By Brynn Grimley
Kitsap Sun (Washington state)
Belair - Work on a recreational plan that spells out uses for two popular state forests in Kitsap and Mason counties is nearing completion.
Members of a committee tasked with creating the plan are fine-tuning the recreational offerings after gathering public comment last summer. The group is working to create a long-range recreational plan for the Green Mountain and Tahuya state forests.
Members of the committee-many of whom represent recreational communities-have shaped the planning effort led by the Department of Natural Resources.
Since the process kicked off in the fall of 2010, DNR planners have tried to balance the needs of the many groups that use the forests and the forests' neighbors.
There is no plan to change what is allowed at either forest, which is good news for the recreational motor sports community. But a plan for Green Mountain could eventually offer specified trailheads for all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorcyclists so that they don't cross paths with horseback riders, hikers or runners when entering the forest.
Committee members and DNR trail planners agree they don't want to add or grow recreational opportunities at Green Mountain that would make it a destination for out-of-town visitors. Instead they'd like to improve its existing trails and add enhancements for current users.
"Our objective is not to draw more people here," said Doug McClelland, DNR South Puget Sound lands manager.
Suggestions for Green Mountain include increasing access to the mountain's vistas and allowing motorized users the chance to reach the top of the mountain more quickly. The site's heavily used horse camp will remain a priority and mountain bikers could see the addition of trails allowing for new exploration, McClelland said.
There's also talk of adding trailheads to the forest that would increase access and meet the goal of separating uses so that walkers, hikers and runners can enjoy a quiet, safe and peaceful visit, while still allowing easy access to motorized users. Although it's suggested to offer separate entrances, the trails would still be open to all users.
"We don't want to wipe the slate clean and make new trails," McClelland said. "We know the need for non motorized use is growing. We don't want to push out motorized use and certainly we don't want to push out horses."
The concept of separating uses in the forest was good news for Wildcat Lake resident Richard Snow, who circulated a petition in the area calling for responsible planning in the long term.
Current uses at Green Mountain are acceptable, Snow said, but he would prefer to see a separation between those using the state forest for motor sports and those using it to walk. He certainly does not want to see an increase in motorized use in the forest.
After attending a recent meeting where the separation of uses entering the park was addressed, Snow said he was happy with how the planning effort was progressing.
"The current low-level motorized use in Green Mountain is not something we want to see changed," he said. "Everyone wants an enjoyable experience and a safe experience."
State planners say the Tahuya State Forest, with its 200 miles of recreational trails for motorized users, will remain a priority and destination for all-terrain, motorcycle and off road vehicles. Once the committee reaches agreement on the plans they will make their way up the DNR chain of command. After a final plan is approved the documents will undergo State Environmental Policy Act review, allowing the public to comment on the plans.
