Recreation Reports Are Printed Every Week Through Memorial
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Editor’s Note: Recreation Reports are printed every other week. September 10, 2014 September is a great month to visit the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Hiking trails are less crowded, nighttime temperatures are cooler, and huckleberry picking is still a favorite pastime. This is also a month when changes start occurring in national forest campground operations and other forest-related activities. Chelan Ridge Raptor Migration Project: Every September and October since about 1997, HawkWatch International and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest have participated in counts of the autumn raptor migration through this region in an ongoing effort to monitor populations of raptors using the north Cascades migratory flyway. This years’ raptor count has started and guests are welcome to come up and participate in the raptor count. Counts typically range between 2,000-3,000 birds of up to 17 species per season. The most commonly seen species are the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's hawk, Northern Harrier, Golden Eagle, and American Kestrel. There is no water or developed camping at the site, so bring binoculars, drinking water and wear sturdy walking shoes for the three quarter mile hike to the observation point. Be prepared for harsh weather conditions. Chelan Ridge is located approximately 13 miles northwest of Chelan. The study site is accessed by following Washington State Road 153 about 6 miles/11 km northwest of Pateros, then Black Canyon Road (USFS Road No. 4010) west–southwest until it ends, then Cooper Mountain Road (USFS Road No. 8020) southeast for another 3 miles/5.4 km. Look for the informational sign and project yurt; from there flagging marks the trail to the observation point. Hunting: Many archery, muzzleloader and modern firearm users are visiting national forests searching for their elusive prey. Forest visitors need to remember to make their presence known when recreating in the woods during hunting seasons. Wear brightly colored clothing and make noise--use a walking stick with a bell attached, or talk or sing. Please refer to the Washington State Big Game Hunting Seasons and Rules pamphlet for hunting information, hunting season dates and complete regulations. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). 9-10-2014 Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Recreation Report page 2 of 24 WOODCUTTING: Woodcutters need to be aware of the current Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) before cutting firewood from the national forest. Changing weather conditions have prompted an adjustment in some woodcutting regulations. As of September 9, the IFPL for Zones 675, 680, and 684 is level 2 which means woodcutters can cut firewood from late in the evening to early afternoon (8 p.m. to 1 p.m.); they must turn off their chainsaws by 1 p.m. and stay in the area for one hour to watch for possible fire starts. The IFPL for Zones 678W, 678E, and 685 is level 1 which allows woodcutting all day long. Go to https://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/ifpl/IFPL.aspx for current IFPL information. CAMPFIRE RESTRICTIONS: Please contact individual ranger district offices for more information. No campfire restrictions are in effect on the Cle Elum Ranger District. On the Tonasket, Methow Valley, Chelan, and Wenatchee River ranger districts campfires are allowed only in metal fire rings in most designated campgrounds (with some exceptions on the Chelan District), in Holden Village, Domke Lake Resort, summer home sites under special use permit that have approved metal fire rings, some dispersed recreation sites on the Wenatchee River Ranger District, and in federally designated Wilderness Areas. Campfires are not allowed above 5,000 feet elevation in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. On the Naches District, campfires are only allowed in the Goat Rocks, Norse Peak and William O. Douglas wilderness areas and in 23 of the district campgrounds (see the list on page 18). All campfires are prohibited in the Entiat Ranger District. CAMPGROUND CLOSURES: This is the time of year when Forest Service employees start to winterize campgrounds and get them ready for wintry weather. Along with the winterization process come closures of a number of campgrounds. A tentative schedule for the closure of some campgrounds on the Cle Elum Ranger District follows: Mineral Springs, Swauk, Salmon la Sac sites 9-41, and Taneum Cabin closed on September 2. Cle Elum River, Ice Water, Red Mountain, and Kachess Campground sites at Beargrass Flats and Thetis Creek all closed on September 7. Cayuse Horse Camp and the following sites at Kachess Campground--Mineral Creek, Lodge Creek, and Box Canyon--will close on September 14. Wish Poosh, Salmon la Sac, Owhi, and Gale Creek site at Kachess Campground will close on September 21. 