Attend a Meeting in Cheney or Ellensburg to Plan the Future of John Wayne Pioneer Trail
The John Wayne Pioneer Trail is the longest state rail-trail reaching across Washington from east to west and hikers have the opportunity to help plan for the future of the trail.
- Photo of the John Wayne Trail by John W. Porter.
The John Wayne Pioneer Trail is the longest rail-trail reaching across Washington from east to west. Next week, hikers have the opportunity to help plan for the future of the trail.
Goal: access and collaborative management in 140-mile section
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has begun a planning process to shape the future of the eastern section of Iron Horse State Park and the John Wayne Pioneer Trail.
Iron Horse State Park is a linear park comprised of most of the former 287-mile Milwaukee Road Railroad corridor. Planning for the 110 mile western portion of the Iron Horse State Park trail from Cedar Falls (near North Bend) to Beverly Bridge on the west side of the Columbia River was completed in 2000.
In 2014, State Parks completed planning for the 34 mile section of railroad corridor between Malden and the Idaho border. The current planning process will address the remaining 140 mile portion of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail that extends from Beverly Bridge (where it crosses the Columbia River at Beverly) to Malden.
At the end of 2015, State Parks began working with a citizen advisory committee to address management concerns and plan for recreational use on this section of the trail. WTA has been included on the committee and continues to advocate for access and collaborative management between the state and communities along the trail.
Attend a meeting in Cheney or Ellensburg
March 8 in Cheney
The first meeting is 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, at the Cheney City Hall Auditorium, 609 2nd Street, Cheney.
March 9 in Ellensburg
The second meeting is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, in Room 137A of the Student Union and Recreation Center at Central Washington University, 400 E. University Way, Ellensburg.
State Parks said in an email the meetings will begin with a presentation followed by a breakout session to collect public comments on trail-related issues, including noxious weed and vegetation management, trailhead and camping opportunities, fencing and trail-use permits. Learn more and view a map here.
Can't get to a meeting? Submit your comments
If you're unable to attend one of the meetings, comments can be submitted online at Washington State Parks' website.
Show your support for the trail by sending in a comment to let State Parks know that you use or would like to use the trail. Consider letting them know how you recreate on the trail and provide any ideas for trailhead locations, camping opportunities or your thoughts on any other trail-related issue that the John Wayne Trail faces.
Comments
basketball3
This undeveloped trail is the " key to the kingdom " of hiking and biking trails for the Great Northwest. People would come from all over the country to use it. Let's get it done and lead the nation in quality trails.
Posted by:
Basketball3 on Mar 03, 2016 09:34 AM
Ellensberg Mtg
Anyone else want to go for a short walk on John Wayne trail - Ellensberg trailhead the afternoon of mtg?
Posted by:
Olywa on Mar 06, 2016 12:56 AM
Support the John Wayne Pioneer Trail
Established and historic trails throughout the state need to be preserved for all current and future users. The John Wayne Pioneer trail is one of several established public right of ways that must continue to exist and remain accessible to the public.
Posted by:
Aviator01 on Mar 08, 2016 05:15 PM
Ellensburg trail walk
Olywa, are you still up for a trail walk this afternoon? Not sure how to reply just to your post, or how we can communicate directly...
Posted by:
SarahAbner on Mar 09, 2016 10:00 AM