Inside:
Fall Edition 2014
Issue 41
The Newsletter of the Peninsula Trails Coalition
Message from the President
~ Jeff Bohman
Three cheers for PTC volunteers…and VOTE!!
I hope you’re all having an excellent summer, with this amazing weather and
ever more of the Olympic Discovery Trail to enjoy. If there was ever
affirmation for the enduring value of the work by PTC’s stalwart (and
numerous!) volunteers to achieve the full ODT, it was the recent naming of
Port Angeles as the fifth most livable small city in the US (by
livability.com) . One of the reasons for that achievement is our diversity of
recreational and lifestyle opportunities—of which the ODT is a central
feature. So, we charge forward in our work, and enlist your active support,
with all the more enthusiasm and commitment to achieving our goal.
Ian’s Travels
County Commissioner November Election
Volunteers Honored
Discovery Trail Updates
Newest Board Member
All volunteers:
Please hold
Sunday afternoon,
October 19, for our
Annual Volunteer
Appreciation Party
with refreshments and
door prizes, to be held at
the tribal center in Blyn.
Details will be mailed as
the date approaches.
Let’s celebrate
your hard work!
Our many volunteers are the absolute lifeblood of the Peninsula Trails
Coalition. It is an undeniable truth that there would be no Olympic Discovery Trail if it weren’t for our
volunteers. And we hope (and NEED!) to add many more, because there is much still to do and plenty of
rewarding ways for folks to volunteer with us. PTC’s board looks forward to celebrating with all volunteers at
the Vol App Party on October 19. Invitations will be forthcoming. Thanks to each of you for your involvement and help.
Out along the ODT, there continues to be exciting accomplishments in Jefferson County at Discovery Bay, in
eastern Clallam County in the Jamestown S’Klallam tribal campus area, in downtown PA, and in western
Clallam from Sol Duc to Camp Creek. We will be calling for help in various ways in these new sections
(adopters, for one). But these latest successes also highlight the importance of fundamental political support to
commit staff and funding resources toward planning, design, route easements, grant-writing, and grant match
funding to get actual trail built. Elsewhere in this newsletter you’ll see our presentation of Q&A feedback
from three of the four candidates for county commissioner in both counties.
We salute and thank the two retiring gentlemen who have been key allies in getting so much done over the
past many years. We deeply appreciate the 16(!) continuous years of outstanding leadership on the ODT by
retiring Clallam County commissioner Mike Doherty, who has been the trail’s most enduring elected
supporter, and the 8 years of dedicated support from retiring Jefferson County commissioner John Austin, who
was a key leader of recent trail extension and amenity projects that have the ODT poised to extend beyond
Four Corners and along Discovery Bay.
We hope that the respective successors to these valued commissioners will emulate their long-standing
leadership and work closely with us to move forward with the many opportunities that are on the near-term
horizon. That work, in turn, will add greatly to the array of volunteer opportunities with PTC and along the
ODT. So, in addition to your generous financial and volunteer help, as part of your trail support we encourage
you to vote for the candidates that you feel will work most energetically with PTC to get the next 20-30 miles
of the ODT built in the next few years. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Page 2
ODT Fan Profile: Ian Mackay
Ian Mackay, 32, from the Agnew area between Port Angeles and Sequim, is a big fan of the ODT. Despite a
bicycle accident six years ago that left him paralyzed from the neck down, Ian has logged 500 miles on the
trail this summer in his motorized wheelchair, most of it solo. Mouth-operated microswitches allow him to log
his rides on the Strava smartphone app. Ian’s mom, Teena
AT THE COWS
Mackay Woodward, told us that Ian is constantly trying to
set new mileage or speed records. He can reach the casino in
Blyn or the end of Ediz Hook on one charge of his chair’s
battery. A few weeks ago, Ian rode from Agnew to the John
Wayne Marina, and then called Teena, who picked him up
in his bus. When they got home, Ian asked to recharge his
chair so he could log a few more miles that day!
