Local News

Popular Trail Considered for Adoption/Improvements

Apr 11, 2018

Mountain bikers, horseback riders, and trail runners enjoying a springtime outing on the Buck Mountain Trail experience breathtaking vistas and fragrant wildflowers. While Buck Mountain Trail is one of the iconic trail loops in the Methow that draw thousands of users each year, it is not currently considered a National Forest System Trail. The Forest Service is seeking input on a proposal to adopt and make improvements to the trail.

Buck Mountain Trail, north of Winthrop, Washington, serves non-motorized recreationists such as mountain bikers, equestrians, runners, hikers, snowshoers, Fatbikers and dog owners. It offers spectacular views and is a favorite of mountain bikers. Proposed improvements would increase sustainability and provide for high quality recreation experiences while minimizing impacts of visitor use on the landscape.

“2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act,” said Mike Liu, Methow Valley District Ranger. “The Act was land-mark legislation that established America’s system of National Scenic, Historic and Recreation Trails and it seems a fitting time to make the improvements needed so that such a popular trail can continue delivering benefits to the public into the future.”

Specific improvements proposed include just under five miles of trail work to reconstruct the western portion of an old horse trail and other small sections of the trail. If approved, work would begin on the Buck Mountain Trail this summer.

District Ranger Mike Liu is interested in hearing input on the proposed trail work.

“As we work together to manage this Nation’s Forests, I want to make sure local landowners and others have an opportunity to share their thoughts,” said Liu. “Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the Forest Service said it best, when he said decisions ‘…will always be decided from the standpoint of the greatest good of the greatest number in the long run.’ In order to effectively understand where different interests may exist, I need to hear from people.”

Comments received by May 2^nd would be most helpful to Liu as he considers effects and makes a decision.