travel can cause damage

to the trail system.  Also, please remember to follow the rules of trail

etiquette.

SUMMER:  The summer rains have caused the valley's streams and rivers to

become murky, but has not affected fishing.  The Forest floors are still

very dry       despite the recent rains.  Forest users still need to be

extra cautious with   campfires. 

WOODCUTTING:  1992 woodcutting permits are available for sale at the Entiat

Ranger District office.  West Dinkelman, South Dinkelman, and Medicine Ridge

are the designated woodcutting areas on the district.  Maps of these areas

are available.  The minimum purchase for woodcutting permits is two cords

for S10.00.  The maximum woodcutting permit purchase per year is 10 cords

for S50.00.  Call the ranger station for more information.



LAKE WENATCHEE RANGER DISTRICT  District Ranger George Pozzuto 509/763-3103

or 664-2704 (Wenatchee Valley area residents).

Office hours:  8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week.

ROADS:  The Chiwawa Valley Road #6200, White River Road #6400, and Little

Wenatchee River Road #6500 are open all the way to their ends, though some

side roads are closed.  Smithbrook-Rainy Creek Road #6700 is open,

connecting Highway 2 and Little Wenatchee River Road #6500.

LOGGING TRAFFIC:  Fully loaded log trucks are traveling the lower stretches

of Little Wenatchee River Road #6500.  Hauling is also taking place along

Rainy Creek Road #6700, Line Creek Road #6501, and Lake Creek Road #6701.

CAMPGROUNDS:  Glacier View Campground is open with water and garbage

services; the fee is S6.00.  All three sections of Nason Creek Campground

are open; fee is S7.00 per vehicle per night.  Goose Creek Campground is

open, with services; fee is S5.00 per night.

    All non-fee campgrounds along the White River, Little Wenatchee, and

Chiwawa Valley roads are open.  These campgrounds do not have water or

garbage service.  Please pack out your garbage.

    Grouse Creek Campground is available for reservations by groups Sundays

through Thursdays for S15 per night.  All weekends are currently reserved.

TRAILS:  Maintained trails include Heather Lake Trail #1526, White River

#1507, Twin Lakes #1503, Rock Creek #1509, Merritt Lake #1588, Nason Ridge

Trail #1583 from Alpine Lookout to the lower Nason Trail trailhead, Round

Mountain #1529, White Pine #1582 from the trailhead to Wildhorse Junction,Schaefer Lake #1519, Minnow Creek #1539, Basalt Pass #1530, Basalt Ridge

#1515 from Finner Creek to Basalt Pass, Lanham Lake #1589, Cady Creek #1501,

Indian Creek #1502, Chiwawa River #1550 to Chiwawa Basin, Buck Creek #1513,

Phelps Creek #1511 to Spider Meadows, Mt. David #1521 for 2 miles, Snowy

Creek #1531, Little Wenatchee #1525, Lake Ethel #1585, Upper Roaring #1584,

Smithbrook #1590, Carne Mountain #1508, Boulder Creek #1562 to Boulder

Basin, the Pacific Crest Trail from Stevens Pass to Lake Janus and from Top

Lake to Indian Pass, and Top Lake #1506.

    Hikers, horseriders, and bicyclists should anticipate that other trails

will be blocked by fallen trees.

    All wilderness areas in the district have a party-size limit of 12

including stock.  Please pack out all that you pack in.

TREAD LIGHTLY:  (The following information refers to trails open to hikers,

horses, bicycles, and motorcycles.  Please use caution and care when

enjoying them.)  

    Maintained ORV trails include Chikamin Trail #1534, Lower Chiwawa Trail

#1548, and Minnow Ridge Trail #1524.  Alder Ridge ORV Trail #1523 and

Chikamin Tie ORV Trail #1561 are also maintained.

INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM:  If you are looking to broaden your knowledge and

skills, attend a few classes sponsored through the Cascade Community

School.  Summer classes will require no pre-registration and no registration

fee this year!  