One
of
Ian’s
favorite places on
the ODT is a spot out in Agnew that he and his mom call “the
cows.” Teena will call Ian to ask where he is, and she knows exactly
where he is when Ian answers “the cows.” (That’s Ian passing “the
cows” in a still photo from a documentary currently being filmed
about him.)
NEAR CAMP CREEK TRAILHEAD
We first learned about Ian when Teena shared photos of their outing
on the new Camp Creek Trailhead section (along the Sol Duc River)
on the ODT Facebook page (see photo at right). Ian’s love for being
out in the fresh air, among the trees, is exactly why it’s so important
to continue building the ODT with everyone in mind.
Happy trails to Ian, Teena, and everyone else who loves the ODT!
Dungeness River Audubon Center Fundraiser on the ODT
~ Gretha Davis
Last spring BROOM BUSTERS II, a River Center Rally Team,
tackled Scotch Broom along the Olympic Discovery Trail from
Whitefeather Way to (almost) Morris Creek. Broom Busters:
Volunteers included Jim Benson, Roberta & Glenn Carlson,
Gretha & Doug Davis, Bryce Fish, Don Froomer, Pat Gritman,
Elden Housinger, Vern Klimecky, Larry Kilmer, Anita Knapp,
Cherie & Jim Pickett, Sherri & Doug Smith, Sandy Shadforth,
and Dennis Westeren, who totaled 149 hours of dirt, sweat and
satisfaction. Many thanks to the Peninsula Trails Coalition for
the use of their vests, signs, and access to some of the weed
wrenches. Pledges for the educational programs at our Audubon
Center exceeded $1700. Can’t wait for 2015’s BROOM BUSTING along the ODT?
For more information contact
[email protected].
Anita, Pat, Jim, and Sandy Bustin' Broom
Did you know you can include a bequest for PTC in your will?
Page 3
Run GOAT Run on September 6!
Looking for more ways to enjoy the ODT Adventure Route? And support the ODT???
The inaugural Great Olympic Adventure Trail Run (GOAT Run) is a half marathon and full marathon trail
race. The full marathon starts at the horse trailer parking lot at Dan
Erica Varner, Christina Murphy, Gay Hunter Kelly Road and ends at Log Cabin Resort. The half marathon covers
and Amy Petrotta in training on the
the western half of the Adventure Trail, also ending at Log Cabin ReAdventure Route
sort.
Run organizers Scott Tucker and Lorrie Mittmann are donating a
portion of the proceeds from the event to the Peninsula Trails
Coalition (PTC) for the construction and maintenance of the Olympic
Discovery Trail, which includes the Adventure Route where this run
takes place. Tucker and Mittmann also organize the PTC-benefitting
OAT Run, a trail half marathon and 12K that takes place in April.
For more information email [email protected].
Tour de Lavender Benefits the PTC
~ John Dolansky
The 2nd Annual Tour de Lavender was held on Saturday, August 2.
Two hundred thirty-two riders participated in this cycling event. Two
ride options were offered, both using parts of the Olympic Discovery
Trail on their routes. The Metric Century Plus started in Sequim,
visited several lavender farms and continued on the ODT to the Elwha
River and back. The Family Fun Ride started in Sequim and stayed in
the Dungeness Valley, also encountering several lavender farms.
The event was sponsored by the Sequim Lavender Farmers
Association. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to PTC as was the case in 2013.
We appreciate the support of the Sequim Lavender Farmers Association in helping to make the completion of
the Olympic Discovery Trail a reality.
Help Wanted
PTC’s board is way oversubscribed, and we simply cannot personally pick up the organizing and running of
the January Port Angeles Adventure Travel Series. It was ably managed for 7 years by Gunvor Hildal and
Randy Washburne who have since retired from the role. Not only is it an important yearly fundraiser supporting lunches and tools for our volunteers on the trail, it is also a valued community event. Janet Nickolaus is
considering it, but needs a co-coordinator with specific skills to complement hers: help booking speakers,
help with computer skills and handling the audio/visual. Bonus exercise opportunity on each of the four
January 2015 Friday nights: moving chairs! Contact Janet at (360) 513-1013.
