PNW Riders

penpen · 10-06-2009, 12:29 AM

So I've managed to befriend one of the local volunteers at the Elfendahl staging area, entertaining him with my n00bish antics.

This weekend he informed me that they (DNR??) are trying to shut down Tahuya completely, all the campgrounds and trails. Not just day use for the parking spots and such, they intend to gate off entrance to the trails even. (!!???)

He seemed pretty dismayed by this, and that they are trying to do this quickly and quietly (ETA: October 15th

), insisting we need to spread the word and contact DNR.

Apparently the fact that this is already almost completely volunteer driven (down to them using their own $$ to dispose of trash collected on the trails) is not enough to keep it open. A few quick searches yield results around ORV tab funds being diverted elsewhere due to budget shortfalls, blah blah blah. I haven't seen anything official on the DNR site though... and he seemed to be the only one who knew about this, amongst the other riders I polled.

Wanted to know if anyone could lend more validity to this? Bud noted this wasn't the only park up on the chopping block...

nuK · 10-06-2009, 01:06 AM

The NOVA funds being raided is old news as are the problems with Rieter and Tahuya. Though I don't ride there I feel your pain. A good way to keep informed of your offroad politics is one of the offroad forums like ktmtalk.com or thumpertalk.com. The best way is to join the Blue Ribbon Coalition.

The thing you must remember is DNR isn't your friend. Their prime charter is the sale of timber, period. In the meetings I've attended in Vancouver, WA, they seem to be trying to accommodate other interests but if those interests interfere with the sale of timber, those interests lose every time.

The anti motorized trail campaign is well funded by the greenies from both corporate sponsorship and the volunteer ranks. Conversely most offroad enthousiasts are apathetic and simply assume their trails will always be there. A few are in the trenches fighting but their numbers fall pathetically short of all the dirtbike owners in the US.

Take the WTA group for example. They want 100% closure of all motorized trails. Even though motorized trails comprise only a small percentage of all the available trails in the state, they don't care. Their agenda is clear. They want it all, believing there's no room in the world for people who ride motorcycles offroad.

Blue Ribbon Coalition

penpen · 10-06-2009, 01:17 AM

interesting. we did note closures out in the overland trails due to logging. areas were impassable due to debris and felled trees. it was pretty tragic to see how much they were destroying. :( all the machinery was there so you know it's in progress.

shoot, that sucks. blue ribbon though... ama for dirt, eh? i'll check that out and see about kicking something towards that... least i can do. wish there was more that could be done that would go directly to the parks we're trying to keep open!

pjd · 10-06-2009, 07:39 AM

The Tahuya page on the DNR site lists a contact -
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/AboutDNR/Manag...te_forest.aspx
Jesse Sims
360-801-5097
jesse.sims@dnr.wa.gov

And on Thumpertalk a press release that WOHVA is suing the state over the misuse...I mean, transfer, of NOVA funds.
http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=830802

We were just there over the weekend as well, would hate to see any parts closed. We'll be back out that way at the end of the month, guess we'll find out.

pjd · 10-06-2009, 07:56 AM

Update -
Sent Mr. Sims a message and he replied almost immediately:

To Patrick,
As rumors go, some are true but most are false. As of October 15th, kammenga and Spillman campgrounds will be closed for camping. This is due to a dramatic budget cut. All other facilities and trails that are open currently will remain open. I hope this clarifies things!
Sincerely, Jesse Sims
Jesse Sims

The Shocker · 10-11-2009, 08:58 PM

There is a group in the process of getting everything back opened up there. They are trying to get enough $$ to pay for pumping the shitters and hosting the campgrounds. I'm going to be trying to help with this and will post the info when I get it. There have been meetings about this in Belfair. And Jesse is the lone DNR guy there now and will need everyones help to keep the place clean and safe, so if you see anything that shouldn't be happening please step up and say something or call Jesse.

pjd · 10-11-2009, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by The Shocker

There is a group in the process of getting everything back opened up there. They are trying to get enough $$ to pay for pumping the shitters and hosting the campgrounds. I'm going to be trying to help with this and will post the info when I get it. There have been meetings about this in Belfair. And Jesse is the lone DNR guy there now and will need everyones help to keep the place clean and safe, so if you see anything that shouldn't be happening please step up and say something or call Jesse.

