The mission of the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition is to assist Pierce County communities in the creation and maintenance of a connected system of non-motorized trails from Mt. Rainier to Puget Sound. September 2003 The TRAIL LINE NEWS Vol. 17 No. 3 President’s message A changing of the keys Our tricky government The Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition has a If you have never called or written to your con- new treasurer. Stan Engle, our faithful, frugal gressman, now is a good time to start. For those of and efficient treasurer for more than 15 years you who are in the habit, we urge you to get to your has relinquished this essential responsibility to pen, phone or computer. board member Art Robinson. Art is a retired The Transportation Enhancements (TE) program is teacher who, among other qualifications, has at risk. This is the program that, with modest local ongoing experience as treasurer of a local in- matching money, has made possible in Pierce County vestment club. He was formally elected FRTTC the Foothills Trail, the Puyallup Riverwalk, the SR-16 treasurer on Thursday, July 24, after Stan had bike path, the Milton Interurban Trail, Tacoma and indicated his wish to retire from the position to Puyallup downtown Street Scape Improvements, spend more time with his wife Helen and his Bridgeport Way improvements and more. Statewide, many children and grandchildren. Washington has benefited by more than $97 million Happily, Stan intends to remain on the board, from the TE program over the past decade. This has at least for now. provided a good start toward a balanced transporta- During Stan Engle's tenure as treasurer, he tion system and improved the livability of our commu- has managed nearly a million dollars in grants, nities. dues, fundraising events and donations to our The Transportation Enhancements program as organization. Moreover he leaves the position mandated by congress in 1991 is a ten percent set with a perfect audit record. We thank you for aside of federal transportation highway moneys allo- your service Stan, more than words can say.—- cated to each state to be spent on selected non- Ernie Bay traditional projects. These include bicycle/pedestrian facilities, acquisition of scenic easements and histori- cal sites, historic preservation, mitigation of water pol- FTC staffs Fair booth lution and highway runoff, control and removal of out- door advertising, rehabilitation and operation of his- The Foothills Trail Coalition has a booth at the toric transportation buildings and structures, including Puyallup Fair again this year, and its "look" will railroad facilities and canals, landscaping and other reflect our regional trail vision. The Foothills Trail scenic beautification and last (and most important to represents the backbone of that vision. An up- us) preservation of abandoned railway corridors, in- dated map is being produced as a centerpiece cluding conversion and use for pedestrian or bicycle eye catcher. Greater interaction, perhaps with an paths. opportunity for written comment by fair goers, is Enhancements have so far survived two budget expected. authorization cycles and are now going through a Last year the Edgewood-Milton presentation third. Each time it has been a major battle with the tra- received a lot of attention with its combination of ditional highway industry, trucking interests and other map and pictures of the Interurban Trail project. traditionalists. Despite the great success and popular- It is hoped that showing more places connected ity of the TE program it is again at risk. by trails will attract increased public attention by The situation changes almost daily. On July 11 the bringing "trails" closer to where people live. T Transportation/Treasury Appropriations Subcommittee rails are safe and pleasant places to get recommended deleting the program while at the same around outside of a car. Elsewhere in this edition time it recommended an increase in overall transporta- of the Trail Line News you can read that a major- tion funding to $33.4 billion, even more than what ity of people want their communities to include President Bush requested. On July 24 an amendment better bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. continued on next page continued on next page

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President’s message (continued) State ranks before the whole Appropriations Committee to fully restore Transpor- tation Enhancements funding was defeated by a vote of 33 to 29. On 6th in nation July 25 after two postponements, a full committee markup of the bill by Ernie Bay eliminated the provision that would have prohibited spending for En- Washington state rail trail hancements and added moneys for transit and Amtrak. At first read- miles rank sixth in the nation! ing this seemed to be great news, and to an extent it is, but there re- According to the latest Rail mains a catch: the new amendment eliminated the mandated ten per- Trail Score published by the cent set aside, but provided that state transportation departments can Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, spend from their federal allocations for enhancements at their discre- Washington State, with 545 tion-risky business that we can't count on! open trail miles, ties nationally A message that I received from Congressman John Nethercutt's with Iowa for sixth place. Wis- office on July 28, assured me that I would "be pleased to learn that consin, Minnesota and Michigan Enhancement Funding has been fully restored." No reference was take the lead with just over made to the state's discretion caveat, and the aide who responded 1,300 miles apiece, followed indicated in a separate email that he was leaving the congressman's closely by Pennsylvania, and staff the next day. We have since learned that Congressmen Nether- then New York State with 575 cutt voted against our interest and Norm Dicks voted in favor. miles. Only Pennsylvania and The bottom line is that many people are left with the illusion that all California have more than our is well, and it is not! SAFETEA 2003 (Safe, Accountable, Flexible and 749 project miles in progress. Efficient Transportation Equity Act) is anything but safe. After Sep- tember 1, 2003, the transportation bill goes to conference committee Trails day was to resolve the House and Senate versions, and then to the respective floors for full vote. The current Enhancements authorization expires blistering September 30, 2003. A major battle for a balanced transportation Was National Trails Day system lies ahead. Man your stations! 2003 too hot? That was the con- For more details and up-to-date information, please visit the RTC sensus of the Pierce County website railtrails.org.—Ernie Bay Chapter of the Western Wash- ington Whining Weather Wimps. FTC Fair booth (continued) Saturday June 7 capped a week of escalating temperatures at We hope that the appeal of this year's booth will help people make over 90 F. The normally the connection between those wishes and the satisfaction that a sys- crowded Ruston Way in Tacoma tem of regional trails could provide. was almost absent of walkers Pierce County and many cities are moving ahead with their own and cars. plans. Could more trails be developed faster and more efficiently as a But that did not faze the relay regional project? The Coalition will bring the question up at this year's team that started outside Mount Puyallup Fair. Drop by and tell us what you think. Rainier's Carbon River entrance at 7 a.m. They met their pro- Sometimes if you want to see a change for the better you have to jected checkpoints right on time, take things into your own hands.—Clint Eastwood continued on next page