♦♦♦
Corresponding Secretary still needed for those Very Important new member letters and donor thank yous.
Cherie Pickett would like to hand off this last task that she has so kindly continued LONG after resigning!
Please help us help her! Call Jeff B at (360) 457-7536.
♦♦♦
Without Liisa Fagerlund, PTC is still short a liaison for City of Sequim….interested? Call Jeff B.
2014 COUNTY COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES
Q & A REGARDING ODT
This November, voters in both Clallam and Jefferson counties will be electing new commissioners in their
respective third districts. The PTC seeks the perspectives of these candidates in regard to the achievement of a completed
ODT. These districts are the westernmost in each county, and they are also the districts in which the most work remains
to complete the trail. Consequently, these two elections are of vital importance to all of us. This importance is magnified
by the fact that the respective retiring commissioners have each been significant supporters of the ODT—support which
we want to see maintained and amplified by their successors.
With this in mind, we asked the two finalist candidates for each position six questions, equivalent in substance,
but specific to each county, and allowed approximately two weeks for reply. We feel that the questions cover the
important and essential aspects of the ODT and its future. We also believe that the content of their replies represents a
meaningful indication of the leadership we can look for from each of them, should they be elected. We encourage you to
review the following replies from the Jefferson and Clallam County candidates (Bill Peach did not reply). Each
candidate’s response is presented verbatim. Please use this information as part of your candidate selection decision and be
sure to VOTE in the November 4 election. Thank you.
Clallam County Commissioner Candidates
Sissy Bruch and Bill Peach
November 4, 2014 election
Sissy Bruch
Bill Peach
1. What do you see as the economic development potential of the Olympic Discovery Trail?
I see the Olympic Discovery Trail as one of the unique and very special
No answer.
amenities of our peninsula. Because it traverses through some very
beautiful areas and it connects a lot of our cities, it has tremendous
economic development potential. There are many biking and hiking groups
throughout the country that would love a chance to come and experience it.
Here is a chance to get out into nature, yet know that you will be able to get
services along the trail when you reach a city or town. In this sense it
contributes as a revenue producer as well as supporting local businesses.
In a broader sense, having quality recreational facilities like the ODT
makes the peninsula more attractive to businesses who are trying to entice
higher-level employees to relocate here. It is an issue of quality of life and
ODT can certainly be added to the list of amenities on the peninsula.
2. What do you see as the community asset potential of the ODT?
Users of the trail will be engaging in outdoor recreation such as horseback
riding, bicycling, skateboarding and walking that can have both health and
social benefits for a wide range of age groups.
No answer.
3. For over a decade Clallam County and the commissioners have demonstrated strong financial and political
support for the ODT. Has that support been sufficient, inadequate, or excessive? What level of county
expenditure and support is appropriate in the next 5-10 years?
Over the past several years we have seen a nationwide decline in economic
No answer.
activity and employment that is only now beginning to show improvement.
Clallam County and its cities have suffered the loss of large and small
businesses, a decline in sales revenue and falling property valuation. Tax
revenues have suffered proportionately. Nevertheless there has been a
substantial commitment to the ODT, evidenced by a 5-mile extension from
Lake Crescent and a 4.4-mile extension from the Elwha.
Sissy Bruch
Bill Peach
Funding for ODT has come from single and multi-agency agreements
involving federal, state and county funds. ODT has to compete with
numerous other recreational facilities for federal grants. Even so,
expansion of ODT has seen some progress. Tourism is an important
industry in the county and having an outdoor facility like the ODT helps
support our local economies. So, while I wish we could have done better, in
the context of reduced funding availability, I think we have done reasonably
well. As your commissioner, I will be a strong and faithful advocate for
funding for the completion of the ODT.
4. What do you feel is the degree of importance for the ODT to extend to La Push and connect to the Pacific coast?
Extension and completion of the “Pathway to the Pacific” will be a dream
No answer.
come true for three young bicyclists with a vision in 1988 that led to the
formation of the Peninsula Trails Coalition. I consider this trail very
important for both present and future generations and one that I will
steadfastly support. The more locations it can connect, the more valuable
and useful it will become to our county.