Thanks for the effort and please keep us updated. As much as the NOVA money should be going to stuff like this, what are your thoughts on donations or nominal camping/parking fees? I'd think that $5 to $10 per day parking is quite reasonable and would hope that others felt the same. It's not going to build any new campgrounds, but maybe that alone could cover the honey bucket costs.

JASONGIND · 10-13-2009, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by pjd

Thanks for the effort and please keep us updated. As much as the NOVA money should be going to stuff like this, what are your thoughts on donations or nominal camping/parking fees? I'd think that $5 to $10 per day parking is quite reasonable and would hope that others felt the same. It's not going to build any new campgrounds, but maybe that alone could cover the honey bucket costs.

I just started riding dirt/trail and would love to see this place remain open. I'd be more then willing to pay inorder to be able to use this area. The new ORV Area on Ft. Lewis charge $15/day or $75/year and it is an extremly small area with two small pits circled by dirt roads.

The Shocker · 10-13-2009, 05:21 PM

I will try to see about donations. DNR can't make it a pay area at this point but the group that is working to privately keep everything open could use all the $$ it can get donated to help their costs. Give $ to them and they cover the operations costs privately and DNR shouldn't have any issues.

penpen · 10-13-2009, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by The Shocker

I will try to see about donations. DNR can't make it a pay area at this point but the group that is working to privately keep everything open could use all the $$ it can get donated to help their costs. Give $ to them and they cover the operations costs privately and DNR shouldn't have any issues.

i'd be in for pitching in. actually i was planning on bringing some food and snacks over to one of the volunteers who helped me out in a big way last weekend (he said no to beer

)

talking to folk in the parking lots and on the trails i don't think anyone would mind pitching in, especially if they realized how much $$ the volunteers put out there themselves.

keep us posted!!

pjd · 10-14-2009, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by The Shocker

I will try to see about donations. DNR can't make it a pay area at this point but the group that is working to privately keep everything open could use all the $$ it can get donated to help their costs. Give $ to them and they cover the operations costs privately and DNR shouldn't have any issues.

Fine by me - if the group will accept private donations by all means PM me the info, please. Also we plan on picking up an RV over the winter, so we might be able to do some volunteer time up there next year as well.

The Shocker · 10-18-2009, 10:57 PM

The next gathering of the Tahuya/Green Mtn. Focus Group Meeting will be November 5th; 7:00 p.m. at the Timberland Library in Belfair, located on Highway 3 just south of town.

NoQuarter#121 · 10-19-2009, 09:33 AM

Originally Posted by The Shocker

The next gathering of the Tahuya/Green Mtn. Focus Group Meeting will be November 5th; 7:00 p.m. at the Timberland Library in Belfair, located on Highway 3 just south of town.

What is this?

Who chairs the meet?

What is the purpose?

What groups are represented?

I would consider attending as long as it matters and groups or persons that have decision making capabilities are in attendance.

Tahuya is one of my favorite riding areas

Its over an hour drive for me.

I don't want to waste my time.

Thanks in advance for your response,

#121

The Shocker · 10-19-2009, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by NoQuarter#121

What is this?

Who chairs the meet?

What is the purpose?

What groups are represented?

I would consider attending as long as it matters and groups or persons that have decision making capabilities are in attendance.

Tahuya is one of my favorite riding areas

Its over an hour drive for me.

I don't want to waste my time.

Thanks in advance for your response,

#121

I have not been to a meeting yet, I have been pretty involved with Reiter lately with the issues up there. I will be going to this to see what I can do to help us get camping back. From what I know, this is a focus group comprised of several local clubs. I know that a group called the Quadrapaws has been very involved there for the 4X4 areas. I can't recall the name of the local MC club that helps there. I would imagine this meting would also have Jesse with DNR who I think is the last of the DNR that is involved at Tahuya now. Jesse is a good guy and I know wants to keep the place open for all but they just don't have the budget for manpower to do it anymore. We have camped at Kamenga alot over the last few years and I would be willing to be a Camp Host when there about every other weekend. I'm coming from Bothell which is about an hour and half but still willing to go to this. If you want to carpool over there I would be up for driving if that helps to get you there and involved.