Trail Line News is How to reach the published quarterly by Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition the Foothills Rails-to- Trails Coalition, P.O. Box Web page: 192, Puyallup, WA http://piercecountytrails.org/ 98371-0021. Address: P.O. Box 192, Puyallup, WA POSTMASTER: Send 98371-0021 address changes to Telephone number: Foothills Rails-to-Trails 253-841-2570 Coalition, P.O. Box 192, E-mail address: Puyallup, WA 98371- [email protected] 0021. We want to hear from you!

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National Trails day (continued) mining area once looked. Then including the finish at the Dickman Mill site on Ruston Way, where the in the afternoon between 20 and Metro Park District had stocked plenty of cold water and temporary 25 people got a guided tour of shade. City Council Member Mike Lonergan declared Trail Day in Ta- the Wilkeson sandstone quarry coma. operation, past and present. For over 50 miles those 26 runners and walkers drew attention to The shade in Becky Gilbert- the growing public interest in developing trails that connect our re- son's yard was a welcome sight gion. John Selby is credited with planning and carrying the first Rain- for everyone attending the pot- ier-to-Ruston Rail Trail Relay. luck picnic and silent auction His love of running and concern that evening. The plants and for safe and pleasing places to outdoor garden objects were CALENDAR run makes him a strong advo- interesting and attracted people cate for trails without saying a who were otherwise unfamiliar Monthly Meetings word. with the Foothills Trail, which is September 25 The FTC booths out on the in clear view from Becky's home. October 23 trail reported light activity, but Regardless of the heat more November 25 greeters received regular visits of our fellow North Westerners December 23 by committed trail supporters of now realize what a trail has to Monthly meetings are held on all ages. South Prairie wel- offer them as a result of National 4th Thursdays (except Nov. and comed a surprising number of Trails Day 2003. Dec.) from 7 to 9 p.m. at the visitors who must have made We thank all of the volunteers Puyallup Public Library, the most of the shady sections who helped out in Wilkeson, South Prairie, Orting, Sumner, south entrance. along the undeveloped stretch heading there from Orting. Enumclaw, Puyallup and Ta- 324 South Meridian Street In Wilkeson a number of folks coma. You make the difference September 21 read about Robert Peloli, shar- in connecting trails with the peo- Yelm-to-Tenino Trail ing his pictures of how the coal ple that are looking for them. field trip. Contact [email protected] by Sept. 12. What do the words success and excuses have in common? Nothing! September 23-25 Those who achieve success never rely on excuses. And those who Footprints and Bike Tracks rely on excuses never achieve success.—W. Robert Collier Red Lion Hotel, Olympia November 14-15 Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the convic- Washington State Trails tion that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something Coalition 2003 conference at makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.—Vaclav Havel the Coronet Bay Environmental Learning Center, Deception Pass State Park, Whidbey Island. Contact JohnKeates @ci.enumclaw.wa.us Work Parties Check the website below or email Don Partington at [email protected] for details. Weekly Meetings At Charlie’s Restaurant Every Wednesday at noon at Charlie’s Restaurant, 113 East Main, Puyallup. All are welcome. For more information Call 253-841-2570 Or email [email protected] http://piercecountytrails.org

