A Publication of the Okanogan and Wenatchee U.S. Forest Service National Forests 2003

INSIDE Birding and Bears The End of the Road Dry Forests and Fires Mud, Weeds and Watersheds Avalanches and Golden Eagles Water Wars and Beaches of Gold Forgotten Lookouts and Firefighting Great Places to Visit on Your National Forests John Marshall John cover photograph by photograph cover Forest News & Information

his is the sixth edition of the Cascade and in the capabilities of the employees on these A Farewell Note Lookout, the annual newspaper published two forests. by the Okanogan and Wenatchee Na- I have thoroughly enjoyed my career with the from the Forest Ttional Forests. Each year I look forward to reading Forest Service and the opportunity I’ve had to the articles written by our local employees, and work with so many good people and communities Supervisor this year especially because it is my last year as throughout the western United States. Forest Supervisor for the Okanogan and National Forests belong to the people of the Wenatchee National Forests. I retired in April United States. Over the years, I’ve always appreci- after having worked here for 16 years, and for the ated it when citizens take the time to help us work Forest Service for the past 40 years. our way through issues and conflicts in forest As a retiree I look forward to enjoying more management. time to explore our fantastic national forest lands Elsewhere in this edition of the Cascade and enjoy the many recreation opportunities that Lookout you will find an article about the revi- they offer. In fact, you may see me hiking, fishing, sion of the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest boating, or playing with my grandchildren in local Plans. These plans will guide management of the areas of our national forests. Forests for the next 10 to 15 years. If you love Darrel Kenops, former supervisor of the these forests, I hope you will ask to be put on the Willamette National Forest in Oregon, will serve mailing list and make comments for the plan as supervisor for the Okanogan and Wenatchee revision. Forests for several months until a permanent Thank you for the opportunity to manage your replacement is selected. Darrel is a very capable Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests. It’s Sonny J. O’Neal and experienced Forest Supervisor and will do a been a privilege I will never forget. great job. Darrel will be assisted by Deputy Forest Supervisor Alan Quan. It is a good time for me to retire; I have a lot of confidence in the leadership currently in place, Darrel Kenops Sonny J. O’Neal

“Respect the he Okanogan and Wenatchee Na- tional Forests’ “Respect the River” River” Program has been recognized by the WesternT Division of the American Fisheries Society as the 2003 US Forest Service winner Recognized for of the Award of Excellence in Riparian Management. Excellence in Jeff Uebel, Assistant Fisheries Program Leader for the Pacific Northwest Region, Riparian Management accepted the award plaque on behalf of the two forests at the Western Division’s annual by Deborah Kelly meeting in San Diego on April 16, 2003. Public Affairs Specialist The Western Division of the American Fisheries Society sponsors an annual event called The Riparian Challenge to encour- age the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service to strive for excellence in riparian habitat management. The Riparian Challenge encourages progress in true “on- the-ground” accomplishments and recognizes managers and resource specialists for their efforts in managing and improving riparian This partnership has resulted in improvements systems. of more than 260 acres of riparian habitat and Entries must document riparian habitat man- educational contacts with more than 200,000 area agement efforts where resource values have been residents to date. improved within a watershed such as streambank The Respect the River program is a logical and stability, water quality, vegetative diversity, collaborative approach to protecting riparian stream flows, subsurface water supplies, fish habitat and maintaining recreational opportuni- habitat, wildlife habitat, forage production, ties. The approach is easy to apply in dispersed recreation, and education. recreational areas across the nation, and the Respect the River improves these resource program results in concrete improvements in values through a restoration and education riparian habitat. program designed to balance the need for preser- As Respect the River moves into its second vation of riparian areas and endangered species decade, the focus now is on coordinating efforts with the recreational needs of the public. Surveys, across the forest and across the nation. The public input, restoration, and a volunteer steward- program has already been adopted on the ship program help to identify riparian areas Umatilla, Malheur, and Santa Fe National Forests. degraded by recreational use. This is followed by The Santa Fe program has a strong Spanish an appropriate restoration and maintenance bilingual component and is called Respect the Rio. strategy. Respect the River received the Region 6 Caring Assisted by volunteers, Cle Elum Ranger District Respect the River employees planted trees and installed Respect the River originated on the Methow for the Land and Serving People award for Forest interpretive signs at DeRoux trailhead. Shown here: Valley Ranger District, Okanogan National Forest Team in 2002. Denise Cresto and Jennifer Schmidt in 1994, and was later adopted by the Cle Elum Program managers agree that it’s exciting to see Ranger District, Wenatchee National Forest. With how Respect the River is growing and evolving as the two forest merger in 2000, the Respect the it is adopted and put into practice in different River Program began its implementation phase on areas. That’s what is so neat about the concept; all districts of the Okanogan and Wenatchee the basic ideas are flexible enough to be molded to National Forests in 2001. work in a variety of areas. A national Respect the Successful implementation of this program River website is in the works and will soon be requires cooperation from all agency resources available to help keep spreading the word. ■ and is supported by community partners and ■ 2 C ASCADE LOOKOUT volunteers. s part of a move to simplify recreation fees The funds from both the Golden Eagle Pass- across the nation, the Okanogan and port and the Northwest Forest Pass are used to Golden Eagle Wenatchee National Forests has begun provide the facilities and services requested by the Ahonoring the Golden Eagle Passport at most public. Eighty percent of the sales are retained at Forest Service recreation fee sites. Visitors can the national forest where they are purchased with Passports to be now use one pass—the Golden Eagle Passport— the remainder used for other high priority recre- for most day-use recreation sites nationwide ation projects across the country. Honored at Most operated by the Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Golden Age & Golden Access Forest Service Fish and Wildlife Service. Passports “The public wants ease and consistency when The Golden Age and Golden Access Passports visiting national forests, and the Golden Passports provide similar benefits to cardholders as the Recreation Fee provide this service. These passports make it more Golden Access Passport. The Golden Age Pass- convenient for recreationists visiting all federally port is a $10 lifetime national pass available to Sites managed recreation sites,” said Darrel Kenops, citizens or permanent residents of the United Acting Forest Supervisor for the Okanogan and States who are at least 62 years of age. In addition by Robin DeMario Wenatchee National Forests. to the benefits provided by the Golden Eagle Public Affairs Specialist Visitors who frequent public lands where Passport, the Golden Age Passport provides a 50% recreation passes are required may save time and discount at campgrounds, developed money by using an annual Golden Eagle Passport, boat launches and swimming sites, and which sells for $65. For example, a visitor can now for specialized interpretive services; it use a Golden Eagle Passport for entrance to can also be used in lieu of the North- National Parks, and National Forest locations west Forest Pass. The Golden Access currently covered by the Northwest Forest Pass. Passport is a free lifetime national pass This includes developed day-use sites, picnic available to citizens or permanent areas, trailheads, visitor centers, and parking. residents of the United States who have Prior to this change, visitors would have spent been medically determined to be blind $30 for an annual Northwest Forest Pass in or permanently disabled. The Golden addition to the $50 National Parks Pass. Now only Access Passport provides the same one pass is required, for a savings of $15. Local benefits as the Golden Age Passport. passes, such as the Northwest Forest Pass, will continue to be sold and honored alongside the Golden Passports are available at Golden Eagle Passport. most Forest Service offices, on the internet at www.natlforests.org, or by calling toll free at 877-465-2727. ■

ince 1997, over $2 million in user fees has Some specific projects “Keeping the been collected and put to work to sustain a accomplished in 2002 include: variety of camping, hiking, trailbiking, Maintenance of 1,032 miles of trail cross-countyS skiing, and other recreation activi- Lights On” ties on the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Reconstruction of 14 miles of trail Forests. In addition, much of the money collected in Construction of two trail bridges on the Cle With Recreation fees each year is further leveraged through part- Elum Ranger District nerships with youth programs, grants from State 5,400 hours of volunteer labor Fees agencies like the Washington Interagency Com- mittee for Outdoor Recreation, and the volunteer 400 person-days of sponsored Youth Crews efforts of many hiking, equestrian, and motorized work groups. Replacement of picnic tables and fireplace grills Most recently, in 2002, $195,200 was collected in campgrounds on the Tonasket, Methow from campground fees, and $301,300 in recreation Valley, and Entiat Ranger Districts program support came from sales of the North- west Forest Pass. Fees from recreation lodging Rehabilitation of the 12-unit American Fork (such as rental of the Cle Elum District’s Table Campground on the Naches Ranger District Mountain Cabin) amounted to $10,000 in 2002. Maintenance of the Silver Falls Campground Fees at developed campgrounds and for cabin and National Recreation Trail on the Entiat rentals vary depending on the amenities provided. Ranger District A Northwest Forest Pass is $30 annually or $5 per day. It is required for parking at most trailheads Support of volunteer hosts to provide safety on the two Forests. and maintenance in a number of campgrounds Under the National Recreation Fee Program, at across both Forests New bridge at Deroux Creek, Cle Elum Ranger District least 80% of user fees and Pass sales are returned to the National Forest where the money was For the 2003 recreation season, each Ranger collected. Coupled with funds provided by District mapped out their plan of work over the Congress through the Forest Service budget winter with a focus on getting the best value for process, these recreation user fees are critical in the funding available. Using a mix of Forest helping to “keep the lights on” for the recreation Service, volunteer, and youth crew labor, a myriad program on the Okanogan and Wenatchee Na- of tasks will again be completed for the recreation tional Forests. enjoyment of visitors to the Okanogan and And, those dollars have truly been hard at work Wenatchee National Forests. For more informa- across both National Forests— tion on proposed projects for replacing picnic tables and 2003 or the Recreation Fee fireplace grills in campgrounds, Program in general, or to maintaining trails, providing purchase a Northwest Forest upkeep to boat docks on Lake Pass, please contact your local Chelan, supporting ski trail Ranger District office. ■ grooming at Echo Ridge, Maintenance on Bear Creek Trail, Naches Ranger District funding the reservation system in the Enchantments Basin of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Campground barriers ■ and more. protect streamside C ASCADE LOOKOUT 3 Forest News & Information

Freedom he T.V. commercial shows a spectacular managers are currently faced with the dilemma of “ ” backcountry scene. A tough, 4-wheel limiting or preventing this kind of recreation in an drive vehicle with big, meaty tires attempt to prevent further damage. The of the Hills bouncesT cross-country through an alpine meadow Okanogan, Wenatchee and Colville National and splashes through a stream. A spray of mud Forests are currently in the process of revising by Barbara Kenady-Fish artistically coats the sides of the vehicle. The forest management plans that will provide direc- Public Affairs Specialist message is of rugged individualism, strength, tion on use of national forest lands for the next 12 power, humans vs. nature - - “no boundaries!” to 15 years. Among the issues to be considered in Ah, what a feeling! All that is needed to dupli- this revision is un-roaded recreation. cate this image is an S.U.V. (and who doesn’t own Fortunately, there are still many opportunities You Can Help one these days) and a place to recreate, and anyone for responsible 4 x 4 enthusiasts to enjoy their can escape a world that’s increasingly regulated, national forests. Hundreds of miles of logging Stay on the signed/system trails that are confining, fast-paced and stressful. roads and other system roads allow access to some open to your type of vehicle use. But there’s is something wrong with this surprisingly remote and challenging areas com- picture. What the T.V. commercials don’t show is plete with spectacular scenery. Don’t be the first to set the example for spinning tires tearing up vegetation in meadows, Both the Naches and Cle Elum Ranger Dis- others to follow. If you see a boggy area along stream banks, lakeshores, and in other open tricts have designated 4 x 4 roads, many of which where someone has driven through, don’t natural areas. They don’t show mud holes created are quite challenging. The Cle Elum ORV map is be tempted to be the next person that by vehicles, or tire ruts that scar the landscape. available for purchase at the Forest Headquarters looks at it as a challenge. The effects of off-road vehicle use can be huge in Wenatchee and at Cle Elum Ranger District. A Report resource damage as soon as possible and potentially irreversible. Noxious weed inva- handout listing trail numbers of 4 x 4 trails on the to the nearest Ranger Station or County sion, water pollution caused by erosion and Naches Ranger District is available at the ranger Sheriff. Get a license number and descrip- runoff, and loss of plant and animal habitat are station. tion of vehicle and driver, give exact among the effects. The beauty of the landscape location of the damage, and take photos or can be marred for many years. video. In the spring, when snowmelt and spring rains fill creeks and wetlands to overflowing, national Spread the word. Not everyone under- forest lands are particularly vulnerable to damage. stands the consequences of irresponsible At this time of year, vehicles can do extensive off-road use. damage by driving off-road. Vehicle damage is not Ask for the Okanogan and Wenatchee limited to natural areas. Even national forest roads National Forests mudding video to show to can be easily rutted when they are saturated with your 4-H group, scout group, or other water. outdoor club. Unfortunately, some drivers see wet areas as an opportunity to put their 4 x 4’s and driving skills Get in touch with your local off-road to the test, unaware or unconcerned about the vehicle groups and clubs. They can provide damage they are causing in natural areas and on information on responsible off-road vehicle roads. use and places to recreate. The price of this kind of “freedom” doesn’t For more information about 4 x 4 opportuni- come cheap. Long term natural resource damage ties and related activities in your area, contact the and the effects on fisheries, wildlife, and clean Pacific Northwest Four-Wheel Drive Association water are just some of the consequences of irre- (www.pnw4wda.org). The PNW4WDA is a non- sponsible off-road recreation. profit organization “comprised of member clubs Road repairs and natural resource rehabilitation and individuals united in a common objective - are examples of monetary impacts, requiring tax the betterment of vehicle oriented outdoor dollars that could be put to better use. Land recreation while preserving the environment.” ■

In 2002, we were excited to produce the first Spanish edition of the Spanish Language Cascade Lookout. The newspaper, the first of its kind for the Forest Cascade Lookout Service, provided lots of useful information on the National Forest including employment opportunities, recreation, information on forest Premiers products, and more. Over 6,000 copies were inserted into the Wenatchee newspaper, El Mundo, and 10,000 copies were inserted into the Yakima newspaper, La Viva. Our Spanish speaking communities can look forward to a 2003 edition with lots more stories about places to visit and recreation opportunities in the national forests.