5. How important is it to you for the ODT in Clallam County to fill the gaps that currently exist between completed
sections, even though these gaps (Olympic National Park, Elwha – Lake Crescent, and Sol Duc – La Push) are in
sparsely populated regions?
As your county commissioner I will not be satisfied until those using this
No answer.
amazing trail do not have to jump into cars or load horse trailers in order
to “portage” the remaining gaps in the trail. Many of the sparsely
populated regions are some of the most beautiful ones and it is the ability to
traverse the whole peninsula that many, including myself, find so valuable.
6. Do you believe that the ODT needs to be constructed to the standards necessary to meet the requirements of the
disabled? Please explain.
Disabilities can run the gamut and there are a variety of government
No answer.
agency rules to address that range of needs. The Shared Use Pathway
concept that is presently being applied, of a preferred grade of 5% and
maximum grade of 8%, a 10 foot normal use width, and its numerous other
details, seems reasonable and appropriate and should be continued
whenever possible. During my professional practice days, we tried to make
everything accessible for wheelchairs. Only in very few instances were we
not successful, but we came up with creative solutions to mitigate the
constraints created. Should a section of the ODT prove to be too
challenging to meet the standards, innovative solutions need to be applied
to mitigate the limitations.
Jefferson County Commissioner Candidates
Kathleen Kler and Daniel Toepper
November 4, 2014 election
Kathleen Kler
1. What do you see as the economic development potential of the Olympic Discovery Trail?
Jefferson County has world-class mountain, forest and sea shore vistas that attract global visitors. The ODT encourages
visitors to enjoy the environment without automobiles, thus contributing to businesses that support both tourism and nonmotorized activities. The longer the trail, the more time visitors will take to enjoy the Peninsula, or have more options as
to their start-end points. The potential for races, tours, and excursions is tied to how the sections of the trail are linked.
(which is part of the answer to #4…the urge to get to the Pacific coast).
Kathleen Kler
2. What do you see as the community asset potential of the ODT?
In addition to attracting visitors, the ODT offers safe and accessible trails to residents, contributing to healthy lifestyles.
As each section of the ODT becomes part of the community’s recreation pattern, the pride and ownership of the trail will
hopefully foster interest in expanding and completing the vision.
3. For over a decade Jefferson County and the commissioners have demonstrated strong financial and political
support for the Larry Scott Memorial Trail (LSMT) and the ODT. Has that support been sufficient, inadequate,
or excessive? What level of county expenditure and support is appropriate in the next 5-10 years?
The financial support has not always been equal to the whole-hearted endorsement of the mission of the ODT, but not
because of lack of political will on the part of the commissioners. It is impossible to calculate levels of financial support in
the future in light of uncertainties of county revenue, even while fully acknowledging the value of completing the ODT.
If there were enough money for the county’s park and rec programs, then it would be easier to also dedicate more
financial resources to the ODT. The current competition for general funds necessitates even more volunteer effort and
outside funding to even the most worthwhile projects. When the trail is near national forest land, funding potential, such
as the Public Lands Highway Discretionary Program, might be applicable. The current strain on both federal and state
transportation dollars might limit options.
4. What do you feel is the degree of importance for the LSMT/ODT to extend to the Clallam County line, so that it
can then extend onward to La Push and connect to the Pacific coast?
Personally, I would love to have the trail extended out to La Push, but acknowledge the challenge of Crescent Lake
terrain in Clallam County. I am not aware of the current process on how to prioritize sections of the ODT yet to be
completed.
5. How important is it to you for the ODT in Jefferson County to fill the gaps that currently exist between
completed sections, even though these gaps (Four Corners to Anderson Lake State Park, ALSP to Discovery Bay,
Discovery Bay to the county line) are in less populated areas?
If the trail were longer, contiguous and safe, then population density along the route seems beside the point, as the trail
would be used as an alternative route from point to point.