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River Road K-Mart. in pursuit of completing the Networking The first award is an I.A.C. Riverwalk, is targeting construc- for (Interagency Committee for Out- tion bids for May 1, 2004. The door Recreation) state grant in completed Riverwalk will be 3.2 Trails the amount of $500,000, which miles long and will extend be- is the largest amount that this tween the existing city limits. Enumclaw agency can give. The second is "We had a trail clearing work a grant of $138,000 from the Milton's open house party Saturday, and the trail is Puyallup Tribe, awarded as part On July 24, the City of Milton now open from 252nd south to of their distribution of community held an open house to solicit the point where the old railroad impact funds. The tribe, as re- public comments on plans for trestle began. There were three quired by their gambling pact development of the Interurban tractors and numerous chain- with the state, makes an annual Trail. Maps, drawings, photo- saws going! More volunteer contribution to Pierce County graphs and scale models were power than I would have and to the cities of Tacoma Fife displayed, showing the pro- guessed." This was the word and Puyallup. The funds repre- posed trail development along from Enumclaw's Park Director, sent two percent of the tribe's the old Interurban corridor that John Keates, after a successful casino earnings, and normally transects the City of Milton work party held on June 21. go to sidewalks and traffic im- through both King and Pierce In August the city will be re- provements. Additional moneys Counties. The trail will be built ceiving a "You won!" notice from are awarded to local nonprofit primarily on the alignment of the the state that says, "Your re- organizations. Projects are old rail line adjacent to Sweet- quest for WWRP funds are voted on annually by a commit- water Creek, a tributary of the available, thanks to the 2003 tee comprising representatives east branch of Hylebos Creek. legislature." The city must then of the tribe and affected local Several trailheads will be de- accept or reject the grant based governments. veloped with parking, signage on their willingness to match We are elated with the Puyal- and other amenities. A scale funds and carry out the project. lup Tribe's award, as we believe model was displayed of an inno- For National Trails Day on this will encourage progress in vative kiosk which looked much June 7, horse riders, bicyclists developing the much-needed like the end of a trolley car. and other trail supporters turned trail along the levy between Puy- Marlo De Rosia, Milton Public out at the location where the trail allup and Tacoma. This trail will Works / Parks & Recreation Di- will cross 252nd. The mayor pro- eventually benefit the commu- rector, and members of the EN- claimed the day to be the first nity at large as much as it will TRANCO engineering team such day in Enumclaw's history. the tribe's pending mega-resort were on hand to answer ques- Most of those assembled took complex at River Road and I-5. tions about the trail design, its the 3/4-mile walk to where the City of Puyallup engineer relationship to the community bush hadn't been cut for years. Dan Repp, who is partially as- and natural features and its de- Keates says, "The next task signed to the parks department continued on next page will be a temporary path from Mud Mountain Road to the trail." Foothills Trail Coalition Board Puyallup The Foothills Rails-to-Trails President Ernie Bay 253-848-7718 [email protected] Coalition and supporters of Puy- Executive Director Chuck Morrison 253-927-6838 [email protected] allup's Riverwalk Trail Linear Secretary Bill Harmon 253-475-1537 [email protected] Park join in congratulating Puy- Treasurer Art Robinson 253-964-3387 [email protected] allup's Parks and Recreation Board Members Stan Engle 253-564-3112 [email protected] Director Ralph Dannenberg and Mayor Cathy Turner for helping Buzz Grant 253-845-4991 [email protected] to acquire two highly competitive John Downs 360-897-2617 [email protected] grants. Both are for the western Marie Bailey Reed 253-847-8647 [email protected] continuation of the existing Joan Miller 360-829-0537 [email protected] popular trail which extends two Linda Clark 360-897-6163 [email protected] thirds of a mile along the south- Clive Berglund 360-893-8655 [email protected] ern bank of the Puyallup River Russell Matthews 253-939-1611 [email protected] from the Milwaukee Avenue Ken Woolery 253-863-4774 no e-mail Bridge at 5th Street NE to the Page 4

