This winter’s ice storm continues to wreak havoc with our trails. SDS is moving forward on logging on the Triple Bypass / Hector Connector area. Below is the exact text of the SDS email. Please, if you hear saws, turn around and head back the way you came. We want everyone safe! On top of that, we want to help SDS do what they’ve got to do as quickly as possible. Many thanks to them for all the years of riding we’ve had on that land. We look forward to rebuilding the trail in the fall.

–Text of SDS email–

You may have noticed this week that our crews have been out working on the road and the rock pit at the ‘overlook’ near the top of Triple bypass and Hector Connector. This is in preparation for the large salvage timber harvest in that area called ‘Overlook’. This project has been approved by the WA-Dept of Natural Resources Forest Practices division.

Cutters may start dropping trees in the area as soon as the end of this week. The entire project will take 1-2 months to complete.

We ask that recreational users stay at least 400 feet away from all harvesting equipment and tree felling operations. IF YOU HEAR POWERSAWS or HEAVY EQUIPMENT, PLEASE USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE ! When the trees are down and the cable-logging begins, even 400-feet may not be far enough away to prevent serious injuries, as active lines are strung around through the adjoining timber and some trees may be felled far away from the harvest unit for safety reasons.

The ‘Evergreen’ trail has already been closed earlier in the season. This logging operation will affect the ‘Hector Connector’, ‘Triple ByPass’, and other trails in the area.

I apologize for the soft description of the timing. Currently we are at the high point of the 2012 harvest and salvaging season. Logistics are changing on a daily basis and we are busy. This is the best timeline I can provide right now.

I am providing this information in the hope that you can ‘discreetly’ disseminate it to the Recreational user community. [editor's note: we hope this is discreet]

SDS does not wish to have trail maps published.

The bottom line is that SDS wants to ensure that everyone in the woods comes home safely. Thanks for your help in meeting this goal.

PS: Yes there will be plenty of work to do in order to rehab / reroute the trails once this operation is completed. Stay tuned… [and this is where HRATS work parties and your donations come in!]