NoQuarter#121 · 10-19-2009, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by The Shocker

I have not been to a meeting yet, I have been pretty involved with Reiter lately with the issues up there. I will be going to this to see what I can do to help us get camping back. From what I know, this is a focus group comprised of several local clubs. I know that a group called the Quadrapaws has been very involved there for the 4X4 areas. I can't recall the name of the local MC club that helps there. I would imagine this meting would also have Jesse with DNR who I think is the last of the DNR that is involved at Tahuya now. Jesse is a good guy and I know wants to keep the place open for all but they just don't have the budget for manpower to do it anymore. We have camped at Kamenga alot over the last few years and I would be willing to be a Camp Host when there about every other weekend. I'm coming from Bothell which is about an hour and half but still willing to go to this. If you want to carpool over there I would be up for driving if that helps to get you there and involved.

carpooling might be cool. Traffic sucks. I don't mind attending, but I'm concerned that it will be a waste of time. How can we verify if the DNR rep will attend? call him?

The Shocker · 10-19-2009, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by NoQuarter#121

carpooling might be cool. Traffic sucks. I don't mind attending, but I'm concerned that it will be a waste of time. How can we verify if the DNR rep will attend? call him?

I will let you know what I find out. I'm going to email a couple people involved.

Haus · 10-19-2009, 08:18 PM

Raided all of our hunting license monies too. fkr's.

The Shocker · 11-06-2009, 08:15 AM

I attended the Tahuya/Green Mtn Focus Group meeting in Belfair last night and came away in utter shock. There were 4 DNR people, around 5 different MC club reps, 3 different 4X4 clubs, a Quad group, and 3 different Horseman groups. Alot more people there and involved than I had imagined. ALL being civil and working TOGETHER for the betterment of the entire Tahuya/Green Mtn area. They got things acomplished and all showed respect and effort towards helping each others groups acomplish what is needed. There was a calendar set for next year with everyone agreeing on who's events would be on which weekends. This has renewed my hopes that Reiter could be somewhere that we ALL can use and enjoy and protect in the future. They have a "Forest Watch" program that seems to be working and DNR folks down there that are willing to share their knowledge as well as coming up and helping our DNR at Reiter. We may not all want Reiter to become Tahuya (I don't) but we can learn some of their lessons hopefully and make the best of what we do get at Reiter.

I also learned that they just finished a Bridge on Overland so it should be opening back up. And DNR will be letting clubs open the camp areas when they hold their events. DNR seems to be trying VERY hard to make progress down there even with a limited budget and are even actively seeking other funding sources from private Corp sponsors like Yamaha who give grants.

NoQuarter#121 · 11-06-2009, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by The Shocker

I attended the Tahuya/Green Mtn Focus Group meeting in Belfair last night and came away in utter shock. There were 4 DNR people, around 5 different MC club reps, 3 different 4X4 clubs, a Quad group, and 3 different Horseman groups. Alot more people there and involved than I had imagined. ALL being civil and working TOGETHER for the betterment of the entire Tahuya/Green Mtn area. They got things acomplished and all showed respect and effort towards helping each others groups acomplish what is needed. There was a calendar set for next year with everyone agreeing on who's events would be on which weekends. This has renewed my hopes that Reiter could be somewhere that we ALL can use and enjoy and protect in the future. They have a "Forest Watch" program that seems to be working and DNR folks down there that are willing to share their knowledge as well as coming up and helping our DNR at Reiter. We may not all want Reiter to become Tahuya (I don't) but we can learn some of their lessons hopefully and make the best of what we do get at Reiter.

I also learned that they just finished a Bridge on Overland so it should be opening back up. And DNR will be letting clubs open the camp areas when they hold their events. DNR seems to be trying VERY hard to make progress down there even with a limited budget and are even actively seeking other funding sources from private Corp sponsors like Yamaha who give grants.