Networking (continued) lay. These are now mostly cor- rected, and we are told there is Wilkeson converts bridge velopment schedule. Construc- still the possibility of going to bid Saturday July 12 was a bright tion is to begin in about one year for construction in September. and sunny day in Wilkeson for on the segment west of En- More likely, because of proce- the first day of a bridge conver- chanted Parkway to the 70th dural time requirements, our ex- sion project. A railroad bridge Avenue E. overpass of I5. At perience tells us we will not has crossed Gale Creek at the about that time, the state will likely see actual paving before north edge of town for over 125 begin widening Enchanted Park- early 2004. Meanwhile, volun- years, but the rails were re- way to five lanes, and it is hoped teers and parks maintenance moved and the bridge has been that grant money can be found crews have kept the unimproved barricaded for the last 16. By by then to fund a pedestrian tun- route cleared for your adventure September, however, the 104- nel under the roadway to avoid and enjoyment by foot, mountain foot span will serve pedestrians, crossing at the traffic light on bike and horse. cyclists and equestrians. Many 28th Avenue. local walkers and horse back Currently the critical path ac- riders dropped by and told us tivities are acquiring the neces- they welcomed the improve- sary environmental permits and Wilkeson Bridge ment. completing plans for raising the by Dixie Gatchell Coalition members have grade of the trail at S. 380th Have you noticed the activity been eager to convert this Place to meet an eight percent around the old railroad bridge as bridge ever since they finished maximum slope requirement. you enter Wilkeson? Historically the wetlands bridge near the After tunnel funding is resolved, significant for mining, timbering Carbon River in 1998. Grant planning will begin for the seg- and railroading, Wilkeson is now sources have provided a major- ment east of Enchanted Park- up-and-coming, not only as the ity of the funds needed to repo- way to the Edgewood City gateway to the Carbon River sition many of the remaining boundary about 180 yards east area of Mount Rainier National ties, lay out the decking and of Military Road. Park, but also as a future trail- erect hand rails. There were 17 head site for the South Prairie to volunteers working during the South Prairie Delay Carbonado spur of the Foothills first two days logging 200 hours On again, off again, on again! Trail. Many enthusiastic volun- in preparing the bridge. Our anticipation for the promised teers, rallied by the Coalition's The barricades went back up completion of the Orting to indefatigable crew leader Don on Sunday and the next work South Prairie section of the Partington, worked on the myr- session will begin in August after Foothills Trail continues to see- iad of tasks required to rehabili- delivery of custom-cut wood saw. First, serious bouts of can- tate the bridge. products. Completion of the con- cer afflicted a principal planner Please join in the effort, or version process is expected by and our beloved trail coordina- feel free to stop by to trailside Labor Day. tor, Claudia Peters, slowing final superintend and admire. The Converting the bridge from preparatory work required by the completion last summer of the rail to trail will be the first im- Department of Transportation. Cascade Crossing Bridge, ac- provement outside the Orting- Meanwhile, the process of cessible from Lower Burnett Buckley line. It is hard to be- right-of-way file certification re- Road, provides another vital link lieve, but the Foothills Rails-to- vealed title problems that had to in this spur, tentatively sched- Trails Coalition has been in- be rectified, causing further de- uled for work to begin in 2006. continued on next page

WAGONWHEEL Restaurant & Lounge

New Management / Good Food

121 Highway 162 West Live Music and Jam Sessions South Prairie, WA 98385 Every Weekend Phone 360-897-9987

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Networking (continued) most of his life and career in 5. Remember other trail users Wisconsin, and most recently in may not be horse savvy. Please volved in seven previous bridge Georgia, he and Glory moved to use caution to avoid mishaps. conversions during its 16-year Bonney Lake three years ago. 6. If you have hauled your existence. With the exception of Earl has a degree in me- horse be sure to leave the park- a four-acre planting project chanical engineering from Mar- ing area as clean or cleaner (delayed until 2004), this will be quette University, which makes than you found it. Pick up any the largest project taken on by him a great help in our bridge hay or debris. the Coalition. building projects. He and Glory 7. Have a great ride and enjoy became interested in biking after meeting fellow trail users. moving here from Georgia in You probably already prac- 2000 and feel it is important that tice the above manners but there be non-motorized trails for some riders may be unaware of their grandchildren. these important safety precau- tions. Please pass the work to From the saddle fellow riders to everyone can have a pleasant experience Sharing the Trail while using the trail. If you are a horse minded The Foothills Trail has a re- person or group and would like markable concept regarding to become involved in the Foot- multi-shared use. As an eques- hills Trail Coalition, contact trian user this is much appreci- Linda Clark at 360-897-6163. ated. While enjoying the trail on Happy trails! horseback we had the pleasure of interacting with many other Here is a testimony trail users. To preserve and pro- from an equestrian Earl Mikelson mote positive attitudes toward about a wonderful horses on the trail, the following experience they had on Meet your board etiquette is suggested: our trail system. If you ride the 1. Ride on the area provided Foothills Trail and would like to by Ernie Bay adjacent to the asphalt. Stay off share your experience, please One of our newest and most asphalt. email to [email protected] or active board members is Earl 2. Dismount and lead horses write to Foothills Trail Coalition, Mikelson. Earl and his wife Glory across all bridges. Access the PO Box 192, Puyallup, WA can often be found on the trail bridge only when clear of other 98371-0021. and at work parties. Both helped trail users. Ask other users to About two years ago I revived with daffodil planting along the wait until horses are off bridge a life-long passion for equestrian Puyallup Riverwalk and at the before entering to prevent acci- sports by getting my then seven- McMillin Trailhead this past dents. year-old daughter riding. When spring. 3. Clean up or spread all horse she became an independent Earl retired in 2002 from droppings. Remove droppings rider, hitting the trails seemed Wheelabrator Corp., a division from city park areas. like the perfect way to help us of US Filter, as a technical sales 4. Tie horses to provided hitch- relax and have some fun while representative. After spending ing posts only. continued on next page

