The movement to save and improve the state-spanning John Wayne Pioneer Trail (AKA the Iron Horse Trail) has turned out so strongly across Washington that rather than trying to give trail land away, Senate leaders are hoping to invest $100,000 into making it work better.
In a letter to supporters, the Tekoa Trail and Trestle Association (“TTTA”) celebrated the news, saying, “Friends we have turned the tide!” (You can support the group’s efforts financially via their crowdfunding campaign).
The funding — if it makes it through the rest of the budget process — would improve weed control along the trail, a common complaint by landowners who say the unkempt trail serves as a pathway for invasive and noxious weeds that harm their farm and grazing lands. Improving weed control is a step toward protecting and investing to activate this incredible asset in our state.
Meanwhile, the State’s Parks Department is in the midst of a planning project for the trail with public meetings scheduled today (Tuesday) in Cheney and tomorrow in Ellensburg to “gather information and comments from the public that will help lead to a long-term plan for the John Wayne Pioneer Trail. At these meetings, State Park staff will have a presentation followed by a breakout session to collect public comments on a range of trail-related issues, including noxious weed and vegetation management, trailhead and camping opportunities, fencing and trail-use permits.”
The message for Parks is clear: Make it easier for trail users to access the trail and invest to develop it into the incredible cross-state adventure and local-economy-boosting pathway it could be.
Meeting details from the TTTA: (more…)
