Trails
In 1999 Island Rec’s Board of Commissioners created the Trails Committee as a subcommittee of the Island Rec Board.
Today it is an active, organized and dedicated group of volunteers committed to encouraging the creation and maintenance of a network of trails for non-motorized use on San Juan Island.
In 2012 Trail Committee Volunteers will be leading guided trail walks on the 4th Saturday of every month. Click here for more information about the guided walks and the Trails Committee website.
Click here to view the list of scheduled Trail Walks >>
Dcember 2011 News:
Favorite Trail Improved by Community Effort Consisting of NPS, Local Citizens Groups, Four Spring Street International Students by Theresa Simendinger
A favorite connector trail traditionally known as Kneeknocker Trail between the Logging Road circling Briggs Lake and Mitchell Hill Trail was improved by a critical “puncheon” constructed December 3rd to cross a seasonal muddy area due to a small trickle of runoff midway along the trail. A puncheon is a very low, short wooden platform crossing.
Years of negotiations and planning preceded the joint work party construction of the crossing. Rik Karon has been riding the trails horseback for 30 yrs along with Mark Hetrick of the biking community. They noticed the slow deterioration of the area. Karon never gave up with his negotiating skills. David Harsh, NPS Ranger, attended meetings and coordinated between NPS and the groups. Hetrick’s extensive construction background had the job well prepped and organized along with Mike Lazzari of the SJ Trails Committee. Dave Zeretzke, also of the Trails Committee, wrote letters and petitions to the Trails Committee for funding. The SJ Trails Committee is another branch of Island Rec which donated the funds for the project.
Four Spring Street School International Students from the south ofChinafulfilled community hours by joining with 22 local park lovers consisting of hikers, bikers, equestrians and six NPS Rangers. This included acting Superintendent Steve Gibbons and his wife Gina Rochfort, both career NPS. Gibbons gave the final ok on the project. Gibbons wrote later, ”Thanks very much to all of the volunteers for all your hard work and camaraderie in support of the puncheon installation at the Mitchell Hill unit yesterday. Personally, it was an honor for me to meet the volunteers and to work side-by-side with all of you in support of protecting such a great resource while at the same time enhancing recreational opportunities for the public.”
Ranger Steve Ray remarked “This was the best volunteer group I’ve worked with.” Lars Sjohlm, hiker and biker of the trails since 1979 was, “Amazed to see the project actually happen and to work with such an enthusiastic group.”
The NPS supplied not only man power but also tools, a truck and a Gator to move gravel and lumber close to the site. The volunteers and Rangers worked together hauling in lumber and tools to the site and providing a friendly workforce for the installation of the puncheon.
Homemade cookies brought by the volunteers were passed around to celebrate the completion of the puncheon. It felt like this was a special moment of community cooperation and worth celebrating the upgrading of a trail loved by so many.
Everyone who worked on this joint effort will smile each time they safely cross the area on the fine new puncheon and remember this day of community spirit.