The Washington State DNR closes some trails to ATV use in the winter to help keep trails in optimum usage shape for the three seasons it has them open. However, there is talk of keeping part of the Jones Creek Trail open, as a test for all year ATV use. Normally, Jones Creek would be closed to ATV/ ORV use from December 1 through April 30th. The projected test would take place on two weekends, one in February and one in March, to check any actual wear to the trails they would receive by ATVs/ ORVs during typical winter conditions.
The DNR is being proactive in helping to create maximized forest usage for an avid ATV/ORV crowd. They believe in responsible forest stewardship, trying to balance recreational enjoyment while protecting the environment, now and for the future. They are visionary in trying to work with ATV groups and ORV groups to discover and expand appropriate year round opportunities.
The DNR wants exclusivity in collecting any data that shows actual conditions of ATV/ORV usage. They do not want to hide anything, but point out all that can happen to the environment in all cases. They are searching for imaginative solutions from all areas to test what they feel they have done to solidify trails against all weather conditions, and where more is needed to be done. In this case, any ATVer could come to them and discuss trail conditions in the winter.
Perhaps the most the DNR is reaching for is a respectful relationship between them and the ATV/ORV public. There is a great demand for winter use trails throughout the DNR system, and this shows they are trying to meet the ATV/ORV enthusiast half way and more.