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Letter (continued) Donna Falk, Art & Phyllis Forbes, Richard Frans, Sarah & working further on our confi- Robert Garmire, Loras Gass- dence and skills with horses. We mann, Peggy Sue Gerlock. tried riding forest-land trails a J. & D. Gilbertson, John couple times, but found them a Gillie, Mark & Nancy Grubb, Ste- little unnerving because we ven Hagoski, Diane & Robert never knew when we would run Harris, James E. Hays, Nancy & into a motor-cross pack. It also Michael Herold, Earl & Gladys seemed very far away from any Hill, Marrtha Humphrey, Frank assistance should a child-rider H. Jacobs, Gary R. Knudson, become hurt. So we hit the Foot- Robert & Karen Koreis, Lance & hills Trail. Pamela Marshall, Carolyn & The Foothills Rail-Trail has James Nelson, Roger Nix, John turned out to be the perfect R. Olson, Jeff & Kristy Power, training ground for us. After Edward & Kay Pullen, Bruce walking a short stretch of the Pyrah & Evonne Howard, Ami trail along the Carbon River, Raynor, L. Lee & Dianna Rowe. we've now worked our way with Bob and Florence Larsen John & Thelma Sacklin, Re- friends to Arnold's Texaco in take a break from the courtesy becca M Splinter, Clarence & South Prairie where the kids can patrol to assist with our Na- Judy Stephens, Rich & Candy safely dismount and get a treat tional Trails Day information Stewart, Frank & Susan Swan- before heading home—some- table at the Puyallup River son, Donna Tait, Theodore & times at a trot or canter! The Road Fred Meyer Store. Re- Gisela Taranovski, Eve & Robert horses are getting acclimated to sponse was very positive and Waters, Judy & Glen Wickett, the sounds of motorized vehi- several new memberships were Julia & Scott Wolbert, WSH cles without the trauma of hav- acquired. Gully Collier ing one pop out of a bush at $26 - 99 them. That's a more relaxing Louise Belcher (Allphaze ride for all of us. Members and Commercial Int.), Bert Brown, I have to admit, I don't go to- Stephen Burstein, Lisa Corkum, wards civilization (Orting) when donations Colleen Dixon, Jane & Steven riding the trails. Rather, the far- $18 - 25 Galbraith, Sven & Pamela Holm, ther out we can go, the better. Ken Baker, Terry & Janice Merle & Judy Klingman, Darlene So our family is really looking Bartlett, William & Rhoda Bar- E. Lewis, Robin & Don Parting- forward to the trail connecting ton, Warren & Sheila Bayard, ton, Beverly Pierson, Bob & with Wilkeson and beyond. But Rae N. Blevins, Gail & Charles Kathy Spence, Dr. & Mrs. Ralph for now, the trails that are in Bronson, Margie Brubaker, Rod- Stagner, Paul & Christine place give us the opportunity to ney & Linda Carlson, Jack & An- Swinehart, Cynthia Thompson, work up to backcountry trail rid- gela Connelly, Ronald & Eliza- Ed Vervoort, Anna Graham & ing and, eventually, fox hunting beth Cooper, Madeline David- Frederick Wolf at the Woodbrook Hunt Club. son, Marjorie Demers, E. East- $100 - 499 Rena Shawver and daughter burn, Lois & Gary Erath, Gino & Dan Grimm, John & Carole Meaghan Oakes, Orting Florence Fabiani, Donald & continued on next page