6. Do you believe that the ODT needs to be constructed to the standards necessary to meet the requirements of the
disabled? Please explain.
The report of the Regulatory Negotiation Committee on Accessibility offers guidelines to the American Trail Association.
In as much as possible, the construction and dimensions of the trail need to comply with the standards, especially if
seeking federal or state funding sources. Sections of the ODT seem to fit under the exclusion regarding feasibility “due to
terrain or the prevailing construction practices.” But the goal ought to be as much accessibility as possible.
Daniel Toepper
(Reply was received in the form of a single statement.)
The economic potential of the ODT and LSMT should be approached as a peripheral or secondary factor. The trails will
enhance the potential of revenue for food services, hospitality, seasonal events and the like. Tourists will utilize the
system for many reasons. Supplying an alternate transportation corridor, sightseeing, or exercise opportunities for all
people is equally important. The trails will have a limited volume factor due to geography, parking and access
issues. Balancing tourist usage with community needs regarding trail use is problematic. Over-promoting the trails
could have an adverse effect on local use. Locals will compete for limited space. If County or City funds are going
towards the trail system, taxpayers could find themselves unable to utilize a resource that they've helped to create. How
would that be addressed? Some areas of the Peninsula may not be viable as trail sites. Critical areas, high-priced land
or inaccessible areas may make a continuous system unrealistic, especially when we factor in accessibility for disabled
persons. Access for people with challenges should be pursued whenever and wherever funding and terrain make it
plausible.
Saluting Our 2013-2013 Trail Volunteers
Blyn Trail Adopters:
Ann Sargent, section manager
Denis Body and Kath Sercu
Borden Farnell
Karen Sisk and Monte Sula
John McBride
Central Clallam Trail Adopters:
Carrie Kalina, section manager
Bob Howard
Dennis and Diane Isaac
John and Andrew Cambalik, Dana
Woodruff
Vicki Boyer
Judy and Denny Anderson
Dixie Keltner
Ed Holden
Heidi and Dick Pattee
Rich and Claudia Fox
Nicki and Greg Lepping
Darrell and Pat Hansen
Lynn and Teddy Sanem
Don and Jean Wilde
Trailside Ranch, the Reagans
Roxine Oak
Friends of Robin Hill
Olympic Peninsula Explorers
Volkssport Club
Steve Gilchrist
Val and Nancy Jackson
Marla, Harry, Connor and
Tristan Bell
Jack Lange
Elden Housinger
Jack Lange
Kieth and Craig Haugland
and families
David Bryan
Nancy and Larry Lang
David and Uyen Heldt
Rick Cooper
Rick and Sandy Shadforth
Sherry Wright and Dennis Blair
Beth Miner
Jon and Lori Jacobs
Ben Chambers
Kerry and Mike McCool
Jefferson County Trail activists:
Jeff Selby, coordinator
Gerald Braude
Jeff Chapman
Juelie Dalzelle
Roger Dickerson
Bob Hoyle
Nicole Sexton
Summer Martell
Robert Nathan
Jolly Wahlstrom
Jim Worthington
Jeni Little
Jim Little
David Trotter
Teresa Janssen
Nik Worden
Susie Keefer
Glen Griesz
Carrie Lennox
Steve Taylor
City of Sequim Adopters:
Jon Porlier and
Mike Wanner, managers
Jim & Cherie Pickett
Bob Simmonds
Women on Wheels "WOW"
Dick & Pat Gritman
Eric,Quinn & Lane Danielson
Spoke Folk Cycling Club,
Tom Coonelly
Dennis Blair and Sherry Wright
