July 2016 Report
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Editor’s Note: Recreation Reports are printed every other week. July 20, 2016 For those contemplating a short day hike or a long trek into the backcountry, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest visitors need to keep a few safety guidelines in mind before heading to the woods. People generally get in trouble hiking because they are not prepared, don’t have the necessary equipment, experience or ability. Here are a few safety guidelines to ensure that your trip is a safe one. Essentials you should take with you: Water. Always take water with you. It’s very easy to become dehydrated. Food. Pack healthy food you can snack on during your hike. First Aid Kit. For those short day hikes, take a little first aid kit that contains things for scrapes and cuts and for insect stings or bites. For the longer hikes, be sure to carry a more extensive first aid kit that might contain pain relievers, roller bandages, gauze, tape, etc. Layers of clothing. As weather conditions change, add or remove clothing so that you are comfortable. With the recent storm front that have recently moved through the state, rain gear would also be appropriate for those contemplating multi-day excursions. What about navigational aids? No, you don’t have to have the latest GPS unit or app on your phone. You do need to have a basic knowledge of the area where you’re going before you go, though. Know how to read a map and carry it with you on your trip. If you have a compass and know how to use it take it along, too. Remember, trails will be wet and slippery due to recent rainstorms so wear shoes that provide good traction. Know your physical ability and plan your trek for trails that meet that ability. It is a good idea to start out with shorter hikes and then work up to more advanced levels of hiking. If you’re on a hike and realize that the trail is too difficult for your physical ability, just turn around and head to a less strenuous trail. If you get lost, stay put. Searchers will be looking for you in the area that you said you’d be in. Also, if you move around you may move from where they were going to search next to where they’ve already searched. Take the advice that is given to children who may become lost—just hug a tree and wait for someone to find you. Don’t disturb animals, and try not to surprise them. Make noise as you go. Whistling or talking will alert animals to your presence. Always hike with a buddy, never hike alone. Also, let others know where you are going, when you will leave, when you will return and contact them when you’re back safely. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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). Updated on 7/20/16 Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Recreation Report page 2 of 29 NEW FOREST SERVICE OFFICE IN OMAK: NEW--The much anticipated move of visitor services from the Forest Service office in Okanogan to Omak has finally occurred. Forest Service visitor information services for the central and south part of Okanogan County have moved to 401 Omak Ave in Omak WA, near the Omak Stampede Grounds. We share a building with the Omak Visitor Center; there is a separate Forest Service entrance. The new office is staffed Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the office is closed for lunch from 11-11:45 a.m. The new phone number is 509-486-5145. Visitor services are no longer available in Okanogan. 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., closed for lunch 11:30 to 12:30 Cle Elum Ranger District, 803 W. 2nd Street, Cle Elum, WA 98922; 509-852-1100; summer hours 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily; closed for lunch 12:30-1:15 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. NEW--Omak Visitor Center, 401 Omak Ave., Omak, WA 98841; 509-486-5145; hours Tues-Sat 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed for lunch 11 a.m. to 11:45 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 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; closed for lunch 12:30 to 1 p.m. Wenatchee River Ranger District, 600 Sherbourne, Leavenworth, WA 98826; 509-548-2550; summer hours Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. WOODCUTTING INFORMATION: The Industrial Fire Precaution Level is I for all zones except for zone 684 which is a level II (see the map at http://www.dnr.wa.gov/ifpl). The minimum firewood permit is $20 for four cords of wood. The cost for permits over the four-cord minimum is $5 per cord. The maximum number of cords that may be purchased for personal-use is 12 cords per household per year. Generally, woodcutters may cut wood lying on the forest floor and standing dead trees, except wildlife habitat trees. Falling snags is not permitted on the Cle Elum Ranger District. No woodcutting is allowed in congressionally designated Wilderness areas. Things to keep in mind when woodcutting: Woodcutters should contact their local ranger district office for up-to-date road conditions. Do not drive off of roads onto wet ground to load firewood. Don’t travel on roads if road surfaces are slippery and muddy, let them dry out before traveling on them. This will prevent deep ruts from developing. Be aware of other forest users, especially mushroom hunters, in areas burned by recent fires. The best time to cut firewood is in the late spring and early fall; avoid mid to late summer as woodcutting restrictions may be imposed due to severe fire danger. Permits must be purchased in person, no permits will be sold through the mail. Individuals purchasing woodcutting permits need to present a driver’s license or other form of picture identification at the time of purchase; they will also need to supply their phone number and address. Woodcutters need to abide by the terms and conditions listed on their woodcutting permit. Be sure to read all conditions and requirements listed on the woodcutting permit and be familiar with the info on the map. A woodcutting area map is a necessity. These maps show the areas that are open and closed to woodcutting and are available free with the woodcutting permits. One cord of firewood measures 4 feet high x 4 feet wide x 8 feet long. Always be aware of the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) on the day that woodcutting will occur. Information on the IFPL or current restrictions may be obtained by viewing the IFPL website at http://www.dnr.wa.gov/ifpl by calling 509-884-3473 or your local ranger district office. Special woodcutting rules and conditions apply on the Naches Ranger District; contact their office at 509- 653-1401 for specific information. Firewood cutting season on the Naches Ranger District ends on September 30 or the first Sunday in October if Sept. 30 falls on a weekday. Updated on 7/20/16 Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Recreation Report page 3 of 29 Firewood permits are good through December 31 in the calendar year they are purchased, with the exception of the Naches District, or until areas are no longer accessible. For more information, please contact your local ranger district office. COMMERCIAL MUSHROOM PERMITS: Commercial mushroom permits are available for purchase at most Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest ranger district offices and headquarters office. Collection or possession of more than five gallons per day or the intent to sell mushrooms requires a commercial permit. A two-day permit costs $30, a 30-day permit is $80 and a season permit is $100; be aware the season ends on July 31. Mushroom harvesting area maps and harvesting information brochures are available at forest offices and on the forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/okawen . PERSONAL USE MUSHROOM GATHERING INFORMATION: Harvest of five gallons per person per day is free for personal use mushroom gathering. Free Incidental Use Mushroom Gathering information sheets must be in the mushroom collector’s possession while harvesting and transporting mushrooms for personal use. These information sheets are free and can be downloaded from the forest website at http://go.usa.gov/ct6Ej and are also available at local national forest offices. For more information about commercial or personal use mushroom harvesting, please contact any Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest office during business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or go to the forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/okawen/mushroom .