Reiter’s off-road acreage shrinks
Published 11:18 pm Thursday, April 22, 2010
GOLD BAR — Off-road vehicle riders could return to Reiter Foothills this June, but they will have a smaller piece of land to ride on.
The state Department of Natural Resources on Thursday unveiled its $10 million plan for the foothills, which have been closed to off-road riders since November.
Officials intend to open a few roads to the riders by mid-June, and then phase in access as trails are built. Those trails ultimately will cover about 1,000 acres, a 75 percent decrease in available terrain.
The riding experience, however, should be a thrill covering all skill levels, pushing anyone’s limits, state officials say.
“We’ll be known regionally, if not nationally, as a challenge area,” said Mark Mauren, an assistant division manager with the Department of Natural Resources.
The DNR closed the foothills to off-road vehicle riders Nov. 2. State officials said the makeshift trail system was growing out of control.
Trails snaked over 4,000 acres of the forest, crossing salmon-bearing streams and eroding pristine land.
The new trail system will cover about 2,000 acres. Half of that will be for vehicles, while the other half will be for groups such as mountain bikers, hikers and horseback riders.
Despite the drop in open terrain, some off-road riders are enthusiastic about the plan.
“In my eyes, it’s going to be better,” said rider Charlie Preston.
Preston, 45, of Baring, has worked with dozens of volunteers to help restore the foothills. They spent roughly 2,000 hours in the past three months, mostly working on weekends, to plant new trees and block off old trails.
Preston said many riders were skeptical of the state’s intentions after the closure, but the plan may put them at ease.
“There is going to be no experience like this anywhere, period,” Preston said.
Granted, that experience won’t be ready overnight.
Developing the area may take about a decade to finish. Work may proceed more quickly as money becomes available.
The plan may help on that front. Officials said the clear direction it provides could help win grants.
“The goal is to get it done as quickly as possible,” Mauren said.
Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455; arathbun@heraldnet.com.