Near Bagley Creek
Tiger Trail Maintenance Team
Chuck Preble
Dick Gritman
Dan Rugh
Jim Benson
Elden Housinger
Rick Shadforth
Adventure Route:
Tom StAmand, section manager
Jim Walters
Diane Kaufman
Deb Homanko
Gay Hunter
John Popinski
Sound Bikes and
Kayaks (Vicki Adams)
Janet Parrisi
Charles Kasiki
Mallory DeCillis
Gunvar Hildal
Gail Fontaine
Rebecca Wangelii
Janice Harsh
Shela and Hal Lyndesi
Sam Baker
Sara Gaganon
Tammi Hinkle
Lorrie Mittmann
Tom St. Amand
Linda Mosley
Jack Lange
Jeff Well
Theresa Powell
John Wegmann
Andy Swenson
Trail Projects:
Gordon Taylor,
work party coordinator
Terry Bahl
Ron Bauman
Glenn Carlson
Burt Foote
Jim Fosse
Dick Gritman
Chuck Preble
Jeff & Gene Rimov
Dan Rugh
Sandy & Rick Shadforth
Kathe Smith
City of Port Angeles Adopters:
Chuck Preble, manager
Charles Anderson and
Lisa Graham-Anderson
Terry Bahl
Ron and Carolee Bauman
Dave and Marsha Chance
Ron Goldhammer
Randall McCoy
Martha Melcher
Bruce Monro
James Podlesney
Steve Sedlacek
Larry Sweeney
Dwight Waknitz
Randel Washburne
Cheryl Ford
Steve Ford
Jim Fosse
Gail Fountaine
Ron Goldhammer
Dave Marsh
Lorrie Mittmann
Zander Mittmann
Tom Mix
Jerry Moore
LaVonne Mueller
Bill Mueller
Kayla Rae McCann
Roxine Oak
Dick Pattee
Heidi Pattee
Kevin Webendorfer
John Wegmann
Dennis Westeren
Jim Witt
Jim Walters
Winter Slide Show Fundraisers
Dave Shreffler
Paul Pinza
Gunvor Hildal
Randy Washburne
Gail Hall
Margaret Maxwell
West End Trail Adopters
Erik and Cari Rohrer
Newsletter Editor
Debbie Dickson
Other Folks Behind the Scenes
Patti Carman and Joe Aleto
Ann Sargent
Cherie Pickett
Heidi Pattee
Liisa Fagerlund
Tom Coonelly
Carrie Kalina
Betsy Trager
Lorrie Mittmann
Kathe Smith
Ted Ripley
Back Country Horsemen on the Larry Scott Trail
Thursday Trail Crew:
Jim Mantor, coordinator
Curt Batey
Dave Bushatz
Marti Campbell
Fred Campbell
Sally Coates
Tony Cook
Rachel Covault
Stan Cowen
Ken DeBondt
Dave Erickson
Liisa Fagerlund
Jerry Fagerlund
Acknowledgement for Work
Above and Beyond
Jim Mantor, Clallam County
Volunteer Coordinator
Lynn Johnson, Webmaster
Jeff Rimov
Gene Rimov
Steve Sedlacek and Gail Hall
PTC's Board of Directors
Sandy Shadforth
(see back page)
Doug Smith
Don Stoneman and Bobbie Baldwin And finally, If we have omitted
Fred Sullivan
anyone who has volunteered during
Mike Tallmadge
2013-mid 2014, please let us know.
Ed Telenick
We apologize and thank you for
Mary Telenick
your work.
Rene Toft
Rebecca Wanager
Gunvor Hidal
Randy Washburne
Olympic Discovery Trail Updates
Jefferson County
- Jeff Selby, PTC VP,
Jefferson County
Chapter Chair
Discovery Bay
Progress
Page 9
Relocation of the waterline around the head of
Discovery Bay was well underway in early June
when PTC President, Jeff Bohman, and PTC
Jefferson Co. VP, Jeff Selby, inspected the progress
there. They spoke with North Olympic Salmon
Coalition (NOSC) project manager Kevin Long at
the site and learned the project was on schedule.
Discovery Bay
At this writing, the work continues. NOSC is
wrapping up the waterline relocation. Then they'll
begin the shoreline restoration project which
includes removing four RR trestles, bulkheads and
re-grading the beaches in the Maynard area (just
across Hwy 101 from the Snug Harbor
Café). This first phase of the restoration
should
be
completed
by
early
October. Next summer restoration of the
Snow Creek Estuary will begin.