Bear Aware t is possible to avoid a bear confrontation by 6) Store your food properly. In the backcountry, being prepared. Here are 10 things to find 2 trees 20 feet apart and hang bags of food remember when visiting bear country. between them. Bags must be at least 15 feet from I the ground. In campgrounds, store food in bear 1) Be alert at all times. Watch for bear sign – proof containers or in your car. overturned rocks, broken-up, rotten logs, claw marks on trees, scat, tracks, root diggings. 7) Don’t bury or discard any food items – pack it out. Hang all garbage or deposit it in bear 2) While hiking, talk or sing songs as you walk. proof garbage containers. Keep dogs on a leash. 8) Do not bring food or any odorous non-food 3) Never approach a bear. items into your tent. This includes candy, food 4) Check out your surroundings before setting wrappers, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, up camp. It’s not a good idea to camp next to insect repellant, and perfume. Avoid wearing trails or streams – bears use them as travel scented toiletries and hair products. routes – or next to a berry patch or other food 9) Don’t leave fish entrails on shorelines – sink sources. them deeply in water instead. 5) Locate your cooking area and food cache at 10) Consider carrying pepper spray ■ Black bear sow with two cubs least 100 yards downwind from your tent. 4 ■ C ASCADE LOOKOUT Discard dishwater at least 100 yards from camp. nother year of drought, and another year account for the open stands of large fire-resistant of large wildfires on the Okanogan and ponderosa pine and Douglas fir described by early Dry Forest Wenatchee National Forests in 2002 has settlers of eastern Washington and Oregon. Aadded continued urgency to the “Dry Forest The tree rings also display a more recent record Strategy” adopted in 1995. of long periods without fire that have resulted Strategy Nearly 58,000 acres burned on the two forests from nearly a century of well-intentioned fire last year. The largest fire, the Deer Point fire at suppression beginning in the early 1900’s. Dense, Moves Ahead Lake Chelan, charred more than 43,000 acres. fire-prone groves now cover nearly 600,000 acres The Dry Forest Strategy calls for thinning in in the dry zones of the two national forests. by Paul Hart dry forest groves leaving widely spaced, larger All ranger districts on the two forests now have Forest Public Affairs Officer trees, followed by under-burning to remove much large scale thinning projects underway or in of the woody debris and brush. Although the Deer planning stages. They also do burning Point Fire killed all trees over thousands of acres projects in the spring and fall to further last summer, some trees in groves which had been reduce fuels in the forest. thinned did survive the fire. The Dry Forest Strategy is fully compat- ible with the Healthy Forests Initiative and National Fire Plan now being implemented by the Administration and Congress throughout the interior West. “The Healthy Forests Initiative and the National Fire Plan are companion efforts to improve the health of forest ecosystems and reduce the fire hazard around rural commu- nities throughout the west,” Quan said. Where possible, the government uses the value of wood products removed to pay for the cost of the projects. Thinning of very small trees and under-burning projects This stand is located near Johnson Creek above typically require the investment of federal dollars. Lake Chelan. The Deer Point fire burned through “Although there often is a cost to fuel reduc- it. The stand was thinned and pruned 2 years ago. The Poison Creek area was completely devastated by tion projects, the cost of doing nothing is far the Deer Point fire. greater,” Quan observed. For instance, it cost more than $70 million to fight the wildfires of “We know our dry forests are unnaturally 1994 in Chelan County, 37 homes burned, and crowded with small trees, and that fires burning tourism was devastated during the peak of a the through the tree crowns are impossible to con- summer recreation season. Large wildfires also put trol,” said Alan Quan, deputy forest supervisor. the lives of firefighters at risk, and have major Using growth rings and char marks in old impacts on forest ecosystems. stumps and snag trees, researchers have been able Dry Forest projects are planned by ranger to read a record of repeated, low intensity surface district personnel based on a thorough environ- fires dating back 300 to 400 years and more. mental analysis and public involvement. Efforts It is believed the frequent fires once kept the have focused first on forest areas near rural dry forests free of brush and fallen branches, communities and summer home tracts. Informa- encouraged the growth of grasses, and limited the tion on local projects is available at each Ranger establishment of seeding trees. That would Station. ■

f winter recreation is high on your list of Be alert! Pay attention to obvious signs of snow favorite things to do, then you or someone instability (cracks in the snow, “whumping” “It Can Happen you are with might someday be involved in an sounds when snow collapses). Iavalanche. If that ever happens, the goal is to make Watch the weather. A rapid increase in heat, to You!” it out alive. precipitation and, especially, wind can signifi- There were 146 avalanche fatalities in the by Robin DeMario cantly alter snow stability. United States between 1996 and 2002. The activi- Public Affairs Specialist ties in which most people lost their lives were: Recognize that you are not always safe in the snowmobiling (44%), skiing (24%), snowboarding trees, especially if the area above the trees is an (14%), climbing (5%), and the rest in a variety of open bowl. miscellaneous recreation activities. Your goal is to avoid becoming one of these statistics. To that Keep in mind that most avalanches involving end, it’s a good idea to know the following infor- people are triggered by the victims themselves mation: or a member of their party. Find out the avalanche danger forecast for the Communicate frequently with members of area you plan to visit. A good place to get this your group. Discuss all observations. Don’t be information is the Northwest Avalanche Center afraid to speak up, your input is valuable, and (phone 206-526-6677 or at your life may depend upon it. www.nwac.noaa.gov). Adapt to changing conditions. Don’t be so Carry shovels and avalanche beacons. Before focused on your goal that you ignore obvious leaving home make sure there are fresh batter- avalanche signs. Be willing to change plans. ies in the beacons. Wear beacons under your jacket (not in a pocket or in your pack). At the This is only basic avalanche information. Take trailhead, test beacons and make sure all are an avalanche class so that you can be better working. Do a quick beacon practice—put prepared to have fun in the backcountry this ■ your beacon in your glove, hide it in the snow, winter, and don’t let “it” happen to you. then have a friend find it. You will be glad they practiced if they ever have to find you. As with all skills, practice makes perfect. Measure slope angles frequently on your approach and your descent. About 90% of avalanches occur on slopes between 30 and 45 degrees; about 98% of all avalanches occur on slopes of 25-50 degrees. C ASCADE LOOKOUT ■ 5 Forest News & Information

Forest Service planning team based at analysis of the current management and condition Team to Revise Okanogan began work this year on of the forests. updating management plans for the Elements of the Northwest Forest Plan and the Three Forest AOkanogan, Wenatchee, and Colville National science, data, and goals of the Interior Columbia Forests in eastern Washington. Basin Ecosystem Management Project will also be Plans Each of the three existing forest plans is more incorporated into the planning process, she said. than 12 years old, and such revisions are required Public meetings to determine issues and at least every 15 years by the Resources Planning concerns that should be addressed will be sched- Act of 1974. The team plans to develop a single uled next winter, Hartzell said. “Local citizen environmental document and separate updated involvement and public support is critical to the plans over a four-year time period. success of the new forest plans,” she added. A forest plan provides direction to Forest In coming months, mailing lists of interested Service employees who manage the lands for the citizens will be developed, and initial contacts will public. Included in the plan are land allocations be made with tribes, local governments, elected that give general direction for the types of use that officials, and user groups. Wenatchee will be emphasized. Some allocations emphasize The revisions are likely to devote much un-roaded recreation or wildlife management, attention to forest health, recreation issues, fish while other allocations feature roaded recreation and wildlife management, and local community River Salmon and vegetation management, including logging. economies, predicted Darrel Kenops, acting The team leader, Margaret Hartzell, has moved supervisor of the Okanogan and Wenatchee Festival 2003 to Okanogan from her previous position as National Forests. resources group leader on the Middle Fork Ranger By law, the planning effort must also re- District of the Willamette National Forest in examine unroaded areas on the three forests to Oregon. consider whether any of them have high value for Her core team will include specialists in wild- addition to the national Wilderness Preservation life, recreation, fire, forestry, computer mapping, System. There presently are portions of nine and public involvement. They will be supported classified wildernesses, totaling 1.36 million acres by a variety of forest employees with expertise in on the three forests. subjects as diverse as fisheries, archeology, nox- The three national forests include nearly 5 ious weeds, roads and trails, grazing, and mining. million acres east of the crest of the Cascade The plans will be developed in accordance with Range. The Okanogan and Wenatchee Forests new national planning rules still being finalized by stretch from the Canadian border all the way to the Forest Service. “We don’t yet know all the the Yakama Indian Reservation west of Yakima. details of the final planning rules, but we do know The Colville National Forest spans a significant the revised plans will be based on thorough portion of the northeast corner of the state in analysis, current science, and extensive public Ferry, Pend Oreille, and Stevens Counties. The involvement,” Hartzell said. Okanogan and Wenatchee Forests are managed Rather than sweeping change, Hartzell expects from a headquarters in Wenatchee, while the to use existing plans as a foundation, with revi- Colville Forest headquarters is located in Colville. sions only when necessary to deal with manage- Each forest is divided into ranger districts with ment problems, new regulations, or changing offices in smaller local communities. The Wenatchee River Salmon Festival public expectations for the National Forests. Information on the planning effort is available ■ invites you to this year’s event on Septem- Initial efforts will be directed to a thorough from planner Hartzell at (509) 826-3275. ber 20-21, 2003. Take a quiet moment and visualize sunshine cascading down steep mountainsides and families learning about the mysteries of our crystal clean rivers. Music provides an auditory backdrop Walk on established trails. Check your with chanting drums of Native American socks, shoes, and pants’ cuffs for plant dancers as their colorful wardrobes whirl material before and after hiking. to the dance. Savor the smoky flavor of a Identify the problem. Properly managed BBQ’d meal while watching an engaging land will prevent new infestations and and entertaining show. eliminate recurring infestations. This year a focal point will be on outdoor recreation in a land overflowing Feed pack animals processed food pellets with recreation opportunity. The festival before and during backcountry trips to is also a gateway to understanding our avoid transporting seed in animal feces. natural resource heritage. You can even Weed Invasion! Check your watercraft and trailer for ask the experts tough environmental Are you spreading noxious weeds? clinging aquatic weeds. questions and form your own opinions about salmon and other issues, but mainly Aquarium and aquatic garden plants often the focus is on families having fun and hroughout eastern Washington, noxious survive and thrive in our natural areas. Properly learning together. weeds continue to spread at an alarming dispose of aquatic plants. The Wenatchee River Salmon Festival is rate. They are seriously threatening our a free event. It is located just 2 miles from pasturelands,T forests, wetlands and croplands. Volunteer to control weeds in your city, county the Bavarian-themed town of Popular recreation areas, such as national forests, and national forest. Leavenworth, Washington - a scenic (and are at high risk for noxious weed invasion. Report weed sites to the local county weed historical) two-hour drive from Seattle. Here’s what you can do: board or any Forest Service office. ■ Catch us on the web at: salmonfest.org Control weeds on your property. Contact your local county weed board for plant identification and for the best method of elimination. Be an informed gardener. Do not plant invasive weeds in your yard. Do not spread seeds through compost, topsoil or mulch piles. Become familiar with local noxious weeds and inform others. Keep vehicles out of weed patches. Drive on established roads. Check your tires and vehicle undercarriages. Remove clinging weeds before 6 ■ C ASCADE LOOKOUT leaving the area. ver $1 million worth of natural re- hand piling to reduce fire risk; prescribed burning; source projects have been funded installation of modern sealed vault toilets at County Title II during the last two years on National Swiftwater Picnic Area on U.S. Highway 2; ForestO lands in Okanogan, Chelan, and Kittitas resurfacing on the Entiat River Road; White River Funds Supporting Counties with monies designated by those coun- Oxbow road decommission/obliteration to restore ties as a result of the Secure Rural Schools and wetland and floodplain function and control Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. runoff. Also approved was upper Wenatchee River Natural Resource A specially appointed 15-member Resource trail maintenance by the Northwest Youth Corps Advisory Committee is responsible for reviewing utilizing youth crews to maintain recreation trails. Projects proposed projects each year and recommending Projects on national forest lands in Kittitas which should go forward for Forest Service County were funded with $306,700. Those Forest approval. Choosing worthy projects is difficult, Service-sponsored projects included: culvert by Marta Ames since many more requests for funding are received replacement to benefit fish passage and flood Public Affairs Specialist than there are monies available, according to control; Reecer Creek Road repaving to improve Committee Chairman Bill Hinkle, of Kittitas access to Table Mountain and expand winter County. recreation parking; noxious weed control and “The challenge is always in trying to stretch the surveys; Teanaway riparian camping and site available dollars to do as much good as possible,” restoration; Kachess Campground hazard tree Hinkle said. Projects getting the nod from the removal; making campsites accessible to disabled Committee are generally those that are a high visitors; providing picnic tables and fire rings in the priority for the national forest. Consideration is new Manastash and Riders Camps; campground also given to project proposals supported by restroom replacements; removal of roadside commissioners in the county where they are vegetation to improve sight distance and driver located. safety, and Red Top Lookout toilet replacement. For Fiscal Years 2002 and 2003, $430,000 in The new law that makes funding for these project recommendations within Okanogan projects available provides payments to local County was approved. They included projects for counties as compensation for the impact of large noxious weed control; prescribed burning; culvert federal land acreages within their boundaries, Teanaway River streamside restoration project replacements for improved fish passage and flood guaranteeing a secure level of payments for control; forest thinning for improved forest health schools and roads and allowing for some monies and fire hazard reduction; irrigation well develop- to be devoted to projects that benefit national ment; meadow restoration work, and wildlife/ forest lands. livestock fencing. Committee members represent a wide variety Also approved was the Sky Education Program, of citizen interests including user interests, proposed by the Pacific Northwest Trail Associa- industry, tribal, and local governmental represen- tion, to provide an 8-week trail based service/ tatives and are residents of each of the four educational experience for at-risk youth. Funds counties. Members of the committee include were also allotted to the Okanogan County Daryl Asmussen, Geraldine Gillespie, Midge Planning and Assessment proposed by the Cross, and James Weed from Okanogan County; Okanogan County Conservation District to Cary Condotta, Steve Tift, Chester Marler, and identify and assess the need for thinning and fuels Everett Burts from Chelan County; Janice reduction on private lands adjacent to national Osmonovich and Bill Hinkle, from Kittitas forest lands in the county. County; and Michael McFeeley, Saundie McPhee, In Chelan County, $431,500 worth of work was Jess Heaverlo, Lee Carlson, and James Hall from approved for funding. Forest Service proposed Yakima County. Terry Walgren, Kittitas County, projects included weed control and inventory; and Theodora Strong, Yakima County, serve as county inmate crew tree thinning, limbing, and replacement members. ■