9-10-2014 Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Recreation Report page 3 of 24 Other campground closures will be occurring as the weather gets colder. Please contact local ranger district offices for current fall forest conditions. OFFICE ADDRESSES and PHONE NUMBERS: Chelan Ranger District, 428 W. Woodin Ave., Chelan, WA 98816; 509-682-4900; hours M-F 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cle Elum Ranger District, 803 W. 2nd Street, Cle Elum, WA 98922; 509-852-1100; hours M-F 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; closed for lunch 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Entiat Ranger District, physical address 2108 Entiat Way, (P.O. Box 476), Entiat, WA 98822; 509-784-4700; hours M-F 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Methow Valley Ranger District, 24 West Chewuch Road, Winthrop, WA 98862; 509-996-4000; hours M-F 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Naches Ranger District, 10237 Hwy. 12, Naches, WA 98937; 509-653-1401; hours 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; closed for lunch noon to 12:30 p.m. Okanogan Valley Office, 1240 South Second Ave., Okanogan, WA 98840; 509-826-3275; hours M- F 7:30-4 p.m.; closed for lunch 11 a.m. to noon Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Headquarters office, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA 98801; 509-664-9200; hours M-F 7:45-4:30 Tonasket Ranger District, 1 W. Winesap, Tonasket, WA 98855; 509-486-2186; hours M-F 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wenatchee River Ranger District, 600 Sherbourne, Leavenworth, WA 98826; 509-548-2550; hours M-F 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. THE 10 ESSENTIALS: Carry the 10 plus essentials when traveling in the backcountry—a map, compass, fire starter, water proof matches, extra food, extra water, extra clothing, knife, flashlight with spare batteries and bulb, first aid kit, sunglasses, cell phone, and a space blanket. HAZARDS FOUND IN WILDFIRE AREAS: Now that fire activity has lessened on many of the local wildfires, fire closure areas may soon be opening up-- where it is safe to do so. Following are a variety of hazards to watch out for when traveling through newly opened areas after a fire. Snags are not only obviously dead trees, but can also be blackened killed trees or green trees burned through at the bottom. Snags can fall at any time. Besides the potential for striking people or property, they can block trails or roads, including your exit even though travel was unimpeded when you entered the area. Snags can make travel difficult if a lot of trees have fallen across the landscape. Stump holes and root channels can still be burning and often are hidden from sight until stepped upon. Steep slopes and loss of vegetation may cause rolling rocks and debris flows off hillsides at any time but the likelihood increases with rain and freeze-thaw events. Loss of vegetation increases the potential for erosion to occur with any rain event. Water runoff may cause flooding that impacts or clogs road culverts and storm drains; sediment may move downstream affecting lands a long distance from the burned areas. Even with minor precipitation, roads can have culverts plugged with material and cause debris flows onto roads. Recently opened areas may still have areas with smoke and fire. Fire can smolder below ground in root channels and stump holes and pop up above ground as these sources of organic matter reach the surface. If smoke is discovered, report a fire to 911. Some things to do to be prepared: Limit your use to just travelling through burned areas to reach your favorite recreation sites outside of the burns, don’t loiter in the burned areas Carrying a saw or axe with you is a good idea when traveling on forest roads Stay current on weather forecasts and avoid areas that have been severely burned Do not try to cross an active mud or debris flow Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return home 9-10-2014 Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Recreation Report page 4 of 24 For more information, please call the local national forest office or go to the forest web site at www.fs.usda.gov/okawen . SAFETY: When recreating in the woods let someone know where you are going, when you plan to return, and what to do if you don’t return on time. Remember to let them know when you do return. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Dress appropriately for all weather conditions. Avoid cotton clothing and dress in layers. Stay dry, shed layers if you are sweating, add layers if you are cold. Wear sturdy waterproof boots. Stay warm, stay dry, stay safe, and have fun.