ODT at Discovery Bay
East Clallam County
- Chuck Preble,
VP Clallam Co East
Continuing
Development of the
Tiger Maintenance
Team
BEFORE
Meanwhile, Jefferson Co. Public Works is
finalizing details for both Phase 1 & 2
(approximately 0.6 mi.) as well as preparing
grant applications for additional funding. If
all goes well, Phase 1 trail construction is
anticipated for summer of 2015. With
timely additional funding it may be possible
to
construct
both
phases
simultaneously. That will get us through
the
narrowest,
stickiest
part
of
the Discovery Bay section. Three cheers for
Jefferson Co. Public Works and NOSC!!
Bollard Paint and Repair
AFTER
Many of the bollards on the older
sections of trail have reached the end
of life, and our team (featuring
Dick Gritman and Dan Rugh) has
now rebuilt and replaced six. We
have identified an additional six
bollards that are no longer needed,
and will be approaching Rich James
for approval to remove some or all of
them.
The long-touted PTC Membership Drive will be held throughout October.
That will be your absolute last chance to renew at current membership rates before they are
raised on November 1st. Watch for the notice and don’t miss this opportunity to update
your membership and support YOUR trail.
What’s Happening on the ODT
Page 10
East Clallam County Trailheads.
Improvements are underway to the
- Chuck Preble,
Railroad Bridge Park Trailhead. A new sign was
VP Clallam Co East completed by Studio 3 in Seattle. Dick Gritman surveyed
the existing kiosk and found it in good shape. We are
still looking for someone to repaint the kiosk, remount
the existing sign to the other side,
and mount the new sign. We also
need to install direction signs from
the parking area to the trail plus a
(very important) doggie bag
station.
Grant Applications submitted in
June for the Kitchen Dick Road,
Diamond Point Road, and Port
Townsend Trailheads have been reviewed by RCO Staff. Their
comments and suggestions were positive and helpful, and we are
in the process of updating the proposals for the final deadline
August 29.
Maintenance Activities. The dry weather has slowed growth
along the trail shoulders, so the Tiger Team will delay the final
mowing, probably into September. We have purchased one
gas-powered heavy-duty hedge trimmer with harness and are in
the process of trial runs. The harness reduces arm fatigue significantly.
Sequim Wayfinding Kiosk installed! Recall last issue’s photo of Eagle Scout Brandon
Grow, preparing to build a kiosk at NE corner of E. Washington and N. Rhodefer Road
to help folks find their way along ODT through Sequim? Behold the brilliant result!
Thanks to map-making provided by City of Sequim, and to Heidi Pattee for the
graphics. There should be a noticeable reduction of lost cyclists.
- Gordon Taylor,
Morse Creek Trestle Modification
Project Manager Several riders with longer bicycles have
remarked on the difficulty with the turn
from the ramp onto the trestle at Morse
Creek. Recumbent bicycles, tandems, and
trailer rigs are just too long to make the turn
easily. We're developing a project to install
a "pie wedge" on the west side of the
junction. The wedge would change the hand
rail to a 45 degree taper and give about 4
more feet of clearance at the corner. Though
still in the planning stages, the project
should be presented to the PTC board of directors at the September meeting for
approval, after which we'll be looking for some skilled volunteers to help with
installation.
Proposed modifications are to the left side railing...
Olympic Discovery Trail Updates
West Clallam County
- Andy Stevenson,
VP Clallam Co West
and Member of
the Clallam County
Trails Advisory
Committee
Page 11
Things are happening at Lake Crescent! The good news is that construction is underway on the
Spruce Railroad Trail (SRRT) Upgrade project. The bad news is that the trail is CLOSED TO
ALL TRAFFIC between the East Beach Trailhead (Lyre River) and the Devils Punchbowl
during construction.