ccording to Amy Tinderholt, Okanogan anywhere from 20 to 40 years of use. Most are and Wenatchee National Forests recre- considered beyond repair and do not meet federal Sweet Smelling ation data manager, about 3 million accessibility requirements. And, many are in peopleA visit the forests annually. Whether stop- danger of becoming environmental hazards as the ping for a picnic or camping for a week, most steel vaults are disintegrating, potentially allowing “Biffies” expect a few conveniences along with peace and effluent to seep into the ground. by Barbara Kenady-Fish quiet and terrific scenery. Topping this list of This is why Steblina has made replacing the Public Affairs Specialist conveniences is toilets. Privys, loos, willies, or old, outdated toilets one of his goals for the next biffies—whatever they may be called, these little few years. Last year, with state Interagency buildings are a definite plus on any travel plan. Committee for Outdoor Recreation funds and Forest recreation national forest recreation fee dollars, the forests manager, Vladimir were able to replace 50 of the most needed facili- Steblina, keeps ties, and 50 more are scheduled for replacement track of visitor this year. needs on both the Visitors will be happy to know that all of the Okanogan and old toilets are being replaced with the “SST,” or Wenatchee Forests. Sweet Smelling Toilet. The SST’s are accessible, One of his chal- larger, and are literally a breath of fresh air after lenges is overseeing the old smelly variety. Through some engineering the upkeep and magic, the new toilets are nearly odor free. maintenance of 588 Designed by the US Forest Service, San Dimas toilets that are Technology & Development Center in California, Old-style outhouse strategically placed the SST is constructed using a black metal convec- in campgrounds, tion stack that originates in the concrete vault. picnic areas, and at trailheads, from Tonasket to The door, also metal and painted black, faces to Naches. This number may seem high until you the south where it is exposed to the sun. A square calculate the number of users and number of air vent installed at the bottom allows air to enter. toilets. Unofficially, that amounts to 5,100 visitors The heat on the door and on the stack creates per toilet per year – a rather extraordinary num- airflow in through the vent, down the toilet seats, ber, especially when many of those toilets are through the vault and up the stack. “Sweet Smelling Toilet” —Don’t believe it? under snow for 4 months of the year. Now visitors can look forward to experiencing Scratch and sniff the photo to smell what In 2000, 429 of the forests’ toilets were identi- their national forests without plugging their it’s like to be in a new-style outhouse. fied as needing replacement. These older model, noses! ■ steel vault toilets are showing the wear and tear of C ASCADE LOOKOUT ■ 7 Methow Valley Ranger District

ountain Chickadees, Hammond’s miles to the Chickadee parking lot. A loop trail Flycatchers, Townsend’s and meanders through the forest and around the Give Birding MacGillivray’s Warblers, and Dark- beaver pond. Watch for Blue-winged Teal, North- MEyed Juncos - - these are just a few of the many ern Pintails, Barrow’s Goldeneyes, Redheads, and a Try! bird species that can be seen at several Forest Tree Swallows. Look along the water’s edge for Service sites highlighted in the new, and hot-off- Virginia Rails, Soras, and Spotted Sandpipers. by Deborah Kelly the-press, Great Washington State Birding Trail Veeries, House Wrens, Orange-crowned Warblers, Public Affairs Specialist Cascade Loop map and guide. and Rufous Hummingbirds inhabit the deciduous Birding is easy! All you need is an interest, a forest around the pond. bird identification book and a handy set of Other notable Forest Service birding spots for binoculars. A good place to start is in your own this area included in the guide are Klipchuck backyard, or for a little adventure try one of these Campground, Washington Pass Overlook and spots on the Methow Valley Ranger District. Rainy Pass Picnic Area. War Creek Campground— Located about 13 The new guide was co-sponsored by Washing- miles south of the town of Twisp off Highway 20 ton Audubon, Washington Department of Fish on the Twisp River Road; this campground and Wildlife, Washington Tourism office, and provides some neat bird viewing opportunities in Puget Sound Energy. Copies of the guide can be riparian and coniferous forest habitat. The best obtained from visitor centers or on-line by time for bird viewing is between May and Septem- contacting the Washington State Audubon Asso- ber when the campground is open. Watch for ciation (www.wa.audubon.org). Townsend’s and MacGillivray’s Warblers; Check out the bird identification books and Hammond’s Flycatchers, Blue and Ruffed Grouse, other Northwest Interpretive Association prod- Hermit Thrushes, Red-breasted and White- ucts sold at the Methow Valley Visitor Informa- breasted Nuthatches, and Mountain Chickadees. tion Center. Sun Mountain Beaver Pond—Noted as one Birding ethics: respect private property; do not of Methow Valley’s premier birding sites this 5- trespass; stay on trails and avoid disturbing acre wetland is surrounded by alder, maple, habitat. Observe and photograph birds without cottonwoods, and hillsides of ponderosa pine and disturbing them; be especially cautious during open grasslands. Over 120 bird species are at- nesting season in May and June; never chase or tracted to this great habitat. From Highway 20, flush birds; walk slowly and stay concealed; don’t turn west onto Twin Lakes Road. Drive 1.8 miles use recordings to attract birds; have fun! ■ to Patterson Lake Road and turn left. It’s about 5

n 1933, Gene Albin of the U.S. Forest Service received orders to load his pack train Mebee Pass, with building materials to construct a fire lookoutI and travel 18 miles up the Methow River the Forgotten to the ridge north of Mebee Pass. At an elevation of 6,900 feet, the lookout would perch on the Lookout of the divide between Okanogan and Skagit Counties, providing an ideal view of the headwaters of the Methow River, East Creek, and surrounding Methow areas. Assisting Albin was Tracy Heath, and together they constructed a 10x10, “L-5” series by Meg Trebon cabin with enough strength for it to survive Fuels Technician decades of summer and winter storms on the Dave Bula, an FFLA member attending the Cascade Crest. conference, asked Methow Valley Assistant Fire The “L-5” lookouts were in- Management Officer Barry George about the tended as emergency structures, status of the lookout at Mebee Pass. Barry re- providing the most efficient shelter sponded by hiking to Mebee Pass, then bush- for patrols in areas where access was whacking up the ridge north of the pass to find a problem - a description certainly the cabin still standing – but just barely. All of fitting the Mebee Pass location. the shutters and windows were gone, the roof and During World War II, it became original supports were out of square, and one difficult for the Forest Service to corner post was missing, a testimony to the heavy staff towers that were more acces- North Cascades snowfalls this location receives. sible, let alone those intended for In October 2002, two FFLA members joined emergency use in remote locations. Barry George when he returned to the lookout to District records reveal little about perform temporary repairs to stabilize the struc- this lookout’s service, although ture. Using materials purchased with a donation estimates place its last use in the from the FFLA’s Chuck Butler Memorial Fund early 1940s. Another source esti- and flown in by helicopter, Doug McKeever and mates that Mebee Pass was aban- Jerry Huddle helped Barry install plywood doned in 1954. window covers, build supports for the foundation, The Mebee Pass Lookout re- and replace a corner support post. mained neglected for 48 years, Future plans for Mebee Pass Lookout depend somehow avoiding the fate of most on funding, but the opportunity remains for lookouts in the area that were partnerships with groups such as the FFLA to dismantled or burned. District restore Mebee Pass Lookout. Barry George records show that 800 pounds of acquired copies of the original 1933 blueprints for “debris” were airlifted from the the L-5 lookout from lookout historian Ray lookout site in 1973, but afterwards Kresek, allowing for exact duplication of the Mebee Pass Lookout fell off the structure. district’s radar screen until the 10th Virtually as remote now as when it was built 70 Annual Western United States Forest years ago, Mebee Pass Lookout remains the last Fire Lookout Association (FFLA) example of L-5 lookout architecture in Oregon Conference came to Winthrop in and Washington. It stands as a monument for the August 2002. adventurous few, providing a place to contemplate the role of lookouts and enjoy the beauty of the 8 ■ C ASCADE LOOKOUT North Cascades. ■ isitors to the central Pasayten Wilderness fire closer to populated areas. However, periodic will see a changed landscape this summer. smoke from the Quartz Complex fires was Wilderness During late summer and early fall of noticeable. The fire team, working with meteo- 2002,V several fires, collectively named the Quartz rologists and others, tried to predict when smoke Complex, burned in the Pasayten Wilderness. The would be the most noticeable in order to give the Firefighting lightning caused fires started on August 17, 2002 public information about potential impacts. and burned for over two months. The two largest Overall, management of this fire was effective Strategy fires, Quartz and Middle Mountain eventually and cost-efficient, and forest officials were pleased burned together, encompassing over 12,100 acres. with the results. Most importantly, the fire and its Benefits All The fires originated in a little-visited part of effects are consistent with wilderness manage- the Pasayten Wilderness near the Canadian ment. In wilderness, the goal is to maintain by Jim Archambeault border. An international border agreement did primeval character, preserve natural conditions, Recreation Planner not allow growth of the fires into Canada, and and to preserve a place where ‘the earth and its crews were initially positioned on the northern community of life are untrammeled by man’ (1964 edge of the Quartz fire to prevent it from crossing Wilderness Act). The Federal Fire Policy intends a pre-determined boundary and move into lightning-caused fire to be part of the natural Canada. ecological process in Fire managers decided to handle these fires wilderness. differently from non-wilderness fires. Taken into Wilderness managers consideration were wilderness values, estimated were pleased to learn suppression costs, fire crew safety, and lack of that most of the vegeta- available firefighting resources. These resources tion will recover since had been directed to suppress many large and over 60% of the fire area more threatening fires burning in the rest of the sustained only low or region. moderate burn intensity. A small team of fire experts was called in to In the long term, the manage the Quartz fires. This wildland fire use mosaic of vegetation team manages large, long-term fires burning on conditions created by public lands and uses management tools that are the fires may enhance based on predictions of fire behavior, fire size, and habitat for species, such overall effects on the landscape. When the team as cavity nesting birds arrived on the Methow Valley Ranger District they and Canada Lynx. Over immediately began to draw up a long-term plan to time, visitors will also manage the Quartz fires until they were extin- have an opportunity to guished. observe the recovery The team monitored fire activity by posting first-hand, while enjoy- lookouts. This minimized the use of fire line ing new vistas created by personnel and reduced the potential for the fires. firefighting accidents occurring in the steep and Note: The fire affected nearly 12 miles of the rugged terrain. Using the reports from the look- Hidden Lakes, Tatoosh Butte, Dean Creek, and outs, the team was able to monitor the movement Boundary Trails. Portions of the main #477 Trail of the fire. Their strategy was to rely on natural that leads to the Hidden Lakes may be closed for fuel breaks, such as high and rocky ridges, wetter the 2003 season for repair. Although many of the northern aspects, and open grassy slopes to trees that fell across the trail were cleared last fall, contain the fire. trail users can expect more trees to fall over the The Quartz fires were in a remote portion of next several years. ■ the Pasayten Wilderness and did not receive the usual level of interest that might surround a large

lackpine Lake Campground—A great pine to rock bluffs picnic spot favored by locals and visitors alongside Cedar Falls. alike, this campground features an Eagle Lakes Trail accessibleB interpretive trail, boat launch, two #431—If trail motor- floating docks, and majestic views. Located 18 cycles are your thing, try miles southwest of Twisp, off of Highway 20, go this trail for a scenic south on the Twisp River Road for 10 miles to ride. This busy 6.8 mile road #1090 (which crosses the Twisp River). Stay trail starts in forest, goes on Forest Road #43 for 8 miles to the camp- across more open slopes ground. with views to the Cub Creek Trail System—Test your interme- Columbia River basin, diate mountain biking skills on the trails in the and then climbs up Cub Creek drainage, located just off the West valley through subalpine Chewuch Road north of Winthrop. This system of forest and meadows to trails, abandoned roads and logging roads connect Horsehead Pass. From into a scenic, challenging loop across the sun- the pass, you can con- Blackpine Lake Interpretive Trail washed south side of Buck Mountain. After an nect to the Chelan Summit Trail near Boiling opening climb on lightly traveled forest roads, the Lake. Motor bikers will need to park and hike the marked route alternates between old roadbeds and last 1 mile to Upper or Lower Eagle Lakes. Access Great Places single track as it takes you out to open hillsides is from the Crater Lakes trailhead at the end of and splendid views back towards Winthrop. Forest Road #4340-300. A Northwest Forest Pass Cedar Creek Falls Trail #476A—Our staff is required for Crater Lake trailhead. to Visit recommends this trail for a short early season leg Twisp River Trail #440—This is an all-around stretcher. To get there follow Highway 20, 18 good trail for several reasons; it provides an early by Deborah Kelly miles west of Winthrop and take a left on Forest season hike option, or an enjoyable mountain bike Public Affairs Specialist Road #5310-200. The trail begins near the gravel or horse ride along a gentle, up and down route pit at the end of the road. Just shy of two miles up along the hillside above the river. One way to the deep, gently curving Cedar Creek Valley the access the trail is from the west entrance at South stream squeezes into a mist-filled gorge and Creek trailhead on Forest Road #4440-570. A tumbles nearly 60 feet in two water falls. The trail Northwest Forest Pass required for South Creek climbs up the valley through forests of ponderosa trailhead. ■ C ASCADE LOOKOUT ■ 9 Tonasket Ranger District

n August 2001, a lightning storm ignited a Removing excess fuel, salvag- Bailey Fire wildland fire that burned across 3000 acres ing dead and dying trees, and of land managed by the Forest Service and planting fire resistant ponderosa Restoration ColvilleI Confederated Tribes located east of pine seedlings will help the forest Tonasket near Bailey Mountain. resist insects, disease and large Drought conditions combined with a dense scale fires. It will also protect growth of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir caused homes in the area and defend by decades of fire exclusion resulted in severe against the destruction of nearby damage from the Bailey Fire. Tree mortality was lynx habitat. “The area burned is so great that natural growth of new trees is not directly below important un- expected to be successful. Since the fire, the burned lynx habitat and within a Tonasket Ranger District has been analyzing how mile of some private homes,” best to restore the fire burned area. said Mike Chiles, Project Coor- Research shows that prior to European settle- dinator. “The treatments ment, fires occurring in this area took place with a planned will greatly improve frequency ranging from 10 years up to 40 years chances of controlling future fires, minimizing the depending on whether the site was warm and dry risk to the lynx habitat and to the homes of or cool and moist. Over time, forests typical of nearby residents.” While no new roads are pre-European settlement have been altered by planned as part of the restoration process, some activities like fire exclusion, livestock grazing and existing routes, used during the fire, will be timber harvest. Since the 1920s when a successful reconstructed or improved to allow for restoration fire suppression program was implemented, activities. records show that the average fires have typically Recognizing a need to balance fire suppression burned less than ten acres in size. with fire as a restoration tool, the Tonasket The activities planned as part of the Bailey Fire Ranger District will continue to use tree thin- restoration are important for reducing the threat ning, ladder fuel reduction and prescribed fire of future catastrophic fire. Returning the ecosys- treatments on a long term basis to return the tem to a more natural fire cycle will improve forest Bailey area to a more natural fire cycle. Without All Articles by health. In addition, these activities will improve these treatments, the Bailey fire area may again safety for local residents and firefighters by become a candidate for destructive fires in 20 to by Shannon O’Brien ■ Public Affairs Specialist increasing the probability of containment of 40 years. future fires within the treated areas.