    Upcoming classes include Fish Surveying/On Site Experience -- Learn how

to identify fish habitat parameters, including substrate, cover, wood, and

depth, Thursday, August 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Furbearer Inventory

Techniques -- Visit a data-collection site where biologists learn about pine

marten, wolverine, fisher, bobcat, and lynx, Wednesday, August 19, 9 a.m. to

2 p.m.; Exploring Plant Life on Hidden Lake Trail -- Identify plants and

trees along a moderate-grade trail to one of the forest's best-kept secrets,

Friday, August 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Glacier View Campground; Gyotaku:  The

Ancient Art of Japanese Fish Printing -- Learn about the biology of fish

while creating a print you can take home, Wednesday, August 26, 10 a.m. to

noon; Huckleberry Hike to Lake Valhalla -- Bring your picking bucket for

this 6-mile roundtrip hike to Lake Valhalla with a local naturalist,

Thursday, August 27, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Leavenworth Ranger Station, Highway

2; Things That Go "Bump" in the Night -- Enjoy a leisurely walk for an

evening exploration of the forest, Friday, August 28, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30

p.m.; Wilderness Education Hike -- Learn about the wilderness and wilderness

protocol during a hike into high alpine meadows of Snowy Creek Trail,Saturday, August 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Cone Collection/Reforestation --

Learn about various methods of cone collection from the experts, Wednesday,

September 2, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Land Use Practices of Native Americans -- See

how Native Americans of the Lake Wenatchee area used trees, shrubs, and

herbs, Friday, September 4, 9 a.m. to noon.  Unless otherwise noted meeting

sites are at the Lake Wenatchee Ranger Station.

FOREST INFORMATION ON 1610 AM:  When traveling on U.S. Highway 2 or on Lake

Wenatchee Highway 207, tune to AM 1610 for updated forest information.



LEAVENWORTH RANGER DISTRICT  District Ranger Becki Heath 509/548-4067 or

782-1413 (Wenatchee area residents).

Office hours:  7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week.

ROADS:  Most district roads are open.  The Liberty Beehive Road #9712 has

been maintained to the Beehive reservoir.  For those who plan to drive on

National Forest roads, the "Getting Around On National Forest Roads"

pamphlet is available at the ranger station.  This pamphlet explains how to

determine road conditions from signs, maps, and road entrance conditions. 

LOGGING TRAFFIC:  There is logging activity on Van Creek Road #7520 and

Sugarloaf Road #5200.

CAMPGROUNDS:  All campgrounds within the Icicle drainage are open and on

full fee system.  If you plan to have a campfire, please remember to BRING

YOUR OWN FIREWOOD.  

    CAUTION--KEEP ANYTHING OF VALUE, INCLUDING ICE CHESTS, LOCKED IN YOUR

VEHICLE OR IN YOUR TENT.  THEFT IS ON THE RISE ALREADY THIS SEASON.

    Construction at Tumwater Campground has been completed and the

campground is in full service now.  Tronsen Campground will be closed all

season due to the danger posed by hazardous trees at the site.  A number of

mature spruce trees are suffering from advanced root rot, making it

dangerous to camp under them.  Please stay out of this campground this

year.  Bonanza Campground is open to visitors on a self-service no fee

system.

    For those folks who like to plan well in advance, group site

reservations for the 1993 summer season will be accepted beginning February

1, 1993 instead of March 1 as has been the case in past years.

TRAILS:  Trail crews have been busy clearing trails on the district.

Remember Mother Nature has a way of undoing all their hard work.  Ingalls

Creek Trail #1215 is a great wildflower hike.  This trail has been logged

out to Stuart Pass.  Fourth of July Trail #1579 is logged out to the ridge.

Icicle Ridge Trail #1570 also provides a great outing and is logged out toFourth of July Trail.  Chiwaukum Trail #1571 is a great trail for viewing

wildflowers.  This trail is logged out past Timothy Meadows.  Index Creek

Trail #1572 is logged out along with the Hatchery Creek Trail #1577.  

    Colchuck Trail #1599, Little Eightmile, and Eightmile Trail #1552 up to

Lake Caroline have a few logs on the trails.  There is no snow on Aasgard

Pass.  Nada and Snow Lakes Trail #1553 has been logged out to Nada Lake.

Stuart Lake Trail #1599 is logged out.  Trout Lake Trail #1555 has some logs

across the trail.  Icicle Creek Trail #1551 is logged out for about 7 miles

with many logs down beyond the 7 mile point.  French Ridge Trail #1564 has

many logs down.  Chatter Creek Trail #1580 has been logged out to the top of

the ridge.  

    TRAILHEAD THEFTS ARE A PROBLEM.  PLEASE REMEMBER TO TAKE ALL VALUABLES

WITH YOU!

TREAD LIGHTLY:  (The following information refers to trails open to hikers,

horses, bicycles, and motorcycles.  Please use caution and care when

enjoying them.)

    Tronsen Ridge Trail #1204 and Red Hill Spur Trail #1223 are now open and

log free.  Mission Ridge Trail #1201 and Devils Gulch Trail #1220 are

excellent trails.  Shaser Creek Trail #7322, off the Old Blewett Pass, is

open as an ATV area.  Check at the ranger station to view a detailed ORV

map.  Squilchuck Trail #1200 is closed to motorcycle traffic from Beehive

Pipeline to Liberty Beehive Road.