The current construction will bring the first 1/3 of a mile of the SRRT up to Olympic Discovery
Trail standards and is the initial step in a multi-year effort to complete the SRRT Upgrade and
connect to the existing 7+ mile ODT segment in the park. When completed, the SRRT Upgrade
project will provide the long sought non-motorized route around Lake Crescent via the north
shore.
While we are pleased this critical work is underway, we recognize this project is going
to have some initial negative impacts. It will restrict access to a very popular feature on
the lake during a high use period . It is also going to alter the character of the SRRT
experience. We believe the trade offs are worth it.
As astute readers of the PDN you know the paving has been finished on the Sol Duc
segment, through the woods paralleling Hwy 101, from FS 2918 to Cooper Ranch Rd.
The last details have been finished on the 070 connector (bollards and paint) but a “get
around” for the gate at the 2918 remains to be built. I’ve gotten LOTS of approving
feedback from users and am amazed at the number of folks who have been out for a
look.
Devil’s Punchbowl
Several users who I talked to at the Bike Expo in Seattle have been encountered on the
trail, and all have been full of praise.
PTC's Newest Board Member: Iris Sutcliffe
A Google search for the longest greenways in the country brought me to
the Olympic Discovery Trail’s website www.olympicdiscoverytrail.com.
We (me and the spouse, Josh) wanted a home with mild year-round
weather and a really long running path. One visit to Port Angeles and the
ODT convinced us to relocate here. We soon connected with the PTC and
became members. (It was Joyce Daze 2013. Blackberry pie is a great
recruiting tool.)
Several months later, during a training run on the ODT for the North
Olympic Discovery Marathon—just before Morse Creek, in fact—I
decided it was time to give back to the trail that had become an integral part
of my daily life. The very next day, a PTC board member called to ask if I
would be the new
recording secretary!
Iris
In addition to compiling meeting minutes (I’m a writer/editor
by trade and a speedy typist), I play an active role on the
ODT’s Facebook page, tinyurl.com/ODTFacebook, posting
news, sharing photos from the trail, and answering trail users’
questions. Drop in and say hello!
Iris and husband, Joshua
I encourage everyone who loves the ODT to become an active
member of the Peninsula Trails Coalition. It’s a great way to
meet people and to help build, maintain, and promote our
unique public amenity for generations to come.
Prsrt. Stnd.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Olympic Mailing
Services
Peninsula Trails Coalition
Over 25 years of progress
www.OlympicDiscoveryTrail.com
P.O. Box 1836
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Peninsula Trails Coalition Board of Directors
Jeff Bohman, President/Corporate Sponsorships
[email protected], 360-457-7536
Chuck Preble, Vice President- Clallam County East
temporary Adopt-a-Trail Mgr, Port Angeles
[email protected], 360-683-4549
Jeff Selby, Vice President- Jefferson County
[email protected], 360-531-2370
Andy Stevenson, Vice President - Clallam County West
[email protected], 360-461-4286
John Dolanksy, Treasurer
[email protected], 360-477-4081
Iris Sutcliffe, Recording Secretary
[email protected], 360-808-9220
Gordon Taylor, Project Manager
[email protected], 360-452-2925
Marc Connelly
[email protected], 253-509-4990
Jeni Little, JTC rep
[email protected], 360-385-3163
Chris Gutmacher, (membership)
[email protected], 360-928-0276
David Trotter, JTC, Equestrian Representative
[email protected], (360) 531-2898
**need one**, Corresponding Secretary
your name here??
I am interested...
… In Memberships: Renewable in the Spring of each year.
□ Renewal
□ New
Name:
Address:
City/State:
Email:
Newsletter Preference:
□ digital
□ hard copy
Membership Type:
(choose one)
□ Individual $15 (per year)
□ Individual $250 (for life)
□ Family $25 (per year)
… In Web page sponsorships
Please contact board member Jeff Bohman
… In Donating:
Donation $
□ General Fund
□ Other:
Return to: PTC (a 501(c)(3) corp.),
P.O. Box 1836, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Sponsored in part by Pen Print Inc., Port Angeles
Editor: Debbie Jo Dickson, [email protected]