t the Tonasket Ranger District, we want overflow the banks into the meadows again. They The Return of our moist meadows to be, well, moist. drug logs, branches, and rocks to the channel and Jimmy’s Meadows, located southeast threw them in at strategic points. Over time, Aof Tonasket on National Forest lands, no longer other debris will build up naturally in the channel Jimmy’s Meadows fits the typical description of a meadow. and plants will begin to grow in the slower water Historically, Jimmy’s Meadows was a system of as it spills into the meadowland. To monitor the wetlands that received water from two intermit- effects of their work, the students set up transects, tent streams. The streams originated in the forest, established photo points and dug several small merged, flowed over meadowland, around an monitoring wells. They have already presented island of hardwoods, and into a second meadow. reports of their work to agency, community, and A small beaver pond overflowed into nearby academic audiences. Cobey Creek. The meadows were wet nearly year This year, with the continued support of the around. partners, the ranger district and Tonasket High Today, the wetland areas are gone and so are School will build a fence around the meadows to the beaver. In the early 1900s, James O’Farrel keep the cows out. Native grasses and herbs are chose the meadows to build his home. When he expected to begin reestablishing, aspen will begin wasn’t working the mines in Republic, he spent sprouting, and other hardwoods will begin time developing his homestead. One of O’Farrel’s sending up new shoots. Installing a cattleguard on first projects was to drain the meadows. Enlisting the road and developing a watering trough away the help of twelve-year old Gus Snyder, he dug a from the meadows will also help protect the area. channel to direct water away from the meadows Over the next couple of years, students will and into the natural pond. Gus, who still owns the continue working with biologists and technicians adjacent homestead, remembers working on the to help with fieldwork. They may also grow plants ditch to prepare the land for crops of winter for restoration in the school greenhouse, help wheat, and then bluegrass for cattle forage. When with fence layout, and help design an interpretive the mining industry in Republic slowed down, sign explaining their work. “The students have O’Farrel left the area to find other work, and the been a joy to work with,” commented Patti homestead eventually became part of the national Baumgardner, project coordinator. “Their enthu- forest. siasm and energy would be hard to match,” she The effects of O’Farrel’s homesteading have said. been long lasting. Without intervention, the The following Partners have contributed to the meadows would not return to their original success of the Jimmy’s Meadows Project: healthy function for a very long time. However, Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife there is a future for Jimmy’s Meadows as a wet- North Valley Family Medicine in Tonasket land. Thanks to a partnership among several entities (see list of partners), including Tonasket Washington NOVA program through the University of Washington High School, the meadows are now undergoing restoration. During her tenure at Tonasket High Okanogan County Planning Department School, science teacher Tamara Skillingstad Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife enthusiastically volunteered her classroom to 5-Star program of the National Fish and Wildlife participate in helping the ranger district restore Foundation and the Environmental Protection the meadows. She developed a portion of her Agency biology curriculum around the meadows, and Ducks Unlimited through this project, her students are learning US Fish and Wildlife Service about the interrelationships of riparian and upland systems. Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- On one particularly long field day, the students Determination Act of 2000 put debris in the old channel to help slow the Upper Columbian Regional Fish Enhancement Group 10 ■ C ASCADE LOOKOUT water flow so that the water level could rise and uckhorn Mountain, located east of the “Restoration is something most of our em- town of Chesaw on the Okanogan and ployees really enjoy,” noted Mark Morris, District Buckhorn Wenatchee National Forests has been the Ranger for Tonasket. “It’s easy for the workforce Bsite of gold mining exploration activities for many to get behind a project like this because the results Mountain years. These activities have left a network of roads are so positive,” he said. and trails crisscrossing through private, Forest Areas of disturbance are being treated in a Gets a Facelift Service, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) variety of ways including removal of structures, lands. reshaping and back filling of earth, and replanting Additional explorations were conducted during with native vegetation. In time, it won’t be the late 80s, when the Battle Mountain Gold possible to see where there were once roads or Company (now Newmont Mining Corporation) landings. “Even now there is a notable contrast conducted explorations for a proposed gold mine between those areas where restoration work was in cooperation with the Forest Service and BLM. done this fall and the places that haven’t been New access routes were built, drill pads were reclaimed yet,” Morris said. constructed and bore holes were created. Monitoring of the restoration work will con- Recently, Newmont Mining Company elected tinue over the next several years. According to to return the valuable mineral deposits to the Dick Coppock, Minerals Specialist for the original owners in order to concentrate their Tonasket Ranger District, it takes about 4 to 6 efforts on other properties. Following through on years for restored roads to blend into the rest of the original reclamation agreement in the explora- the landscape. Reclamation activities completed tion plan, the mining company began restoring on the project in 1994 indicate that the present disturbed areas in the fall of 2003. The company is restoration activities will be fully successful. working with local contractors and the Tonasket For more information about the restoration Ranger District to complete the project by the project on Buckhorn Mountain, please call Dick The exploration bore holes must be plugged with following spring. Coppock at 509-486-5124. ■ bentonite 50' above the static water level, then sand can be used to within 25' of the ground surface. This is to insure there is no water aquifer contamination with surface water. The project plugged over 750 bore holes in 2002.

orest Service Employees were polled to Fishing—While there are a number of streams find out which were their favorite spots on on the district, when asked, fishermen spoke of Great Places the Tonasket Ranger District. Here is their their preference for either Bonaparte or Lost Fresponse: Lake. Salmon Meadows was chosen as the best all- Short walk— preferences for locations to take To Visit around spot. It is a great spot for a picnic, special a short walk are as varied as the employees them- family event, or campout. Located just beyond the selves. Cumberland Mountain, Tiffany Mountain, paved #3900 Road, the large open meadow has a Virginia Lilly Trail, Summit Lake, and Corral corral, campground and even a gazebo built years Butte near 30-Mile Meadows all ranked among the ago by the Civilian Conservation Corps. favorites mentioned. Picnic—Folks partial to the eastern portion of Skiers can enjoy the beauty of 18 miles of trail the district cast their votes for a picnic in the 5- leaving from the Highlands Sno-Park. Maintained Lakes area at one of the developed campgrounds, by volunteers, this Nordic ski area is a favorite of or at a rest stop along the newly remodeled wheel locals. chair accessible Dip your toes into the cool waters of Salmon Big Tree Trail. Falls or the West Fork of the SanPoil River. Those who Salmon Falls lies west of the charming community prefer the west of Conconully.These favorites are at the far side voted for eastern and the far western portions of the dis- Salmon Mead- trict. Access to the former campground on the ows or any- west fork of the SanPoil is an easy, if bumpy, ride where along the along the #3115100 Road. ■ #3900 Toats Salmon Meadows Corral Coulee Road.

weat Creek parking area is receiving some toilets will make the area more appealing while much-needed attention. Located near the preventing sewage from seeping into the ground New Law Funds S Wauconda summit on Highway 20 east, the and contaminating the creek. And adding gravel to Sweat Creek area is popular for dispersed recre- the parking area will help prevent run off and ation and attracts everyone from bicyclists, to erosion,” Morris said. Okanogan Forest hikers, horseback riders, picnickers, and Funding for this project comes from Title II snowmobilers. The heavily used area has had a money, which is congressionally appropriated to Improvements history of repeated vandalism prompting officials benefit national forest lands in the county. The to close it to general use in the mid 1990s. It has funding results from a new law which allocates since been reopened on a restricted basis and is monies to local counties that contain large acre- currently used as a parking area for picnickers, ages of national forest lands. motorists stopping for a break, and by Title II projects are selected by a committee snowmobilers accessing the Fir Mountain area. consisting of county officials and representatives. This year Tonasket Ranger District will begin This Resource Advisory Committee, or RAC (see work to improve the facilities at Sweat Creek. An story on RAC projects on Page…..) reviews old outhouse will be replaced with new concrete proposals to determine which will receive financ- vault toilets, gravel will be spread on the parking ing. The committee recently chose to upgrade the area, barrier logs will be moved to improve Sweat Creek parking area facilities as one of their parking, and a fence will be moved away from watershed enhancement and restoration projects. Sweat Creek to help protect the stream banks “This is an excellent example of a cooperative from livestock. “These much needed improve- project between the county and the Forest Service ments will benefit visitors and help protect the which will serve the people and care for the land,” Sweat Creek parking area watershed,” said Mark Morris, District Ranger at Morris said. ■ Tonasket. “Replacing the old outhouse with vault C ASCADE LOOKOUT ■ 11 Chelan Ranger District

uring the summers of 2001 and 2002, gain in acreage that night. Residences were Human-caused over 105,000 acres of National Forest quickly evacuated. Several outbuildings, a seasonal lands burned on the Chelan Ranger residence, and one boat were destroyed. DDistrict. The Rex Creek and Union Valley fires An additional incident management team was Fires Cost burned over 60,000 acres in 2001. Last summer, ordered and structural fire fighting resources from the Deer Point and Deer Mountain fires burned across Washington were mobilized. In the days Resources, over 45,000 acres. Three of these four major fires following the 19th, the number of fire engines (all except the 55,000 acre Rex Creek fire) were assigned to the Deer Point Fire peaked at 71. Time, Money human-caused. The Deer Point fire provides a Three air tankers from Canada aided in suppres- graphic illustration of the costs of human-caused sion efforts. With many American tankers either fires. assigned to other fires or grounded because of tragic crashes on southwestern fires, the air Deer Point Fire support from Canada was much needed. Late in the evening on July 15th, an abandoned The Deer Point Fire was contained on October campfire flared to life northwest of the commu- 29th and controlled on November 8th. Efforts then nity of Chelan along the shore of Lake Chelan. shifted toward rehabilitation and restoration. A The fire, which had been constructed Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) outside of Deer Point Campground in an team was mobilized and began evaluating post-fire unimproved area, spread rapidly through needs. the tinder dry forest. Erosion control structures were placed on Flames and smoke stretched outside slopes to prevent erosion damage. The Grade of the immediate area and caught the Creek road, used heavily during the fire, was attention of a private party who immedi- resurfaced and several new culverts were added. ately reported the fire late in the evening Areas that were severely burned were seeded to of July 15th. Initial attack crews from compete with noxious weeds, provide feed for the Chelan Ranger District and Chelan wildlife, and to prevent erosion. County Fire District #7 traveled to the fire by boat, which was the only access. By the time the Deer Point Fire Throughout the night, the crews pro- was finally declared out on th tected 10 homes and seasonal residences, November 12 , it had charred Please help us protect your losing only one outbuilding to the fire. 43,400 acres. It took well over By early morning on July 16th, the fire was 1,000 people, over 17 million National Forests by adhering dollars, and almost 4 months to campfire restrictions and approximately 125 acres. High temperature, steady wind, and low humidity caused the fire to to put out a fire that never properly extinguishing your spread quickly. By 5:00 pm that same day, the fire should have started. Rehabili- campfire. had grown to 2,000 acres and a large column of tation and restoration will smoke was visible from Chelan. likely continue for several An incident command team (a special team of years, creating more costs. people trained to manage large fires) took control of the fire and set up operations at 25-Mile Fire The cost to taxpayers from the Deer Point Fire, All Articles by Camp. The incident command team was com- and others like it across the west, could have been prised of people from the Department of Natural prevented. All forest visitors must obey fire Annie Larsen Resources, the US Forest Service, and local fire regulations and restrictions and know how to Public Affairs Specialist districts. properly construct and extinguish campfires. Containment efforts continued for the next Understanding and following campfire restric- several days until sustained high winds on the tions and regulations can protect precious natural evening of July 19th pushed the fire several miles resources, prevent threat to homes, communities down lake into the area surrounding the commu- and human lives, and prevent the unnecessary nity of Manson. The fire made its largest 24-hour expense for suppression and rehabilitation. ■

Nature’s he best place for education isn’t always in she said. With a focus on exposing students to a classroom. Just ask the 5th and 6th their environment and the goal of fostering an Classroom graders who travel to Holden Village each appreciation of the outdoor world, instructors Tyear from East Wenatchee, Chelan and Manson to teach about natural processes. “Connecting with participate in a week of outdoor education. the students outside of a class period makes the The students begin their experience by travel- messages you deliver in class so much more ing by boat 40 miles up Lake Chelan to Holden effective,” Rees said. Village. A tiny community nestled in a glacial Students may learn how to build a survival valley 11 miles above Lake Chelan, Holden Village shelter, record population counts of macro is a stone’s throw from Glacier Peak Wilder- invertebrates in nearby Railroad Creek, or learn to ness. Once a large mining operation, the identify tree species. The classroom that nature village is now a retreat center and provides provides is well stocked with examples and the perfect setting for students to learn opportunities. about the natural world. Mallory Lenz, a 2002 Forest Service instructor The Holden Outdoor Education pro- from the Chelan Ranger District, was also de- gram revolves heavily around outdoor lighted to participate in the program. “I believe learning. Teachers and staff from the three that the Holden Outdoor Education experience is schools districts organize the program and a rewarding one for the children and leaves a long- enlist help from parents, community lasting impression on their lives and attitudes,” members, and the Forest Service. Forest said Lenz. The experience also leaves an impres- Service specialists from the Okanogan and sion on the instructors, too. “It’s an incredible Wenatchee National Forests teach students feeling knowing that you have awakened a student about wildlife, stream ecology, glaciation, to the outdoors,” she said. fire ecology, forestry, noxious weeds, Holden Outdoor Education is truly a unique outdoor survival and more. They help with and wonderful experience for all involved. For the skits, outdoor games, and evening programs. students, it is an experience that will likely stay Tara Rees, a 2002 Forest Service instructor with them for the rest of their lives. For the thoroughly enjoyed her experience at Holden. Forest Service, it is an opportunity to partner “There is nothing like watching a student’s eyes with the local schools and share in the education 12 ■ C ASCADE LOOKOUT light up when you make a connection with them,” of tomorrow’s citizens. ■ ach year, hundreds of people drive up the tively transferred to the Wenatchee National south shore of Lake Chelan to the end of Forest. More Than the the road at 25-Mile Creek. Most come to West of the 25-Mile Guard Station is the 25- campE at the State Park, launch their boats, or sight Mile Creek Fire Camp. This 12-acre site is one of see, and may be unaware of the history associated the few permanent fire camps in the United States End of the Road with 25-Mile Creek or the diversity of activities and is capable of providing support for over 500 associated with the end of County Road 2. firefighters. The camp was used in 1994 for the Just beyond the State Park, where the road Tyee Fire, in 1998 for the North 25-Mile terminates, is the 25-Mile Guard Station. Man- Fire, in 2001 for the Rex Creek Fire, and aged by the U.S. Forest Service, the building is in 2002 for the Deer Point Fire. The used as a bunkhouse for seasonal employees. The proximity of the Fire Camp to the site also serves as a base of operations for all district boat facilities is advantageous Forest Service boat operations on Lake Chelan during fires where boat access is needed. since a large portion of the district is accessible Nearby, a helibase provides space for only by boat. helicopter operations— necessary on a The history of the guard station dates back to district where many fires are inacces- 1908 when the Chelan National Forest was sible by road. created to manage ½ million acres in the Chelan If you are in the 25-Mile Creek area drainage and the 25-Mile Guard Station became and want to camp or hike, you will not the headquarters for one of the Forest’s district be disappointed! Camping is available at rangers. The guard station, built by the Civilian the Snowberry Bowl, Grouse Mountain, Conservation Corps, has been added on to several Grouse Mountain Springs, and Junior times since its original construction, but still Point campgrounds (located above 25- Mile Creek Guard Station along the Shady Pass Road). The view from Junior 25-Mile Guard Station and boat dock 25-Mile CCC Camp Point is spectacular. Once the site of a Forest Service lookout, Junior Point provides clear views of the 1998 North 25-Mile Fire. The Pot Peak, Did You Know... North 25-Mile Creek, and Stormy Mountain trails are also located in the area. The Chickamin Glacier is Whether you are a history buff, have an interest the largest glacier east of in fire, or are looking for a view or a hike, 25-Mile the Pacific Crest in the Creek is much more than just the end of the road. continental U.S. NOTE: CCC construction of Forest Service The distance from the top of facilities was common on the Okanogan and Pyramid Peak to the bottom Wenatchee National Forests. On the Chelan of the Lucerne Basin of Lake remains an example of the rustic construction of Ranger District other CCC buildings include Chelan is 8631 feet deep— Forest Service buildings typical of the CCC era. Lucerne Guard Station, Holden Guard Station, the deepest gorge in the U.S. In 1955, the Chelan National Forest was renamed Chelan Butte Lookout (now located at the Co- the Okanogan National Forest and the Chelan lumbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center outside of Lake Chelan is 1486 feet Ranger District of that Forest was administra- Entiat), and the Chelan Ranger Station. ■ deep—the third deepest lake in the U.S.