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Donations (continued) Thurston Trail Holmaas, Tracie Johnson, David field trip planned L. Lee, Bob Myrick (2 bricks), by Ernie Bay Sara Officer, Richard Olexick, The Thurston County trail Weeks/Whitmore Funeral Home, system is connecting its dashes. George & Marie Weis, Robert & In 1993 Thurston County Parks Patti Young. acquired a 400-foot railroad cor- ridor between Rainier and Te- nino for the Yelm-to-Tenino Trail. In August the county will pave the 2.5-mile western junc- Brick and tree tion gap that will join it at Yelm names added to the Chehelis Western Trail which begins in Lacey. The dis- We are pleased to report that tance will be approximately 20 on July 24 the 38 new names miles. In 2004 the Yelm-to- that subscribed over the past Special events coordinator Tenino Trail is scheduled for year were added to the Foothills Ken Woolery checks off memo- completion, which will add an- Trail Coalition's Orting kiosk. rial and honorary brick sub- other seven miles to the 7.5 The newly engraved bricks can scriptions as Kelly Emerick of miles that were paved in 2000 be located beneath the trail sign Tacoma Monumental Works and 2001. This will allow for a on the north side of the bench masks bricks at Foothills Trail continuous, 34-mile ride to Te- facing the trail. kiosk in Orting. Bricks were nino beginning at Chambers New brick inscriptions re- engraved on Thursday, July Lake on 14th Street in Lacey. ceived since July 24 will be in- 24. continued on next page scribed in July 2004. Plantings for accrued tree subscriptions will be honored in the spring of 2004 and trees will be estab- lished along the scheduled South Prairie trail section. Wolfrom & Edith Albicht, Alan Albicht, Shanon & Bryan Albicht, Kim &David Albicht, Linda & Len Johnson, "Harvest Moon" Ke- haulani, Ward F. Bradley, Robert & Corrine Wilkinson, Marc & Janice Walston, Dale Blum, Are Blum, John Wenzen, Fred & Susan Hemmer, in Mem- ory of Stan Ryder. Jim Oberlander, Darla Chat- burn, Charlie Chatburn, Sadie Sherburn, Chris Conant, Gabe Conant, Portia Conant, Jon Co- nant, Linda Skywalker, Jim O 201, John & Barbara Skinner, Coalition members Ernie Bay, Steve Brown and Bob Myrick en- Hon. Bertil E. Johnson (Ret.), joyed a magnificent day on our June 22 field trip, as advertised in Christina Roberta Holm, Vicki our June newsletter. The walk on the Klickitat Trail took us along Myrick, Jan Wieser, Madison the river through splendid scenery, varied vegetation, throngs of Turpin, Evan Turpin, Jason, Ve- butterflies, intriguing geology and by interesting archeological ronica & Cameo Kaipainen, Lt. sites. Among these were the remnants of capped natural sulfur Col. Joanne L. Moran, R.N., springs that had once been used for CO2 production. The sulfur USAF (Ret.), Pete N. Hoshiko waters continue to bubble forth. Bob Hansen and Joe Kelsey of the Weir, Michael E. Yanasak, Bar- Klickitat Trail Coalition who hosted the walk were very knowledge- bara F. Yanasak, Edward J. able about the local birds and flowers, and Foothills Trail Coali- Yanasak, Whiteney K. Grimm. tion President Ernie Bay filled in on the bees.

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cans want to bicycle more and The WWRP is supported by the Field trip (continued) are willing to invest tax dollars in WWR Coalition who held an Let's celebrate the first day of creating better places to bike. end-of-the-legislative-session fall with a visit to Thurston According to the poll, 53 percent celebration on June 17. The County's newest rail trail, the of those surveyed supported event was attended by state and Yelm-to-Tenino Trail. This is a increased federal spending on local park officials, legislators mostly rural trail that passes bicycle facilities, even if it means from both sides of the aisle and near rolling pastures and less gas taxes go to construction organizations from the Audubon through cool woodlands. It is of new roads. Additionally, 50 Society to the Sierra Club, in- exciting to think that one day it percent supported requiring cluding the Foothills Trail Coali- will be connected with our own roads to include bicycle lanes or tion. Pierce County trail system. paths, even if it means less Personal comments from the If you would like to join us for space for cars and trucks. public really do count. The leg- this trip on Sunday morning, Both surveys follow a recent islators told us that individual September 21, please respond STPP poll that found that the comments on how well WWRP by email to [email protected]. American public wants to walk projects have been accepted Trip details will be arranged a more places more often, and is and on how many more dreams week in advance. willing to invest in making it pos- remain only on paper convinced sible. That survey, also con- them to fully fund the requested Polls prove ducted by Beldon Russonello $45 million and maintain past and Stewart, found that 68 per- spending levels. The beginning what we know cent favor putting more federal budget was only $30 million. dollars toward improving walk- To those of you who took the Americans favor increased ability, even within a constrained time to call, write or e-mail: investment in pedestrian budget. Thank You! and bicycle facilities Recent surveys demonstrate strong public support for im- WWRP funded Ending federal proved pedestrian and bicycle support for trails? facilities. The first poll, con- at $45 million ducted by the Gallup Organiza- It has been said that there by Chuck Morrison tion for the National Highway are three types of people in the Spending for motorized trans- Safety Administration and the world—those who make things portation may again be the only Bureau of Transportation Statis- happen, those who watch things use for federal transportation tics, found that 73 percent of happen and those who wonder dollars. respondents believed that com- what happened. Thanks to your On July 24 the full House Ap- munities should provide bicycle- efforts, Coalition members are in propriation Committee expressly specific facilities such as trails, the first group. eliminated bicycle and pedes- paths and traffic signals, and The Washington Wildlife and trian spending from its 2004 that 75 percent believed that Recreation Program (WWRP) transportation budget. This vote changes were necessary to im- guarantees statewide park im- affirmed the action taken 13 prove and expand pedestrian provements and acquisition. days earlier in a subcommittee facilities such as sidewalks, sig- Program funds, leveraged with vote. Since 1992 rail trail and nals and crosswalks. The sur- local funds, have been a princi- other bicycle/pedestrian im- vey, which emphasized the need ple source in delivering, not only provements have amounted to for improvements in community the Foothills Trail, but the Green less than five percent of federal planning to accommodate bicy- River, Interurban and Cedar highway spending, or about half clists and pedestrians, was re- River Trails. Improvements like of the total set-aside program leased just days before Con- the Dickman Mill site along Rus- known as Transportation En- gress received the Department ton Way, Edgewood's first park, hancements (TE). of Transportation's final pro- Carbonado's kid park, Lake- The full House is expected to posal, eliminating the reauthori- wood's and Gig Harbor's skate vote on the issue in September zation of TEA-21 money for pub- parks all benefited from the after a Labor Day recess. lic trails. WWRP. Look for the IAC TE money has been available The second survey, con- (Interagency Committee for Out- to supplement state, county and ducted by Beldon Russonello door Recreation) metal plaque city projects on a matching basis and Stewart for America Bikes, somewhere around any of these for the last 12 years. It was a found that a majority of Ameri- projects. continued on next page Page 9