Sounds like the meet was not a waste of time.
Thanks for the update.
Who chaired the meet?
Did they schedule another?

The Shocker · 11-06-2009, 08:35 AM

Originally Posted by NoQuarter#121

Sounds like the meet was not a waste of time.
Thanks for the update.
Who chaired the meet?
Did they schedule another?

Jesse Simms with DNR. They have another in Decmber but I didn't get a date. I found out that if a group of us want to go down and camp, we can make reservations to stay at the Tahuya River Horse Camp through DNR. I have never been to that camp and always assumed from the name that it was a Horse only camp. They try not to mix us in there but it is a reservation base only so they have no problems sharing it with us.

And it was mentioned that we didn't really need a very big group either, just a half dozen or so of us.

Bachelorhouse · 11-06-2009, 01:21 PM

Thanks for attending the meeting and reporting back. The rumors being spread by a certain "volunteer" are just that, rumors. A friend of mine talked to him and got the impression he is against ORVs, he is probably making up or exaggerating the facts.
And the horse camp is NICE, we looked into reserving it last year, but the reservation schedule was full (although I rarely see anyone camped there).
Let us know if you have any luck with a reservation...


10-06-2009, 01:06 AM	#2
nuK Pit Crew Joined: Apr 2008 From: AREA54.fm I Ride: 02 Falco, 08 1098, 04 250SX, 08 X18, 99 dpcars.net 748	The NOVA funds being raided is old news as are the problems with Rieter and Tahuya. Though I don't ride there I feel your pain. A good way to keep informed of your offroad politics is one of the offroad forums like ktmtalk.com or thumpertalk.com. The best way is to join the Blue Ribbon Coalition. The thing you must remember is DNR isn't your friend. Their prime charter is the sale of timber, period. In the meetings I've attended in Vancouver, WA, they seem to be trying to accommodate other interests but if those interests interfere with the sale of timber, those interests lose every time. The anti motorized trail campaign is well funded by the greenies from both corporate sponsorship and the volunteer ranks. Conversely most offroad enthousiasts are apathetic and simply assume their trails will always be there. A few are in the trenches fighting but their numbers fall pathetically short of all the dirtbike owners in the US. Take the WTA group for example. They want 100% closure of all motorized trails. Even though motorized trails comprise only a small percentage of all the available trails in the state, they don't care. Their agenda is clear. They want it all, believing there's no room in the world for people who ride motorcycles offroad. Blue Ribbon Coalition __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by nuK; 10-06-2009 at 01:09 AM..