ike, Bike, or Ski at Echo Ridge— area throughout the summer. ORVs - from Originally developed as a winter Chelan, drive to the South Navarre or Safety recreation site, Echo Ridge has quickly Harbor trailheads (via the Grade Greek or Cooper becomeH a year-round recreation destination. Mountain roads). Hikers- from Chelan, drive to Scenic views, diverse trails, and easy access have the Summer Blossom trailhead (via the Grade made Echo Ridge one of the most popular places Creek or Cooper Mountain roads). on the district. From Chelan, take Highway 150 for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Boyd Road and Fish Domke Lake—Domke Lake trail is a 1.5- follow the signs to the ski area. Travel time is hour hike that leads to great fishing! Campsites approximately 30 minutes. and boat rental facilities are located at the lake. Viewpoints along the trail provide spectacular views of Lake Chelan. From Chelan, take the Lady of the Lake or private boat up the lake to Lucerne. Hike along Railroad Creek Road east for a quarter mile to the Domke Lake trailhead.

Day Hike from Holden—The Holden area is Great Places a remote portion of the Chelan Ranger District surrounded by the Glacier Peak Wilderness. To Visit Numerous day hikes can be taken from Holden, including trips to Holden Lake, Copper Creek, and Railroad Creek. We recommend the Holden Lake day hike. Holden Lake is a mountain cirque located high in a glacial valley. From Chelan, take the Lady of the Lake or private boat up the lake to Hike the Lakeshore Trail—This trail follows Lucerne. Either hike or take the bus (contact the the shore of Lake Chelan and runs from Prince Ranger District for additional information) to Creek to Stehekin. Popular during the spring and Holden Village. Forest Service campsites are fall, this trail is a great way to see Lake Chelan. available near Holden. From Chelan, take the Lady of the Lake or private boat up the lake to Prince Creek. The trailhead is Ice-climb the Ptarmigan Traverse—For marked. technical mountaineers only—This route travels over a series of high mountain passes and glaciers. See the Sawtooth backcountry— This is The Ptarmigan Traverse is unique and beautiful the only subalpine area with lakes in Washington but is a technically demanding route. Please State that allows motorized use. Hike, mountain contact the Chelan Ranger District for additional bike, or motorcycle this scenic area. An ORV access information. ■ Education and Enforcement Ranger patrols this C ASCADE LOOKOUT ■ 13 Cle Elum Ranger District

unked cars, household appliances, piles of to North Bend from Texas ten years ago. To Friends Remove garbage…it’s an epidemic on the Cle Elum accomplish this, Holden recruits volunteers and Ranger District. Cleaning up the mess has community service workers, while Tania Holden Jcreated a perplexing problem and a terrible searches for grants from various agencies, includ- Junk from Forest drain on the district budget. That is until Wade ing Earth Share of Washington. Holden and Friends of the Trail came to the Holden coordinates the field work and arranges by Catherine Stephenson rescue. recycling options to avoid land filling the large District Ranger Holden and his wife, Tania, have been cleaning quantity of appliances, scrap metal and tires that up monumental messes on the west side of the are common at illegal dumps. He even uses Cascades since 1995. They formed the non-profit helicopter support from the Army Reserve on foundation, Friends of the Trail, in 1996. With occasion to lift large items from hard-to-reach Holden’s self-proclaimed “sixth sense places. for garbage,” the organization annually Dumping is a serious problem. Garbage is a hauls over 50 tons of trash off public potential hazard to people and wildlife, and can lands. And that was before they added affect the health and quality of surrounding the Cle Elum Ranger District to their natural resources. It is also a terrible eyesore. appointed rounds! Littering or dumping on national forest and other In 2001 Holden, using his specially public lands is a crime and may result in a fine. rigged truck, removed 18 junked Those responsible for littering may be required to vehicles from national forest lands on pay for cleanup and disposal of the garbage or be the east side of Snoqualmie Pass. required to clean up and properly dispose of the Funding for that project came from mess themselves. If you should catch someone Kittitas County via a Community dumping, report it immediately to the local Litter Clean Up grant from the Wash- Sheriff’s office or to Cle Elum Ranger District. ington Department of Ecology. This Anyone with information on abandoned year Holden, armed with a $28,000 vehicles or dumpsites on the Cle Elum Ranger grant from the National Forest Founda- District, should notify the Ranger Station. Tania tion, is back to work on the Cle Elum and Wade Holden and Friends of the Trail can be Over 50 tons of illegally dumped material Ranger District on a regular basis. contacted at [email protected] or by are removed from public lands each year The Holdens have been responsible for remov- phone at (425) 831-5486. Their web site can be by Friends of the Trail. ing millions of pounds of illegally dumped mate- viewed at www.friendsofthetrail.org ■ rial from Washington’s public lands since moving

Cathedral Pass - Deception Pass Loop Hike— Guard Station, veer right, up hill on Forest Road Great Places Easy day trip or short overnight: Trail #1376. The #4330. Follow #4330, 11 miles to the Deception 2-mile trail follows the valley floor through Pass trailhead. Cathedral Pass trailhead is 100 to Visit meadows, old growth forest, and crosses several yards before the end of the road. A Northwest creeks before coming to Hyas Lake. It is perfect Forest Pass is required. Access to the trailhead is by Nancy Jones for first time hikers, families with young children, possible early June through late October. Early Information Assistant and anyone who wants a leisurely walk in the season visitors will need a high clearance vehicle, forest. The trail continues another 1½ mile along due to high water at the Scatter Creek Ford. the lakeshore to a point past Upper Hyas Lake, where it climbs to Deception Pass. Turn back at anytime or take advan- tage of the numerous campsites along the lake and spend the night. More Strenuous, short hike: Trail #1345 takes you to Cathe- dral Pass. The trail crosses the Cle Elum River, and climbs through a series of switchbacks for the first 1¾ mile. After 1400 feet of elevation gain and 2½ miles, you will reach Squaw Lake. Cooper Lake—This peaceful mountain lake is a Relax, have lunch, then head back great getaway, especially if you have a canoe. The to the car, or pitch your tent and 120- acre, non-motorized lake offers an alpine lake Mt. Daniel and Hyas Lake spend the night. Or, push on another 1½ mile to experience that you can drive to. Camp at the Photos: Steve Jones Cathedral Pass and spectacular views of Cathedral walk-in, tent only Owhi Campground. Go for a Rock, Mt. Daniel, Deep Lake and the surrounding late afternoon or evening paddle. Don’t forget the mountains and valleys. rod and reel; brookies and rainbow share the One or two night trip: start on either trail waters with an occasional kokanee. Two trails described above and tie them together by follow- depart near the campground. The Cooper River ing the Pacific Crest Trail #2000. This trip is best Trail is a 4-mile meander through old growth; done in late summer or fall, as the Mt. Daniel ford open to hikers, horseback riders and mountain located on trail #2000, between Deception and bikers. The Pete Lake trail is rated as easy and Cathedral Passes can be treacherous during spring gains only 300 feet in 4.4 miles as it winds up- run off. Campsites are limited near Squaw Lake, stream from Cooper Lake. However, there are Cathedral Pass, and Deception Pass yet plentiful at several small creek crossings, which could be Hyas Lake. Peggy’s Pond, a ¾ mile side trip from intimidating during spring run-off. The trail is Cathedral Pass on trail # 1375, offers a few addi- open to hiker and horse use. From I-90 take exit tional campsites, and is a popular base camp for 80. Travel North on Bullfrog Road 3 miles to climbing Mt Daniel. Total length of the loop trip Highway 903. Turn left on 903; continue 16 miles is 14 ½ miles. Allow two nights. Note: Peggy’s to Forest Road #46. Turn left on #46, go approxi- Pond trail is primitive and hard to find in places - mately 5 miles and turn right on Forest Road footing can be tricky. From I-90, take exit 80, #4616; the campground and boat ramp are ¾ mile travel North on Bullfrog Road 3 miles to Highway on the left. Owhi Campground has 22 walk-in 903.Turn left on 903 and continue 17 miles to sites, each site with a fire pit and table. There are 14 ■ C ASCADE LOOKOUT Salmon la Sac. Just past the historic Salmon la Sac vault toilets but no potable water. The fee is $8. ■ ave you ever arrived at your favorite Vehicles can compact the soils, causing water to camping spot, eagerly anticipating the run across the top of the land and into the stream, Respect the River pristine setting and quiet solitude, bringing dirt and contaminants with it. Some Honly to find it buried in someone else’s trash and campers provide plenty of contaminants by missing a few trees? Have you been frustrated to leaving behind litter and human waste. Campers Campsite Stewards see other campers driving through the creek or also remove wood from the riparian zone to burn improperly disposing of their waste? in campfires instead of leaving it to wash into Make A Difference Do you want to learn more about river ecosys- streams for fish habitat or to decompose and tems, and help to protect and restore them? As a provide nutrients for the soil. by Rebecca D.G. Wassell Respect the River Campsite Steward, you can help The volunteer Campsite Steward Program is Fisheries Biologist restore dispersed camping areas along your designed to instill a feeling of stewardship for the favorite streams and rivers on the Cle Elum land and water of National Forest lands. By Ranger District. designating stewards for dispersed camping areas and increasing Forest Service presence, resource damage can be reduced or even prevented. Volunteer campsite stewards begin their service with an on-site workday, during which they clean up trash, transplant vegetation, and learn about stream ecosystems. All volunteers interested in a particular site work together on the same day in order to get to know their restoration team. At the end of the day, available weekends will be divided among the volunteers who may sign up for as many or as few weekends as they like. During their assigned weekends, volunteers will camp at or near the restored site, and will water new plantings, pick up trash, talk to campers, and report violations. Campsite steward Elaine Bobovski picks up trash Volunteers can be sure that their efforts will along the Cle Elum River. Photo: Bill Bobovski help the Respect the River program by helping to protect streams and rivers of the national forest. Campsites along flowing water are often very And they will also gain the added satisfaction of appealing. They offer refuge from the heat, an helping to make their favorite camping spot accessible water supply, and a beautiful view. cleaner, greener, and healthier. Unfortunately, the land next to a river, known as If you would like participate, call: (509) 674- the riparian zone, is very vulnerable to harm from 4411 ext. 254. ■ overuse.

he busy Interstate-90 corridor through Easton and mile-square parcels in the Manastash Washington State is popular with hikers, Roadless Area, along Jim Creek, and on the North Land Purchases mountain bikers, snowmobilers, and a and South Forks of Taneum Creek. dizzyingT variety of other recreationists. It is also Besides providing vital habitat for fish and Leave Lasting critical wildlife habitat. wildlife, these acquisitions will be enjoyed by The I-90 corridor bisects the narrowest section generations of hikers, campers, snowmobilers and Legacy of the Cascade Mountain range from Canada to others who almost certainly would have seen the California. Within this 40-mile stretch is a check- closure of popular roads and trails with private erboard of land ownership, much of it privately land development. This is a lasting legacy for by Floyd Rogalski owned. During Lincoln’s presidency, every other residents of Central Washington and the burgeon- Natural Resources Planner square mile of land was deeded to the railroads as ing population of the entire Pacific Northwest. an incentive to open the west. The Partnership plans to continue raising funds Bringing these “Cascades checkerboard lands” and preserving land until 2004. They can be into unbroken public ownership has been a reached at 206-675-9747, 509-933-4842, or at longstanding dream of conservationists and land www.cascadespartners.org ■ managers. A land swap in 1998 consolidated 66,000 acres – an impressive achievement – but left much of the checkerboard untouched. This was the impetus behind the Cascades Conserva- tion Partnership. The ambitious campaign seeks to purchase and protect more than 75,000 acres of private forests between the Alpine Lakes Wilder- ness area and Mt. Rainier National Park. Most of these lands are within the Cle Elum Ranger District. The Partnership is a unique coalition of tradi- tional allies and adversaries. It includes the U.S. Forest Service, private timber companies like the Plum Creek Timber Company, and conservation organizations like the Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, and Alpine Lakes Protection Society (ALPS). Also affiliated are recreational organiza- tions like the Mountaineers, the Pacific NW 4x4 Association, and the Backcountry Horsemen. Since its launch in 2000, over 16,000 supporters have donated $15 million to the Partnership’s efforts. Federal programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund have contributed another $36 million. To date over 20,000 acres have been Yakima River near Lake Keechelus purchased with the vast majority becoming part of the Wenatchee National Forest. On the Cle Elum Ranger District, these new public lands include 1,750 acres along the Yakima River near C ASCADE LOOKOUT ■ 15 Entiat Ranger District

