Recently, the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association and the DNR, Washington State has signed an Adopt-a-Trail agreement for the maintenance of an almost 2 mile stretch in the Sadie Creek trail area. This is an idea an ATVer can take to heart. Not based on individual users, this involves clubs and groups. An individual ATV user could form a group, or join an existing one, then see about adopting some of the trails they find most fun.
The DNR strives to optimize the ATV/ORV experience by keeping trails and roads well kept, but there are more trails than can be well maintained without the help of the public. This lets the ATV person have a part in the process from the creation of a trail to keeping it fun. Once you see what goes into a trail, you will want to do your best to keep it in tiptop shape. Following the safety and trail rules will become second nature as an adopt-a-trail partner.
This is a great learning opportunity for ATV families. Once an ATVer becomes involved in trail maintenance as a family, you can learn basic trail building techniques, water quality information, how hydrology works, weathering of trails in different landscapes, how timbering plays a part in forests, and how to maintain an area for the enjoyment of future ATV generations.
Adopting trails is a voluntary exercise. The DNR is thankful for all groups, including ATV groups who come forward to build and maintain trails. They see this as a validation of the commitment an individual will make to foster an ATV experience, now and in the future.