Federal (continued) novel approach that attempted to balance out the motorized- vehicle-centered planning and building that exploded in the mid 1950's. The TE program spread $600 million annually across the nation to help self-powered trav- elers literally get back on their feet. Groups such as America Bikes and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy will be lobbying with health providers like never before to persuade both con- gressional branches to retain what they believe is essential planning for our nation's future. Your email, letters and phone calls to your congressional rep- resentatives will be essential to restoring the TE program Ernie’s water wagon. money. been the prime players in the display. Meanwhile, in an at- Novel water tanker project. Unfortunately, poor fill tempt to rescue the remaining soil and two years of excessive trees and flowering shrubs, beats the drought drought have done in most of Ernie has developed a novel For the last two years, the the original evergreen plantings bicycle-drawn water tanker. The Kiwanis Club of Puyallup has and many of the replacements. tanker effortlessly carries up to been attempting to develop a Although a beautiful variety of 20 gallons of water the few hun- meadow-grove wildflower park wildflowers have survived, dred feet across Dennis's park- between Tiffany's Skate Inn and most have withered away. We ing lot to the parched grove. the Puyallup Riverwalk. Dennis have not given up, however, be- Ernie also finds the empty King, Skate Inn owner, and cause we know that next year tanker an excellent litter recepta- Ernie Bay of the club's commu- will always provide trail cle as he travels the trail to and nity services committee have passersby with a spectacular from his home. Courtesy patrol checks in by Dixie Gatchell transportation. Most of all we love meeting and Among the unique marvels of living near a low- greeting the wonderful folks, whom we have elevation, easily-accessed trail such as the Foot- dubbed Friends of the Foothills, that we encounter hills, is being able to enjoy it throughout the year in in our daily courtesy patrols. foul weather or fair. Winter, spring, summer or fall, It's a thrill to watch trail travel opportunities ex- the courtesy patrol is there to see exciting things pand as the various trail segments come together happen along the Foothills Trail. in our state. And it's a sad shame that community- Clay and I are especially fond of the fall months friendly projects were given short shrift by the with the colors changing, the salmon running and House Appropriations Committee with a last- the kids returning to school. We enjoy watching minute voice vote, giving states the option of using the young folks, whether on bikes, scooters, federal highway funds for roads instead of trails. skates or afoot, managing to counterbalance those [See article elsewhere in this issue.] Previous to ubiquitous backpacks with bigger-than-they-are this last-minute action, Congress required that a musical instrument cases. small percentage, known as Transportation En- It's easy to enjoy trail recreating, but the prime hancement grants, be designated for projects, focus of the rails-to-trails concept is providing eve- such as bicycle trails, that enhance communities. ryone safe places for non-motorized modes of continued on next page