o-called ‘water wars’ have wrought hostil- planning and enhancement for an entire watershed Got Water? ity and economic distress to communities across all jurisdictions, turning a call to battle into Compiled by Barbara Kenady-Fish throughout the West. In the Entiat River a call to action that can’t be beat. The EWPU has Public Affairs Specialist Swatershed in eastern Washington State, however, earned praise from Governor Gary Locke, State discontent and tension over water rights and Senator Linda Evans Parlette, and the Director of Excerpts from Chelan Co. fisheries protection have led in an unexpected the Washington Department of Ecology, Tom Conservation District newsletter, direction. Fitzsimmons. & U.S. Forest Service Spirit Award Faced with potential orders from outside The Planning Unit’s continued efforts have also agencies to protect salmon runs, the town of earned them a national “Spirit Award” from the Entiat decided to prepare itself for the future by USDA Forest Service’s Rural Community Assis- initiating its own planning effort. In 1993, the tance program. The award recognizes the group’s Chelan County Conservation District met with “…outstanding accomplishments and the vision the Entiat Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Forest to mobilize and energize a diverse community to Service, and Natural improve relationships and develop collaborative Resource Conservation fish and riparian projects that benefit people, fish, Service officials to gain communities, and the Entiat Watershed in Wash- support for an Entiat ington State.” During the October 16th EWPU watershed planning meeting, the Okanogan and Wenatchee National effort. Forest Acting Forest Supervisor presented mem- That winter, a small bers of the group with certificates of achievement group of local land- signed by U.S.D.A. Forest Service Chief Dale owners and representa- Bosworth. The EWPU also received a $5,000.00 tives of county, state, cash award to help support its ongoing watershed and federal agencies planning activities. outlined a process, After 10 years of planning, organizing and hard identified stakeholders, work the end is now in site. “This upcoming 6 and crafted a prelimi- month period is like the last 6 miles of the mara- nary mission statement thon,” said Sarah Walker of the Chelan County and goals. Operating on Conservation District. “We’re still in the thick of donated time and things and making good progress. By July of 2003, effort, the group we will have conducted the third of five work- eventually evolved into shops to make instream flow recommendations. the Entiat Watershed We’ve been doing these workshops since before Entiat District Ranger, Karin Whitehall and Phil Jones, Planning Unit (EWPU) January 2002 so we’re anxious to get these behind Entiat Watershed Planning Unit Team coordinator, accept and would take on the tasks of addressing water us,” Sarah added. the national Spirit Award on behalf of the Team. Photo by Rich Uhlhorn, Lake Chelan Mirror quality, water quantity, and stream flow. The final draft review will be ready by the fall Soon, the new organization widened its range of 2003, a goal the Planning Unit has been push- of stakeholders to include orchardists, loggers, ing for a long time. The work will continue as the ranchers, retirees, tribal representatives, and Planning Unit develops recommendations for environmental interests. future watershed use, using all the data that has Their beginning was rocky as the group worked been collected throughout the past several years. out its relationship and operational bugs. But The next step is for the plan to be adopted by the with persistence and courage, they sponsored county commissioners. workshops and stream restoration projects. In Finally, in Phase IV, the watershed plan will August 2002, the draft version of the Management actually be implemented and an agency appointed Plan for the Entiat Water Resource Inventory Area to accomplish the work. The Conservation was available for public review and comment. The District will continue to apply for grants and plan, which uses science to address social, eco- leverage for support to keep this program alive. nomic, and environmental issues, including To receive a copy of the Draft WRIA 46 Plan, salmon protection, was the first of its kind to be or be added to the EWPU mailing list, please released in Washington State. contact Sarah M. Walker at the Chelan County Thanks to an indomitable community spirit, Conservation District via phone, 509-664-0271, the Entiat Watershed Planning Unit is doing or email [email protected]. ■ ground breaking, collaborative fish and riparian

ver the last 10 years, the Entiat Ranger District has Obeen collecting water quality information for the Entiat and Mad Rivers, such as amount of fine sediments, and water temperatures. The Entiat Watershed Planning Unit has incorporated this data in their study of the two rivers and will use the information as a basis to analyze and interpret whether their goals and objectives are being met. The Entiat Ranger District and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also conduct annual Steelhead, Chinook, and bull trout spawning ground surveys.

Fish biologists Phil Archibald and Emily Johnson take a core sampling of the Entiat River bed to determine the percentage of fine sediments. Too high a count of fine sediments can suffocate the eggs of spawning Chinook salmon, Steelhead and bull trout.

16 ■ C ASCADE LOOKOUT ird Walk at Columbia Breaks Fire Entiat Valley Auto Tour—An auto tour up Interpretive Center—The Columbia the Entiat Valley traverses a wide variety of Great Places Breaks Fire Interpretive Center (CBFIC) habitats and land uses. Beginning in the dry, siteB is located on the north edge of the town of shrub steppe environment near Entiat River’s to Visit Entiat. It encompasses 17 acres of sagebrush, pine confluence with the Columbia River, the valley and rock outcrops that provide excellent birding road passes through orchards, dry pine forests, by Tom Graham habitat. Explore the site by taking a self-guided, rocky gorges near the Wenatchee National Forest Recreation Program Manager 1.5 mile trail with views of two historic fire boundary (mile 26), mature fir and cedar forests, lookout towers and the Columbia River valley. and up into the lodgepole pine forests near the North Central Washington Audubon Society has end of the road at Cottonwood Campground been compiling a bird list at the site since 1999. (mile 38). Travelers can read information regarding Nearly 60 species of birds have been observed or valley history and view maps along the way at heard at this location and monthly counts have three roadside kiosks. The valley entrance kiosk been as high as 28 species in May. The number provides general information and maps, and is and variety of birds you can expect to see will vary located adjacent to the river at approximately mile with the season, time of day, weather, and your 1. The next kiosk, located next to Coopers’s Store birding skill and patience. Printed bird lists are in Ardenvoir (mile 11), details some valley history available on site near the entrance sign. about logging, saw milling, and grazing. The third kiosk at Preston Creek (mile 24) documents Wildflower walks on the Lower Mad events surrounding the 1970’s fires that burned River Trail—The Lower Mad River Trail #1409 nearly 100,000 acres. is accessible from Pine Flats Campground is Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center located 5 miles northwest of Cooper’s store in Sugarloaf Lookout Auto Tour—Sugarloaf Ardenvoir. This low elevation trail is typically is the only lookout post on the Entiat Ranger accessible by mid April. Depending on weather District that is still staffed annually throughout and moisture, a wide variety of flowering plants the fire season. Its ridge top location provides fire can be observed including lupine, rock rose, detection for a large portion of Entiat, arrow-leafed balsam root, spring beauties, yellow Leavenworth, and Lake Wenatchee Ranger Dis- bells, and lark spur, to name a few. The hike also tricts. Sugarloaf was once surrounded by high offers birding opportunities, views of the nearby elevation forests of lodgepole pine and gnarled steep canyon walls, and the cool misty roar of the sub-alpine fir forest, but the 1994 Tyee Fire made Mad River. a drastic change to the area. During that event, all of the adjacent forest burned in an intense fire Silver Falls Riverside Interpretive Trail— with flame lengths of over 100 feet. All of the The Riverside Interpretive Trail is accessible from adjacent buildings were destroyed but the lookout the down valley end of the lower Silver Falls building itself survived. A kiosk at the site pro- Campground Loop. This 1.5-mile barrier free trail vides information about the fire as well as photo- follows the banks of the Entiat River through a graphs depicting the changes in forest vegetation. stand of mature forest habitat of fir, cedar, and Sugarloaf lookout can be accessed via automobile pines. The trail features level asphalt and smooth from Leavenworth by traveling up the Chumstick gravel paths, 25 interpretive signs, wooden board- Valley to Eagle Creek Road, then to French walk sections, and two river viewing platforms. Corrals; or from Ardenvoir in the Entiat Valley up The interpretive signs provide information on the Mad River and Tillicum Creek Roads to forest wildlife, and river ecology. Free parking and French Corrals. Maps are available at both Entiat a barrier free toilet are available at the trailhead. and Leavenworth Ranger Stations. ■ Sugarloaf Lookout

few years ago a forestry professor at the would be treated with prescribed fire and me- University of Washington compared chanical fuels treatments that will make fire more Portfolio forests to financial assets. Dr. Chad controllable, will maintain rapid tree growth, and AOliver suggested that it would be wise to diversify will ensure tree survival should a fire occur. Diversification forest assets in order to provide an array of Northerly aspects would be mostly mechanically benefits to buffer against changes over time - an thinned in order to maintain rapid tree growth intriguing analogy that employees from the Entiat and create conditions that retard the spread of in the Forest? Ranger District are taking seriously. wildfire. by Matt Dahlgreen It is widely known and accepted that a hundred This relatively new approach has few analytical Forester years of certain management practices on public tools for applying it. Dr. Paul Hessburg, a scien- lands have created forests that are susceptible to tist at the Wenatchee Forest Sciences Lab, is disease, insect infestations, and high intensity, developing landscape analysis methods to help large fires. Grazing, logging, and fire exclusion quantify landscape patterns and their ecological have all contributed to these changes. effects. This kind of research will help identify In a proposed project that aims to restore better strategies for managing forest landscapes. ecosystem structure and composition of fire- It is expected that within 15 to 30 years, the affected areas, the Entiat Ranger District plans to forests of Preston-Fox will have become a more apply a variety of management strategies in the diverse and sustainable patchwork of different tree Entiat Valley from Preston Creek to Fox Creek. species and different aged trees, growing both These strategies will mimic natural disturbances widely spaced and in clumps. There will still be with the overall goals of reducing fire hazard, and mistletoe infestations, diseases, and insects but creating long-term healthy forests that are more their spread will be slowed or halted by openings naturally balanced. in the tree canopy or by the spacing between Fire, insects, and diseases are valuable and individual trees. Disturbances will continue to unavoidable disturbances of a forest ecosystem. occur both naturally and with human intervention Entiat Valley showing the Preston-Fox restoration area. Creating a landscape pattern that sustains these to create natural barriers to insects, disease, and processes with socially acceptable effects is a fire, while maintaining habitat for plant and difficult but critical task. animal species diversity. Recognizing that healthy forests are a diverse Most of us who live near national forests would patchwork of ecosystems, the objectives of the agree that water, soil, wildlife, wood, recreational Preston-Fox project are to begin returning the and community opportunities, and genetic project area to a more naturally functioning resources are just a few of the “assets” they ecosystem by using the right combination of provide. A healthy arrangement of forest struc- mechanical treatments in the most appropriate tures can be viewed as the investment instruments place. For example, some areas are susceptible to for those assets. A responsible “investment fire disturbance, like south facing slopes, while approach” could ensure our heirs a rich forest others are more resistant to fires, like the moister legacy. ■ north facing slopes. Large southerly facing slopes C ASCADE LOOKOUT ■ 17 Lake Wenatchee Ranger District

“A Nice Condiment to a Meal Another highlight for visitors to Lake Lake Wenatchee of the Great Outdoors!” Wenatchee is the Saturday morning program when hat is how one visitor at Lake Wenatchee Smokey Bear and his firefighter friends teach Interpretive responded when asked if interpretive about fire prevention and campfire safety. Kids programs are an important part of their can spray water camping experience. Others commented: from a real fire Program “ItT brings us together as a family and enriches our hose, take family memories…Camping and learning is a great pictures with by Terri Halstead combination…We like to learn something unique Smokey, get an Information Assistant about an area we visit… The kids love the pro- up-close look at grams and we all learn something.” fire engines, and If these programs are important to you, then take home a they are important to us. That is why the U.S. Smokey Bear Forest Service, Washington State Parks, and the “goody bag.” Northwest Interpre- Celebrate tive Association are Smokey’s pleased to offer birthday on another season of August 9th this summer interpretive year, complete programs at the Lake with cupcakes and visits from Smokey’s animal Wenatchee State Park friends. It is an event for all ages. Amphitheater. You The Smokey Bear programs begin at 11:00 am. can join us every (wildfires and weather permitting), and the Saturday during July evening programs start at 8:00 pm. every Saturday and August for fun in July and August. The programs usually last and informative about an hour. Admission is by a $1.00 suggested campfire programs donation. Washington State Parks will waive the designed for all ages. new $5.00 day-use parking fee for visitors parked The view from Lake Wenatchee State Park The programs are presented in a 300-seat while attending these programs. outdoor amphitheater at Lake Wenatchee State Come and enjoy the entire day at the Lake Park, located on the edge of beautiful Lake Wenatchee State Park with hiking, horseback Wenatchee. This summer, we are presenting a riding, picnicking, or swimming at the beach. variety of evening programs relating to the history Bring along a blanket and a jacket for those chilly of the Forest Service, Native Americans, the Great nights - and mosquito repellent, just in case! Northern Railroad, and the local area. The sched- From Highway 2, drive 3½ miles north on High- ule changes each year, so contact the Lake way 207. Turn left on Cedar Brae Road and follow Wenatchee Ranger District at (509) 763-3103 for to the South Lake Wenatchee State Park. this year’s line up. …Now, could you please pass the ketchup? ■