ENCHANTMENTS:  On March 2, we began accepting reservations for the

Enchantment, Colchuck, Stuart, and Snow Lake permit areas.  There is already

a very full calendar for reservations for the Enchantments.  Information

regarding open dates to begin your trip are available by calling the

Leavenworth Ranger Station at (509) 548-4067.  We also have information

available on day and seasonal day hike permits.  The permit season runs from

June 15 thru October 15.

    ATTENTION--NEW CHANGES FOR PERMIT SYSTEM FOR 1993.  (1) We will begin

processing applications (that are not postmarked prior to February 25) on

March 1.  Applications postmarked prior to 2/25 will be returned

unprocessed.  After March 15, walk in applications will be taken.  (2)

Seasons Pass Day Use Permits are due back at the Ranger Station by 10/25.

Those not returning them will not be issued another Pass the following

year.  (3) Permits will not be issued to any party size larger than 8

people.  (4) Limit of one permit per year.WOODCUTTING:  The 1992 woodcutting permits are available for sale.  There

are special woodcutting areas open.  Stop by the ranger station for a

woodcutting area map.

NORTHWEST INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION:  The Leavenworth Ranger Station has a

large selection of books covering a wide variety of subjects including gold

panning, wildlife, hiking, wildflowers, trees, climbing, and safety.  We

also have Smokey Bear articles which include hats, patches, and wonderful

stuffed animals.  Please stop by and browse anytime.



CLE ELUM RANGER DISTRICT  District Ranger Catherine Stephenson 674-4411

Office hours:  Monday through Saturday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  In

Ellensburg, the Ellensburg Visitor Information Center (Chamber of Commerce

Office) also provides Forest Service information from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00

p.m., Monday through Friday.  The Outdoor Recreation Information Center in

Seattle can provide up-to-date recreation information for other areas, (206)

553-0170.

FIRE PREVENTION NOTICE:  Don't let the recent rains fool you, the woods are

still very dry. Please use extreme caution with campfires.  Do not leave

campfires unattended.  When you are away from your campsite, put all

campfires out cold.  When visiting the National Forest it is a good idea to

carry a shovel and water bucket, stack your firewood well away from your

campfire, and clear the area around your campfire down to mineral soil.

These precautions will make the difference between a safe or sorry stay in

the forest.  To report forest fires please call 1-800-826-3383.

ROADS:  Most district roads are now open.  Beware of logging operations near

Frost Meadows in the Manastash drainage on the #3100 Road.  Also, be aware

of logging traffic on the Reecer Creek Road #3500 and the Keechelus Ridge

Road #4934.  The Cabin Creek Road #4100 is still impassable at the Cole

Creek crossing due to flood damage.  

BOAT LAUNCHING:  Launching from the Kachess Campground is getting more and

more difficult.  The water is approximately fifty feet below the end of the

pavement.  Launching may be allowed from the beach area soon.  Call the

ranger district office for an update.  Four-wheel drive capability is

recommended if you're going to attempt to launch from the paved boat

launch.  

    Launching from the Wish Poosh boat launch on Cle Elum Lake is almost

impossible, unless you're willing to attempt it with a four-wheel drive

vehicle.  The water is well below the ramp.  It is recommended to have afour-wheel drive vehicle if you're going to attempt to launch from the Wish

Poosh boat launch or Speelyi beach.

CAMPGROUNDS:  All district campgrounds are open.  Campgrounds range in size,

atmosphere, and amenities and can accommodate a variety of camping styles,

including tents, trailers, motorhomes, and pick-up campers.  Some are

designed to serve special uses such as off-road vehicles at Ice Water

Campground, and horses at Cayuse and Haney Meadows.  

    Other facilities available in selected campgrounds include covered

picnic areas, group sites, boat launches, and playgrounds.

    Drinking water IS NOT available at the following campgrounds--Owhi,

Tucquala Lake, Red Mountain, Lion Rock Springs, Red Top, Swauk, Beverly,

Buck Meadows, Quartz Mountain, Tamarack Spring, and Haney Meadow.  However,

some of these sites do have stock water sources in the area.

    Selected units at the Kachess Lake and Salmon la Sac Campgrounds are

available for advanced reservation by calling MISTIX Corporation at

1-800-283-CAMP.  Customers needing TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf) may

call 1-800-274-7275.