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Courtesy (continued) cord of users I find this frustrat- dence. Next I visited the Foot- Do you think our friends ing, but as an entomologist I find hills counter and was again along the Foothills Trail will al- it fascinating. amazed. Not more than an hour low our elected representatives After finally giving up on our after I had installed the modified to get away with this? We don't previous trail counter technology probe the previous week, an- intend to! because of problems with two- other bee had slipped by my Expectations are high that legged vandals, we have barrier and stopped the count the long-awaited trail extension changed to a model that is now after user number eight. And I between the Wetlands Bridge beset by six-legged forms. The thought squirrels were smart. and the paved portion in South previous device was too large to This is beginning to bug me! Prairie will start in late fall, good reliably conceal, and used a re- Trail users counted Lord willin' and the creek don't flected beam. Our present sys- Trail counts for the least trav- rise. It ain't easy building a trail! tem has a hollow tube detector eled easternmost end of the In the meantime, we continue probe slightly larger than a soda Puyallup Riverwalk, and Bob's the joy of running along South straw, and does not require a Place on the Foothills Trail have Prairie Creek on the existing un- reflector. Unfortunately, the hole respectively averaged approxi- paved portion. at the end of the probe mately 100 and 200 visitors per Summer has been warm and is just day during June and July—not mellow along the Foothills what a counting spiders and bees! Ac- with few adverse incidents particu- tual counts for both locations are to report other than occa- lar bee is suspected to be about 20 per- sional bandages dispensed here seeking as a cent higher. On-site observa- and there and three or four nest site. tions have revealed that fast- shouted (and ignored) admon- About a month moving bicycles are sometimes ishments to motorcycle riders ago I visited our not recorded. who don't belong on our trail. Riverwalk Volunteer trail stewards and counter to find Don Schmidt Pierce County parks crews con- the count suspiciously low. tinue their stellar job of keeping Upon withdrawing and inspect- memorial our trail free of garbage and de- ing the probe I laughed in bris. A couple of litter-slobs did amazement that a single bee planned themselves proud by dumping was able to discover and effec- tively seal off this hidden aper- by Ernie Bay an old boat filled with dilapidated Last spring the Foothills Trail bicycles and junk alongside the ture. Packed within the tube were a series of cells, each with lost our long-time member and trail. Another dropped off a friend Don Schmidt. At the start truck-load of old trash right a developing larva bathed in a paste of honey and pollen, and of the Foothills Trail campaign in smack dab in front of the Pierce 1987, Don was president of the County mitigation gate on the partitioned from its neighbor by a silken wall. The bee, of the Tahoma Branch of the Moun- unpaved portion of the trail. Just taineers, and it was he who who do these thoughtless folks genus Prosopus, normally util- izes the burrows of other insects championed our very first grant, think hauls their trash away? Ah, which the Mountaineers contrib- well, Happy Trails! as well as hollow stems of pithy plants for its nest sites. You may uted in the amount of $500. ask, "How does the bee from the To honor his memory a picnic Trail user first-laid egg at the caboose of and rest area along the Foothills counts bugged the series emerge to the front?" Trail in the Orting valley is First in . . . last out! planned for the McMillin Trail- by Ernie Bay Seeking to prevent further head. The area will consist of a Readers all know that our instances of this annoyance/ picnic table, a bench and a me- email moniker is bugtrail, and fascination, I bisected the aper- morial plaque. The approximate from our trail user counts as re- ture of the probes with fine cost of the memorial is $1,000. ported in our newsletters you strands of wire and assumed the Persons wishing to contribute know that both the Foothills Trail problem solved. The following to this special memorial for Don and the Puyallup Riverwalk are week the Puyallup count was may send a donation in the form indeed bugged with counting again mysteriously low. Puzzled, of a check to the Foothills Rails- sensors. Now it turns out that I peered through the probe to to-Trails Coalition, indicating that the "bugs" are bugged. As a trail witness two small scurrying spi- it is for the "Don Schmidt Rest technophile trying to keep a re- ders that had taken up resi- Memorial." Page 11

Proposal targets New Members Always Welcome highway fund If you appreciate the work that we are doing and wish to see more trails, spending rules please consider joining us. Foothills Trail memberships start at $18 single Associated Press and $25 family. Credit cards accepted. WASHINGTON -- Money for bi- cycle paths and railroad station restorations could dry up next † $18 Single † $25 Couple † $50 Trail Builder year after a key House commit- tee voted recently to allow states † $100 Hero † Even more! Honorary Member to spend the funds on roads in- stead. For the past 12 years, Trees for the Trail / Orting Trail Kiosk Engraved Bricks Congress required states to set ____ Number of tree(s) aside a small percentage of ____ Number of brick(s) their federal highway money for @ $50 per tree or brick = $ ______projects to enhance communi- ties, such as pedestrian walk- Name(s) to appear on Tree Tag or Brick ______ways, recreational trails, tourist ______service facilities and historic building renovations. But the House Appropriations Commit- Charge my † VISA or † Mastercard tee approved a proposal by No: ______Exp: ______voice vote to give states the op- Name: ______tion of spending that money- Address: ______$600 million in 2004-on road projects. ______Environmental groups op- Phone: ______Signature: ______pose the plan. The proposal still must go before the full House and the Mark your categories, mail form and check to: Senate must approve the idea Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition for it to take effect.

P.O. Box 192, Puyallup, WA 98371-0021

PERMIT No. 754 754 No. PERMIT

TACOMA, WA WA TACOMA,

PAID PAID

U.S. POSTAGE POSTAGE U.S. NONPROFIT ORG. ORG. NONPROFIT

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