Glacier View Campground—Located on the Lower Chiwawa Mountain Bike Trail Great Places southwest shore of Lake Wenatchee this camp- #1548— Rated as an easy mountain bike ride this ground is operated under concession with Thou- trail is also open to hikers, stock, and motorcycles. to Visit sand Trails. There are twenty-three units (16 of The trail is 10 miles one-way with a 400 foot these are walk-in sites on the lakeshore) with fire elevation gain and is generally open from June- by Terri Halstead rings and picnic tables. Other amenities include October. A Northwest Forest Pass required for Information Assistant potable spring water, vault toilets, garbage service, parking at the trailhead. From Hwy #2, go 5 miles rustic boat launch (15' maximum), a ½ mile hiking north on Hwy #207. Turn right on Chiwawa Loop trail to Hidden Lake, and a 1½ mile shoreline trail. Road. Go 1½ miles and turn left on Chiwawa Fee is $10 per night and extra vehicles are $9. The Valley Road #6200. Go 10 miles to Forest Road campground is open May – October. From Hwy #6210. Go ½ mile to trailhead parking. #2, go 3½ miles north on Hwy #207, turn left on Cedar Brae Road. Continue on Cedar Brae for 5 Buck Creek Equestrian Trail #1513—This miles (last 2 miles are gravel). This campground is heavily used trail is open to hikers and stock. It is usually full Friday and Saturday nights in July and 9.5 miles one-way to Buck Creek Pass with a 3200 August. Non-reservable. foot elevation gain. Camping at Buck Creek Pass with horses at Buck Creek Pass is permitted only Phelps Creek in the designated horse camp. A Northwest Forest Wilderness Trail Pass required for parking at trailhead. From Hwy #1511—This heavily #2, go 5 miles north on Hwy #207. Turn right on used trail is in the Chiwawa Loop Road. Go 1½ miles and turn left Glacier Peak Wilder- on Chiwawa Valley Road #6200. Go 23 miles to ness and is open to trailhead parking at road end. hikers and stock. Following a gentle White River Falls—This is a punchbowl- grade along Phelps type waterfall with a 60 to 100-foot falls. At White Creek, the trail River Falls Campground, adults can climb on provides access to the larger boulders views of the falls, but should be popular Spider extremely careful! The rocks are slippery from the Meadows area, spray of the falls. A Northwest Forest Pass re- approximately ½ mile quired for parking at trailhead. From Hwy #2, go from the trailhead. A 10 miles north on Hwy #207 to White River Road Northwest Forest #6400. Go 9 miles to trailhead at end of road. Pass is required for Cross footbridge over White River and hike Trail parking at the #1522 downstream for 1 mile. ■ Spider Meadow trailhead. From Hwy #2, go 5 miles north on Hwy #207. Turn right on Chiwawa Loop Road. Go 1½ miles and turn left on Chiwawa Valley Road #6200. Go 22 miles, turn 18 ■ C ASCADE LOOKOUT right on Forest Road #6211 to trailhead parking. any species of animals and plants are amount of large woody debris available to the benefiting from a collaborative effort river, causing erosion along the banks. This is White River among State, Federal, County, and slowly decreasing the quality and complexity of privateM landowners to protect and restore natural the river habitat. processes in the White River Watershed. The State and County governments are working Watershed - White River is one of two rivers that feed Lake directly with individual landowners to preserve Wenatchee, the headwaters of the Wenatchee River. and protect valuable floodplain and wetland A Priority For habitats on private property while the Forest Service is taking action on national forest lands. Protection & During the summer of 2002, the first steps were taken to restore the wetlands and floodplain. The Oxbow Rehabilitation Project removed 3/4 miles Restoration of old road that cut through three oxbow side by Cindy Raekes channels of the White River. The road, originally Fisheries Technician built on layers of fill material to elevate it above the floodplain, acted as a barrier to the natural ebb and flow of the river. The local beaver population took advantage of this manmade barrier and dammed up the road culverts to completely stop water flow. This activity virtually eliminated all remaining fish access to the oxbows. Restoration work removed the road fill and culverts from the floodplain, reconnecting the oxbow channels to the White River. The remain- ing old road was broken up and local native vegetation was reintroduced. Aerial view of White River Valley and Lake Wenatchee Restoring oxbow connectivity will improve floodplain function by allowing high stream flows The White River is one of the highest conser- to spread across the floodplain, reducing the vation priorities in the state of Washington stream’s energy and enriching wetland habitats. Before. One of three oxbow channels because it is one of only two remaining lake/river Aquatic species will benefit from the restoration disconnected from the White River by systems in the Columbia River basin that still by regaining access to important off-channel road fill and an undersized culvert support a healthy run of sockeye salmon. The habitat where fish seek refuge during catastrophic (dark spot below green vehicle). White River system accounts for nearly half of the events and where slow, quiet waters provide sockeye salmon production for the entire Colum- rearing habitat for young fish that emerge from bia River basin. The river also provides important their gravel nests. spawning and rearing habitat for endangered Funding for the project was provided by the spring Chinook salmon, endangered summer State Salmon Recovery Funding Board, and steelhead, and threatened bull trout. through Chelan County Title II monies. Title II The upland habitats, primarily evergreen funds are congressionally appropriated Federal forests and wet meadows, provide habitat for dollars that are allocated to counties with large waterfowl, migratory songbirds, mule deer, bear, acreages of national forest land. Funds are intended beaver, and amphibians. The river corridor areas to create additional employment opportunities are especially important for wildlife and provide through a variety of projects including enhancing benefits to stream systems such as shade to forest ecosystems, and improving land health and moderate temperatures, areas to filter fine sedi- water quality to benefit wildlife and fish. ment, and woody debris that provide resting, The Lake Wenatchee and Leavenworth Ranger feeding, and hiding areas for fish. Districts continue to work with partners and The White River’s upland and river habitats are landowners to develop interpretive materials After. A view of the same oxbow channel with in relatively good condition, but there are con- about the wetlands, forest, and riparian habitats in the road fill and culvert removed. The river and aquatic species now have unrestricted access to cerns about the future. Roads prevent the river the White River. This valuable collaboration has the floodplain and critical off-channel habitat. from accessing its floodplain and historic land protected, and will continue to protect the integ- clearing in the valley bottom has reduced the rity of this magnificent watershed. ■

t was time…a solution was needed and it was almost as if the river itself was trying to Rainy Creek cleanse the remnants of human use from its Ishores. Twice during the past decade, the River- side Campground’s entire facilities were destroyed Campground – during flooding. Even though it was a beloved site, the camp- A Great Place ground was unsanitary, unsightly, and a threat to local populations of fish, wildlife and plants. to Camp Heavy summertime use regularly created an overwhelming amount of garbage, broken glass, by Susan Peterson human waste, and toilet paper left behind by Public Affairs Specialist campers. This made it extremely expensive to maintain and to provide for vehicle access, not to mention the problems of maintaining adequate sanitary and safety facilities. In 2002, Rainy Creek Campground was built as an alternative to Riverside. The new campground is located nearby on FS Road #6701. Today, visitors enjoy the amenities and privacy of this new campground, which includes ten designated camping sites, improved parking facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, interpretive signing, a vault toilet, and a trail system. There is an additional area designated for future development. Riverside remains open as a dispersed site and is available for day use and some walk-in camping, but is closed to vehicles. And, the river is clean again. ■ C ASCADE LOOKOUT ■ 19 Leavenworth Ranger District

he Lake Wenatchee & Leavenworth and its junction with Peshastin Creek, and then A Beach of Ranger Districts abound in mineral carried out enough samples to substantiate his wealth. The Blewett Mining District is claim. Gold Nuggets locatedT approximately in the center of the state Captain Ingalls confided in his friend, John with Highway 97 running right through the heart Hansel, a settler on Peshastin Creek, about the of the district. Most of the historic mining activ- gold and map. The pair made plans to prospect —A Mysterious Story ity occurred along Peshastin Creek and its tribu- the area in search of the gold. Meanwhile, the taries from Blewett Pass to the mouth of Ingalls story goes, the great earthquake of 1872 struck. Creek. The quake was of such magnitude that rocks filled Mining stories are numerous here on the the Columbia River, temporarily damming the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains. One of river outside the city of Entiat at Ribbon Cliffs. the most interesting is about a man known as Ingalls realized the quake had undoubtedly Captain Ben Ingalls, reportedly an changed the landscape of the lakes, and with his officer in the U.S. Calvary. The story friend and other companions, set off to find his goes that Capt. Ingalls was in the Mt. treasure. Unfortunately, in the early part of this Stuart area to subdue hostile natives trip, the ill-fated Captain was accidentally shot who reportedly attacked several and died. miners. The Captain somehow Hansel began searching alone, never finding became separated from his troops and the map or the three mysterious lakes. And while while riding along a ridge, he saw numerous others have tried to find this particular three small lakes rimmed by sheer treasure, gold was discovered in 1873 along rock walls. Ingalls Creek and the Blewett Pass area and the With night approaching, he headed rush was on. toward the lakes to make camp. The No doubt the mountains do hide many trea- only approach was by a gentle slope sures. Mining is still very active in this area, leading to the center of a crescent pursued by men and women who expect to find shaped lake. The lake bottom was gold in the next pan or shovelful. Please be formed of serpentine talc, giving the respectful of claims and historic remnants that water a deep green color, very differ- you may find. ent from the other lakes. Arriving on If you are interested if more mining or geologic Mining town of Blewett, circa 1890 the shore of this beautiful lake, Ingalls found the history, both the Lake Wenatchee & Leavenworth beach of quartz stone was studded with gold Ranger District offices carry interesting books on nuggets. the natural history in this area. And, check out The Captain remained long enough to collect some of the great hiking trails too. Who knows, ore samples and sketch a map of the location. For you just might find a green lake with a beach security, he hid the map somewhere near the littered in gold nuggets! ■ Three Articles by Susan Peterson mouth of a creek that would later bear his name Public Affairs Specialist

ny of us who survived our teenage years The Power of or lived with a teenager know that this is a special kind of person. Teens are oftenA characterized as moody, rebellious, lazy, a Teenager clumsy, or with other uncomplementary words. However, local high school students from Cashmere and Leavenworth enrolled in the 4-H Forestry Education program are living proof of how the positive and energetic potential of teens. The program these teens enrolled in was part of WSU’s Chelan County Coopera- together as a team, and learn proper tool and tive Extension Office. A five- outdoor etiquette. These new skills were tested year, $700,000 federal grant almost immediately by construction of a foot trail through the “Secure Rural along the Little Wenatchee River for the new Schools and Community Self- Rainy Creek Campground. Determination Act” provided the Next, the students were split into three crews means for this group to learn and rotated through weeklong projects that about the relationships between included inventory and GPS mapping of recre- healthy forests and healthy ation sites along the Chiwawa River, recording communities. The best part was recreation and river impacts, and survey of the program allowed them to wildlife habitat. A highlight of the summer was a work and study in the very four-day back packing trip into the Alpine Lakes mountains that surround their Wilderness area where they learned “No Trace” homes and community. camping. For this first year, twenty- And what was the end-result? Work was three teenagers (from rival accomplished that might not have been done due schools mind you) were selected to budget constraints. Teamwork, outdoor skills, The 2002 4-H Forestry Program participants constructed a to participate. The students friendship, work experience, baseline data for foot trail for the new Rainy Creek Campground. earned academic credit and a $700 stipend for projects, and benefits to the community were their efforts, while gaining valuable job experi- tangible results. ence. And while many of their peers were enjoying Many of the students will remain involved with summer days on the lake or playing computer the program as mentors for the next group and an The Lake Wenatchee and Leavenworth Ranger games in air-conditioned homes, this group of after school program for middle school students Districts, Washington State University Coopera- teens was out in the woods. But it was no picnic; was developed. All a far cry from the image some tive Extension Service, and Chelan County were aching muscles, hot summer temperatures, long have of teens. In short, these young adults are awarded the U.S. Forest Service Caring for the hours, challenging assignments, mosquitoes, and awesome! Land and Serving the People Award for their hard work were all part of their forest experience. For more information on the program, contact participation in the 2002 4-H Forestry Program. The program lasted seven weeks. The first Susan Thomas, FS Environmental Education challenge was getting these school rivals to work Coordinator at (509) 548-6977, or Kevin Powers at Chelan County WSU Cooperative Extension 20 ■ C ASCADE LOOKOUT Office at (509) 667-6561. ■ umwater Campground—The best-kept lower portion of the trail is usually snow free by camping secret is this campground located May, and wildflowers are plentiful, such as paint- on the beautiful Wenatchee River. Located brush, trillium, calypso orchids, queens cup and Great Places Tjust 10 miles west of the town of Leavenworth on glacier lilies. From Leavenworth drive east on Highway 2, the campground has 82 campsites that Hwy 2 to the Blewett Pass (Hwy 97) turn right To Visit seldom fill to capacity. The campground is within and head south on Hwy 97 about 7 miles. Make a walking distance of some very scenic views of right on Ingalls Creek road #7312, stay to the left by Carolyn Lord Tumwater Canyon. Parking is easy, with plenty of and continue 1 mile until the road dead ends at Information Assistant room for the big RV’s. This campground offers a the trailhead. handicap restroom, flush toilets, garbage service Bridge Replacement and nice picnic sites. Fees are $12 per day for the Devils Gulch Multiple Use Trail #1220— Limits Enchantment Access first vehicle, and $11 for the second. There is a This multi use trail and connecting trail system is Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, and the Enchant- group site that may be reserved by calling the shared by motorbikes, bicycles, horses and hikers ments are hidden jewels that rate among the more National Reservation system at 1-877-444-6777 or and offers something for everyone. It is one of the popular destinations for hikers in the nation. This at www.reserveusa.com. Reservations can be made area’s earliest trails to become snow free in the isn’t too surprising considering that with just a one year in advance. five-mile hike and some uphill huffing and puffing, one arrives at stunning glacially carved lakes flanked Icicle Gorge Trail Day Hike and by towering granitic peaks. The Enchantments lie another couple miles beyond Colchuck— with a Interpretive Trail—Trail #1696. This great 3½ grueling elevation gain of 2,200 vertical feet in just mile loop trail offers a great easy day hike suitable 3/4 mile. for the whole family. Even the family dog can go - Beginning July 15, 2003 the public will not be as long as he’s on a leash. The trail travels along able to access the Stuart Lake Trailhead (which also provides access to Colchuck and the Enchantments) the Icicle River and invites hikers to stop and take due to the scheduled replacement of two road it all in from the many vantage points along the bridges on the Eightmile Road. Bridge replacement trail. Drive approx. 16 ½ miles up the Icicle Road will extend into the fall, with the slight possibility and park at the large parking lot on the left. A of spilling over to the summer of 2004. If construc- Northwest Pass Parking Permit is not required. If, tion is delayed, permits will be issued until con- at the end of your hike, you are looking for a little struction begins. During this time, hikers will still be able to more challenge, hike the adjoining Icicle Gorge access the Eightmile Lake Trailhead, which provides “Upper Tie Trail” for some elevation gain and a access to Eightmile Lake and Caroline Lakes. The little scenic viewing. Enchantments can still be accessed via the Snow Lakes Trailhead. Ingalls Creek Trail #1215—This trail offers spring. It is a moderate grade trail with great From June 15 to October 15, overnight hikers constantly changing views of the Stuart Range views. Old growth pine can be seen in the upper obtain permits by reservation or a daily walk-in drawing. Day hikers can self-issue permits at the through one of the longest wilderness valleys in reaches of the trail. Enjoy vistas of Sand Creek trailhead. An overnight application can be requested the northeastern Cascades. The moderate eleva- and Mission Creek from the Red Devil Trail from the Leavenworth Ranger Station by calling tion gain and numerous streamside stops along #1221. The Red Hill Trail #1223 is fairly steep but 509.54.6977, or can be easily downloaded from the Ingalls Creek make this a fun trail for families. The has great ridge top views. ■ forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/.