    The larger campgrounds, having water and modern sanitation, require a

fee.  The smaller, more primitive campgrounds are free and provide a greater

degree of solitude.  Fees vary with the amounts and kinds of amenities.  At

all fee campgrounds there is a S4.00 extra vehicle charge due to limited

parking space. 

TRAILS:  The majority of trails on the Cle Elum Ranger District are open and

have been maintained.  Trail maintenance crews are well ahead of schedule

with log out and maintenance.  Call the district office for specific trail

information.

    The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) #2000, south from Snoqualmie Pass to

Stampede Pass, has been maintained and is snowfree.  The northern portion of

the PCT from Snoqualmie Pass to Spectacle Lake is open and snowfree.

    Summer maintenance has just begun on the PCT #2000 from Lemah Meadows to

Deception Pass.  Crews are scheduled to work on those sections throughout

the next couple of weeks.  Horse users should be aware of rock slide

conditions on the switchbacks at two points along that route--a section

between the Waptus Burn Trail and Waptus Lake, and a portion 2 miles south

of Deep Lake.  The Spinola Creek portion of the PCT from Deep Lake to Waptus

has been maintained.

    The Mount Daniels ford is in good shape.  Conditions are what would

normally be found in late August.  Stock users should evaluate the crossing

to determine their own horse's ability, it can be a pretty tricky crossing.    For specific trail information regarding trail accessibility and uses

please call the district office.

TREAD LIGHTLY:  Street Legal motorcycles are allowed on all Forest roads

that are open to motorized use.  Motorcycles using these roads must have a

working headlight, taillight, and brake lights, two mirrors, horn, USDA

approved spark arrester, steel fuel tank, street legal tires, and valid

State license.

    Trail legal motorcycles are allowed on designated Forest trails that are

open to motorized use.  Motorcycles using these trails must have a working

headlight (which must be used at night or during poor visibility),

taillight, USDA approved spark arrester, a muffler that limits exhaust noise

to 105 decibels, and current ORV permit tabs. 

    All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's)--three and four wheelers are allowed ONLY

on designated four-wheel drive routes on the Cle Elum Ranger District.  

    The Taneum/Manastash areas offer many accessible motorcycle and

four-wheel drive routes.  It is the user's responsibility to learn what

areas are open to their type of vehicle.

HUCKLEBERRIES:  Huckleberries can be found in the higher elevations, right

around 4,000 feet.  They are very scarce due to low moisture.

WOODCUTTING:  Woodcutting permits sell for S5 per cord with a 10 cord

maximum per year and are good until December 31, 1992.  There is a S10, two

cord, minimum purchase fee.  No woodcutting is allowed in habitat

conservation areas for the spotted owl, except in designated woodcutting

areas.  Woodcutting maps and information are available with the purchase of

a permit.

    Permits can be obtained at the Cle Elum Ranger Station or at the Forest

Service Information Center in the Chamber of Commerce building in

Ellensburg.  Mail in requests for permits will be accepted by mailing a

personal check, bank draft, or money order to Cle Elum Ranger District, 803

W. 2nd Street, Cle Elum, WA 98922.

INDUSTRIAL FIRE PRECAUTION LEVELS:  Call the District office for the most up

to date information on Industrial Fire Precaution Levels for the next day.

Information is also left on the night phone message machine and posted out

front of the office on the Smokey Bear board.

INTERPRETIVE SALES:  Come check out our Northwest Interpretive Association

sale items.  A special feature this week is the book Teanaway Country, A

Hiking and Scrambling Guide to Washington's Central Cascades.  Other NWIA

sale items include a variety of books, maps, and Smokey Bear items.  Come on

in and browse!

NACHES RANGER DISTRICT  District Ranger Don Rotell 509/653-2205 or Yakima

#965-8005, VOICE/TT.

Office Hours:  Monday through Saturday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The office

address is 10061 Highway 12, Naches, WA 98937.

ROADS:  Pinegrass Ridge lies to the south of Rimrock Lake and rises to the

southwest towards Bear Creek Mountain.  There are several ways to visit

Pinegrass Ridge including the Grey Creek Road #1000-750, the Pinetree Road

#1241, and the Cold Creek Road #1205.  All three of these roads ascend

through old clearcuts that were logged in the l950's to remove beetle killed

forests.  Following Road #1204 to Section Three Lake offers unique views of

Divide Ridge to the south and opportunities for picnicking.  

    When traveling on Forest roads always carry emergency equipment in your

vehicle and be prepared for the unexpected.  A map, flashlight, extra food

and clothing, sunglasses, spare tire and jack, as well as a full tank of gas

are important items to have on any trip to the mountains.