10-06-2009, 01:17 AM	#3
penpen MotoGP Contender Joined: Mar 2006 From: Kirkland I Ride: Pasta rockets	interesting. we did note closures out in the overland trails due to logging. areas were impassable due to debris and felled trees. it was pretty tragic to see how much they were destroying. :( all the machinery was there so you know it's in progress. shoot, that sucks. blue ribbon though... ama for dirt, eh? i'll check that out and see about kicking something towards that... least i can do. wish there was more that could be done that would go directly to the parks we're trying to keep open! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-06-2009, 07:39 AM	#4
pjd MotoGP Contender Joined: May 2007 From: Milton, WA I Ride: Kawasaki Z1000	The Tahuya page on the DNR site lists a contact - http://www.dnr.wa.gov/AboutDNR/Manag...te_forest.aspx Jesse Sims 360-801-5097 jesse.sims@dnr.wa.gov And on Thumpertalk a press release that WOHVA is suing the state over the misuse...I mean, transfer, of NOVA funds. http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=830802 We were just there over the weekend as well, would hate to see any parts closed. We'll be back out that way at the end of the month, guess we'll find out. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-11-2009, 08:58 PM	#6
The Shocker Training Wheels Joined: Jun 2006 From: Bothell/Mill Creek WA I Ride: '08 CRF450R	There is a group in the process of getting everything back opened up there. They are trying to get enough $$ to pay for pumping the shitters and hosting the campgrounds. I'm going to be trying to help with this and will post the info when I get it. There have been meetings about this in Belfair. And Jesse is the lone DNR guy there now and will need everyones help to keep the place clean and safe, so if you see anything that shouldn't be happening please step up and say something or call Jesse. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-13-2009, 05:21 PM	#9
The Shocker Training Wheels Joined: Jun 2006 From: Bothell/Mill Creek WA I Ride: '08 CRF450R	I will try to see about donations. DNR can't make it a pay area at this point but the group that is working to privately keep everything open could use all the $$ it can get donated to help their costs. Give $ to them and they cover the operations costs privately and DNR shouldn't have any issues. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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10-06-2009, 12:29 AM	#1
penpen MotoGP Contender Joined: Mar 2006 From: Kirkland I Ride: Pasta rockets	Tahuya closures? So I've managed to befriend one of the local volunteers at the Elfendahl staging area, entertaining him with my n00bish antics. This weekend he informed me that they (DNR??) are trying to shut down Tahuya completely, all the campgrounds and trails. Not just day use for the parking spots and such, they intend to gate off entrance to the trails even. (!!???) He seemed pretty dismayed by this, and that they are trying to do this quickly and quietly (ETA: October 15th ), insisting we need to spread the word and contact DNR. Apparently the fact that this is already almost completely volunteer driven (down to them using their own $$ to dispose of trash collected on the trails) is not enough to keep it open. A few quick searches yield results around ORV tab funds being diverted elsewhere due to budget shortfalls, blah blah blah. I haven't seen anything official on the DNR site though... and he seemed to be the only one who knew about this, amongst the other riders I polled. Wanted to know if anyone could lend more validity to this? Bud noted this wasn't the only park up on the chopping block... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-18-2009, 10:57 PM	#12
The Shocker Training Wheels Joined: Jun 2006 From: Bothell/Mill Creek WA I Ride: '08 CRF450R	The next gathering of the Tahuya/Green Mtn. Focus Group Meeting will be November 5th; 7:00 p.m. at the Timberland Library in Belfair, located on Highway 3 just south of town. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-19-2009, 08:18 PM	#17
Haus Pit Crew Joined: Jan 2007 From: Federal Way, WA Blog Entries: 2 I Ride: CBR1000RR	Raided all of our hunting license monies too. fkr's. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-06-2009, 08:15 AM	#18
The Shocker Training Wheels Joined: Jun 2006 From: Bothell/Mill Creek WA I Ride: '08 CRF450R	I attended the Tahuya/Green Mtn Focus Group meeting in Belfair last night and came away in utter shock. There were 4 DNR people, around 5 different MC club reps, 3 different 4X4 clubs, a Quad group, and 3 different Horseman groups. Alot more people there and involved than I had imagined. ALL being civil and working TOGETHER for the betterment of the entire Tahuya/Green Mtn area. They got things acomplished and all showed respect and effort towards helping each others groups acomplish what is needed. There was a calendar set for next year with everyone agreeing on who's events would be on which weekends. This has renewed my hopes that Reiter could be somewhere that we ALL can use and enjoy and protect in the future. They have a "Forest Watch" program that seems to be working and DNR folks down there that are willing to share their knowledge as well as coming up and helping our DNR at Reiter. We may not all want Reiter to become Tahuya (I don't) but we can learn some of their lessons hopefully and make the best of what we do get at Reiter. I also learned that they just finished a Bridge on Overland so it should be opening back up. And DNR will be letting clubs open the camp areas when they hold their events. DNR seems to be trying VERY hard to make progress down there even with a limited budget and are even actively seeking other funding sources from private Corp sponsors like Yamaha who give grants. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-06-2009, 01:21 PM	#21
Bachelorhouse Newbie Joined: Sep 2009 From: port gamble, wa	Thanks for attending the meeting and reporting back. The rumors being spread by a certain "volunteer" are just that, rumors. A friend of mine talked to him and got the impression he is against ORVs, he is probably making up or exaggerating the facts. And the horse camp is NICE, we looked into reserving it last year, but the reservation schedule was full (although I rarely see anyone camped there). Let us know if you have any luck with a reservation... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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