ave you got your wings yet? If you Fish Lake, birding by wheels-accessibility trail at haven’t, then you may want to join us the Leavenworth Hatchery, birding hikes, wild- Winging Across at next year’s Leavenworth Spring flower and geology walks, and music and arts HBird Fest. The event, held in May in conjunction events. Local school children took part in “hands- with International Migratory Bird Day, celebrates on” programs by learning about the birds that the Watershed the incredible journeys of migratory birds be- share their valley. tween their breeding grounds in North America Tony Angell, a naturalist, artist and educator and their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central who honors birds through the arts explored the and South America. multi-cultural, international aspect of migratory birds in his keynote presentation. The famous Wenatchee Chavez Family Mariachi Band cel- ebrated the bond between Washington State and Mexico through the music event “Musica Mexicana.” Soaring on the wings of partnerships, the festival was declared a success. This unique partnership brought together natural resource agencies, environmental organizations and com- mercial tourism businesses. Joining forces to create this exciting new event were the North Central Washington Audubon Society, Lake Wenatchee & Leavenworth Ranger Districts of the Okanogan &Wenatchee National Forests, the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, and the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Complex- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with generous support from the Artwork by Patti Erikson © 2003 Icicle Fund. The Leavenworth community ex- tended open arms to the event, volunteering their time as well as helping with financial support. Whether you’re a serious birder or can’t tell a You too can become involved in continuing robin from a tanager, the festival is a delight to the efforts to conserve habitat and protect birds. senses and fosters appreciation for the unique Whether it is a personal choice of providing bird variety of habitats that host a multitude of birds friendly flower gardens, or on a larger scale of that live or visit here. If you aren’t already, you providing shrub habitat in riparian areas, people may become a bird watching enthusiast, joining have a fondness for their feathered friends. millions of other Americans who enjoy this The Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest provides number one leisure activity. educational and recreational activities focusing on This spring was the first celebration of the birds, wildlife, and their environments. This Leavenworth, Washington Spring Bird Fest. The annual event promotes the awareness of environ- Fest offered “happenings” throughout the mental and conservation issues surrounding the Wenatchee River Watershed that included bird area’s birds, while providing an economic and walks on Blackbird Island, birding by boat on educational benefit to the community. ■ C ASCADE LOOKOUT ■ 21 Naches Ranger District

he Naches Ranger Station has moved! The firefighters – past, present and future — who New Naches new and improved office facility, located have and will continue to passionately protect our ¼ mile from its former site, was built after wildlands and homes. theT lease for the old building expired. After a two- The Memorial features a semicircular flagstone Ranger Station year process we have finally moved to the new site pathway bordering four standing basalt columns and are proudly welcoming our visitors at 10237 surrounded by native vegetation. Each natural by Bette Cooney U.S. Highway 12, Naches, WA 98937. stone column has a bronze sculpture and plaque Public Affairs Specialist A proposal submitted by Abrams Construction profiling the fallen heroes. A fifth horizontal of Yakima was selected from among several column displays bronzed firefighter equipment as properties as providing the best value to the a tribute to all wildland firefighters. The goal was government. New facilities include to provide a place for quiet, respectful reflection an office, warehouse and parking on the contributions and sacrifices made by for the public, employees and wildland firefighters and remind us of our com- agency vehicles. mitment to improving their safety in this hazard- “We are very pleased with our ous occupation. new facilities,” remarked District A local, grassroots effort of co-workers, friends, Ranger Randy Shepard. “A pro- family and community was mobilized to make the posal was selected that offered convenient access, memorial a reality. Fundraising and volunteer an improved public reception area and much coordination were led by the Chinook Pass, needed storage space. The net result should be Naches and Naches Sunshine Lions Clubs. more efficient operations.” Fundraising efforts, along with many generous Office hours are 7:45am to 4:30pm, Monday donations of time and supplies have allowed through Friday. Recreation information, maps, completion of the memorial. The memorial was Northwest Forest passes, Golden passports, dedicated on April 26th with the final phase of firewood and other product permits can be fundraising to go towards ongoing maintenance. obtained at the Ranger Station during those For more information, visit thirtymilefire.org. ■ hours. There is also an expanded selection of Northwest Interpretive Association materials, such as nature books, field guides, maps, Smokey Bear memorabilia, and other related items. Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, our foyer is stocked with free informational handouts for those who cannot visit during office hours. Thirtymile Memorial installed at New Ranger Station A memorial at the new Naches Ranger Station is dedicated to four Naches Ranger District firefighters– Tom Craven, Karen FitzPatrick, Jessica Johnson and Devin Weaver— who died tragically in the Thirtymile Fire on July 10, 2001. The memorial is also a tribute to all wildland

Yakima Elk he Yakima elk herd is one of the largest harvest or fire, roads, elk grazing, and domestic and best known herds in Washington livestock grazing were found to influence elk Herd Study State. Because of their visibility and habitat. issuesT surrounding impacts to private property The second phase of the project has just begun. by Peter Forbes and public lands, the herd has always had quite a About 70 elk from the West Valley area of Yakima, Wildlife Biologist bit of public interest. These issues have generated north to Ellensburg were captured during the lots of questions, such as; are there too many winter of 2002/2003 and fitted with radio collars. elk, are there too few elk, how are they im- Study of these elk will help answer questions pacting the vegetation, where do they spend about elk population, migration patterns, affects their time, do they have a preferred habitat? of roads on migration, and impacts of elk on Until recently, agencies were hampered in sensitive habitats. their elk research because they only had pieces Researchers from the WDFW used helicopters of the puzzle, with the Forest Service managing to capture 30 free ranging elk in addition to 40 elk the habitat and the Washington Department of that were captured at feedlots. To avoid biased Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) managing the results in collecting information on seasonal range animals. Management responsibility, funding, use, both feedlot and free ranging elk were cap- and priorities contributed to the difficulties in tured to record any differences. creating a single source of information. Today, Only cow elk were collared for this study Elk wintering at the Nile feed site. the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests because herd productivity and growth is primarily and the WDFW are making progress by a function of cow elk numbers and overall health. working together in a multi-phase process to Along with collaring the elk, a number of body find answers to very complex questions regard- measurements were taken to determine the age ing the Yakima elk herd. and general health of the animals. In the first phase, the Okanogan and In phase three, biologists will monitor the Wenatchee National Forests and the WDFW collared elk over the next four years to learn more conducted a cooperative effort to find gaps in about their use patterns and to keep track of their existing information. Supported with funding physical condition, particularly during late fall and from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, late winter when weather is more severe and forage the agencies gathered information on habitat, is limited. Biologists hope the information on elk forage production, roads, and soils on public habitat and elk numbers and use will help to lands used by the Yakima elk herd. This answer questions pertaining to overall herd health information provides baseline information of and productivity, and help to establish priorities the current habitat condition. A model was for future elk habitat improvement projects. developed from this information that could be Now, if you see a collared elk, you will know Darted elk at the Junction feed site used to assess the changes in habitat availability that animal is helping to gather information with radio collar attached. and use that could be caused by different activi- needed to better manage their population and 22 ■ C ASCADE LOOKOUT ties. Not surprisingly, activities such as timber habitat. ■ ne of the most visited sites on the Barrier Free Opportunities Naches Ranger District is the summit Boulder Cave - drive west from Naches on Great Places of Chinook Pass located northwest of U.S. Hwy 12 approximately 5 miles and continue YakimaO at the crest of the Cascades. In early on State Route 410 another 21 miles. Just west of to Visit spring, while wildflowers are showing their color Cliffdell, Boulder Cave day use site offers a 1.4- at lower elevations, snow clings to mountain mile paved loop nature trail that follows along the by Doug Jenkins slopes above. As temperatures rise, snow slowly banks of the Naches River. A historic shelter is Information Assistant melts and tips of long-waiting wildflowers and available for individual or group gatherings. This & Patti Mcleod grasses begin to protrude making this a magnifi- site is concessionaire operated with a $5.00 fee for Trails and Wilderness Manager cent place to view nature’s beauty. A good field parking personal vehicles. guide on wildflowers (such as Wildflowers of Sawmill Flat Interpretive Trail is located Washington or Wildflowers of Mt. Rainier, to the west in the newly constructed East Portal of available for purchase at the Ranger Station) will the Mather Memorial Parkway. This short wheel- make your trip memorable with hundreds of chair accessible trail offers a scenic view of the specimens to identify. conifer forest of the lower Cascades. A kiosk Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail offering interpretative information regarding the “PCNST” #2000. At the summit of Chinook Pass Parkway reveals a concise reflection of the history is the trailhead for the Crest Trail. There is a large of this beautiful route across the Cascades. The parking area for hikers and horsemen. Some travel East Portal is a free day use site and offers a the PCNST south to White Pass while others go wonderful picnic area as well. north towards Crystal Mountain and Bear Gap. It Pleasant Valley Campground Trail is is possible follow this trail north to Canada or located approximately 14 miles west of Sawmill south to Mexico. Heading both north and south Flat Interpretive Trail on State Route 410. This 1 on the PCNST offers several options for day hikes mile paved trail offers solitude as it winds away Mather Memorial Parkway entrance or longer treks. Naches Peak, which is within the Mount Rainier National Park boundary, offers a loop trail with magnificent scenery. Pets are not allowed in the Park. Dewey Lakes to the south and Sheep Lake to the north are excellent day hikes, but the trail is typically not hike-able until July depending on spring weather conditions and snowmelt. Don’t forget to fill out your free, self- administering wilderness permit for entering William O. Douglas Wilderness to the south and Norse Peak Wilderness to the north. Chinook Pass Overlook to Mount Rainier National Park. The overlook is located across from the Parkway towards the quiet overlooks of the highway from the Pacific Crest Trail parking the American River. Forest users, campground area. Take a moment to stretch a little and enjoy guests and the casual motorist crossing the the magnificent view east to the foothills sur- Cascades can take a brief respite from the noise rounding the Yakima Valley. Just west of this area and cares of their world. This area is a free use site. on State Route 410, is an old timber footbridge Clear Lake Nature Trail is located off U.S. connecting north PCNST with the south. At this Highway 12 (White Pass) approximately 30 miles point, you are leaving the Wenatchee National west of Naches at the upper end of Rimrock Lake. Forest and entering Mt. Rainier National Park. On Turn south on Tieton Road #1200 and proceed a clear day, Mt. Rainier blinds you with its majes- approximately 2.5 miles to the small, pristine lake. tic beauty. Look for Lake Tipsoo glittering in the A 1-mile paved nature trail is available to forest summer sun and spot trout in the shallows of the users with limited mobility and those who use lake. Newly constructed parking zones allow wheelchairs. This day use only fee site also offers hiking access to Lake Tipso or a jaunt along accessible fishing piers, a shelter and picnic area. It PCNST. is concessionaire operated with a $5.00 fee for parking personal vehicles. ■

he earliest accounts of domestic livestock grazing on what is now the Home on the Naches Ranger District date back to theT mid 1800s. During the 1850’s, Kittitas Rangeland Chief Owhi regularly traveled to a Nisqually farm west of the Cascade Mountains to by Jodi Leingang purchase cattle, which he then drove over Ecologist Naches Pass to graze on the grasslands of eastern Washington. In 1865, the sons of Augustan Clemen trailed sheep from Wenas Valley into the Nile and Rattlesnake Valleys. Prior to the establishment of the Forest Reserves of certain requirements that the permittee must in 1897, settlers and stockmen were free to graze meet. For this use, the permittee pays the United their livestock when and how they chose. However, States a fee that is determined annually based on the system of free access to Federal lands ended in fair market value, and those fee receipts are 1934 with the passage of the Taylor Grazing Act, returned to the U.S. Treasury. the first of many statutes created that directed the Currently on the Naches Ranger District, there use of public lands for grazing. are three active cattle allotments and three active Historically, grazing on national forest admin- sheep allotments. At the present time, permitted istered lands has been recognized as a privilege use to these allotments is held by four individual and not an inherent right. It is the responsibility permittees. Livestock are permitted on the Dis- of the Forest Service to manage public lands for trict from mid-June through the end of Septem- multiple uses and resource sustainability. The ber. Since allotments are not established exclu- agency manages livestock grazing on forests and sively for grazing, forest visitors can expect to see grasslands by using an allotment system. Permit- sheep or cattle grazing in areas also open to tees are issued a ten-year renewable permit, which recreation. Even though livestock are not typi- stipulates the number of animals that can be cally considered dangerous unless provoked, it is grazed, the season of use, and the area to be important to exercise caution when driving or grazed. Grazing permits are granted on the basis recreating where they are grazing. ■ C ASCADE LOOKOUT ■ 23 Okanogan and WenatcheeWenatchee National Forests Forest Headquarters Naches Ranger District 215 Melody Lane 1023710061 Highway 12 Wenatchee, WA 98801 Naches, WA 98937 (509)(509) 662-4335662-4335 (509)(509) 653-2205653-2205 (Voice/TTY)(Voice/TTY) (509)(509) 662-4396662-4396 (TTY)(TTY) Okanogan Valley Office Chelan Ranger District 1240 South Second Avenue 428 W. Woodin Avenue Okanogan, WA 98840 Chelan, WA 98816 (509)(509) 826-3275826-3275 (509)(509) 682-2576682-2576 (Voice/TTY)(Voice/TTY) (509)(509) 826-3765826-3765 (TTY)(TTY) Entiat Ranger District Methow Valley 2108 Entiat Way Ranger District Entiat, WA 98822 Entiat, WA 98822 24 West Chewuch Rd. (509) 784-1511 (Voice/TTY) (509) 784-1511 (Voice/TTY) Winthrop, WA 98862 Lake Wenatchee (509)(509) 996-4003996-4003 Ranger District 22976 State Highway 207 Tonasket Ranger District Leavenworth, WA 98826 1 W. Winesap (509)(509) 763-3103763-3103 (Voice/TTY)(Voice/TTY) Tonasket, WA 98855 (509)(509) 486-2186486-2186 Leavenworth (509)(509) 486-5144486-5144 (TTY)(TTY) Ranger District Methow Valley 600 Sherbourne Leavenworth, WA 98826 Visitor Center (509)(509) 548-6977548-6977 (Voice/TTY)(Voice/TTY) Bldg. 49 Hwy. 20 P.O. Box 579 Cle Elum Winthrop, WA 98862 Ranger District (509)(509) 996-4000996-4000 803 W. 2nd Street Open May—Oct. Cle Elum, WA 98922 (509)(509) 674-4411674-4411 (509)(509) 674-9770674-9770 (TTY)(TTY)

The CASCADE LOOKOUT is an annual publication of the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests. Managing Editor: Barbara Kenady-Fish Production/Design: Dan O’Connor The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service is a diverse organization committed to equal opportunity in employment and program delivery. USDA prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political affiliation and familial status. Persons believing they have been discriminated against should contact the Secretary, US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, or call 202-720-7327 (voice), or 202-720-1127 (TTY).