CAMPGROUNDS:  Clear Creek Dam construction will be continuing throughout the

summer.  For public safety the north side of the Clear Lake Campground is

closed.

American Forks Campground is closed indefinitely.

FIRE:  Forest officials would like to ask everyone to do their part during

this dry and dangerous season to help prevent forest fires.  Because of the

fact that approximately 80% of all of Washington's wildfires are human

caused, we must each do our part to educate ourselves on wildfire

prevention.  You can help by using the following tips--use properly

functioning spark arresters on gasoline powered equipment and vehicles;

recycle and compost instead of burning yard waste; use campstoves for

cooking instead of campfires (if you do have a campfire keep it small and

never leave it unattended); keep your yard trimmed, and clear a firebreak

around your home.  To report forest fires, call 911 in Yakima County,

1-800-826-3383, or the Yakima County Sheriff's office.

    Pay phones are now available on White Pass Highway 12 at Trout Lodge,

Silver Cove, 12 West, Silver Beach, White Pass and on the Chinoook Pass

Highway at Eagle Rock, Squaw Rock, the Pond, and Whistlin' Jack.

HUCKLEBERRIES:  Local sources of information report that the berries are

ripe but are few and far between.  Apparently the lack of moisture has

affected this year's crop.

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER:  The White Pass Visitor Information Center is

open now through mid-September on a daily basis.  This is an excellent placeto get information for travelers using the White Pass Highway 12.  This

center is located at the top of White Pass and provides information for the

Forest Service, the National Park Service, White Pass Ski Company, and the

local community.

TRAILS:  Trail conditions are mostly dry, and those hikers so inclined can

wear lighter boots or shoes for awhile.  Cascade Crest Trail travelers may

want to carry extra boots as conditions can change at higher elevations.

Trail switchbacks are often "added" to trails to decrease trail grade and

reduce erosion.  All trail visitors should stay on the trail in switchback

areas to help protect the trail.

SUMMER NATURALIST PROGRAMS:  Forest Service naturalist campfire programs and

nature walks are occurring weekly.  More information can be obtained at the

Naches Ranger Station or from bulletin boards at Hause Creek and Indian

Creek campgrounds off of Highway 12 and at Boulder Cave off of Highway 410.

These programs are sponsored by White Pass Ski Company, Squaw Rock Resort,

Whistlin' Jack Lodge, and the USDA Forest Service.

WILDERNESS:  Wilderness visitors fishing high lakes can help keep these

lakes clean by following general use rules.  Camp back from the lakeshore at

least 100 feet.  Pack out all garbage, especially all wrappers, cans, and

useless fishing line.  Use smaller fires, and clean fish well back from the

water source.

FIREWOOD:  Firewood season ends September 30 on the Naches Ranger District.

Cost of a permit is S10 minimum and S5.00 per cord with the maximum purchase

of five cords.  Firewood cutters should check with the ranger station before

heading out to the woods to ascertain what the fire precaution level is for

the day.  Check your firewood permit for requirements and restrictions

relative to the different levels.  The fire precaution level can change from

day-to-day according to weather conditions.

NORTHWEST INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION:  The Pacific Northwest Field Seminars

program is offering a great experience for railway fans on September 12-13

entitled "Stampede Pass Railroad History."  Ballast bricks from China are

still in place in the Northern Pacific railway tunnel constructed in the

1880's and located at  Stampede Pass (elevation 3,700 feet).  Railroad

history buffs can take a rugged mountain road to the Mountaineers' Meany Hut

to share a mountain style lunch, dinner, and sleep on a bunk bed and wake to

the smell of breakfast.  A panel of enthusiastic history buffs will show

slides, explain the tycoon shenanigans that influenced the railroad routes,

and contrast the difficulties of getting across the Cascades in the 1890's

and the 1990's.  Railroad fans can visit the tunnel, walk the rusty rails,and learn northwest history.  This is a self-supporting nonprofit program

sponsored by the Northwest Interpretive Assn. in cooperation with the U.S.

National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and other agencies.  The purpose

of this program is to provide educational opportunities to enhance an

individual's knowledge and enjoyment of natural resources.  For further

information you may contact Chris Gosnell (509/965-8005) at the Naches

Ranger Station or Jean Tobin (206/553-2636) at Pacific Northwest Field

Seminars.

                                     ##


>-- 
>Craig Buchman
>craigb@stephsf.com

-- 
 +-  Bill England,  wengland@stephsf.COM -----------------------------------+
 |   * *      H -> He +24MeV                                                |
 |  * * * ... Oooo, we're having so much fun making itty bitty suns *       |
 |__ * * ___________________________________________________________________|