Conservation Northwest protects and connects old-growth forests and other wild areas from the Washington Coast to the British Columbia Rockies, vital to a healthy future for us, our children, and wildlife. Since 1989, Conservation Northwest has worke
Issue link: http://conservationnw.uberflip.com/i/122775
Getting wilder Aaron Theisen Conservation intern, aaron@conservationnw.org Collaboration brings Access Along the new Gibraltar Trail This summer, volunteers picked up picks, pulaskis, and grubhoes to construct the new Gibraltar Trail in the shadow of the Kettle River Range of northeastern Washington. The trail is a collaborative success, the product of five years' work between the Forest Service, recreation groups, and conservationists, including the Kettle Range Conservation Group, Conservation Northwest, and Washington Trails Association. When complete, the trail will provide nearly 20 miles of non-motorized and motorized recreation opportunities right outside Republic's back door— constructed entirely through volunteer labor using traditional hand tools. Unlike many of the region's older trails, which were designed to service lookouts or mining operations, the Gibraltar Trail is designed purely for recreation, which means the route takes time to linger by small ponds, massive ponderosa pines and rocky viewpoints of the Kettle Crest along the way. In addition, the trail is also being constructed with the specific needs of mountain bikes in mind. Gentler grades and bigger turns mean experienced mountain bikers can spend more time enjoying the ride and less time pushing the bike. Most of the trail is under 4000 feet of elevation, providing excellent early- and lateseason snow-free mountain biking. It's all part of Conser vation Northwest's balanced plan for the Colville National Forest. Should wilderness legisla- The Gibraltar Trail is a great new place to mountain bike and hike tion for the Kettle just outside of Republic in northeastern Washington. Shallan Knowles Crest be introduced, the Gibraltar Trail will offer a During a time when budget strains fantastic alternative to trails on the Crest have forced trail closures across the that would no longer be open to moun- region, it's impressive to see a new trail tain bikes. In fact, with its challenging being constructed. Even more impressive terrain, panoramic views and proximity is how much can be accomplished when to the town of Republic, the trail is cer- conservation and recreation groups— tain to spur recreational tourism—and and hardy volunteers from around the bring dollars to downtown Republic. state—work together. Double your pleasure The Gibraltar Trail when completed will be nearly 18 miles long with several trail- head and loop options. Northeastern Washington's newest trail is a combination of new singletrack and existing, closed forest roads, and is being built by volunteers and lots of hard work. Slightly less than 12 miles of the loop will be open to non-motorized use. Easements across state and private land will eventually allow for a non-motorized connector trail from the Ferry County Fairgrounds in Republic, which could add another 5-6 miles of trail. A mile of the new trail will be open to motorized and non-motorized use and link to existing motorized routes, with future motorized routes to Republic a possibility. Many thanks to Spring Trust for Trails, REI, and others for their financial support in getting the Gibraltar Trail moving forward. 20 www.conservationnw.org