RAILS-TO-TRAILS ISSUE

“The Klickitat Trail will provide a unique year-round recreation trail opportunity for a variety of users, help to protect the Klickitat Wild and Scenic River, and bring economic benefits to the rural communities in the eastern part of the Columbia River Gorge.” Daniel T. Harkenrider, Area Manager Forest Service Finalizes Klickitat Trail Decision For more details about the decision, visit the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Klickitat Rails to Trails section The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area staff is continuing to explore the opportunities that exist in the Klickitat Rails-to-Trails project. At this time, the USDA Forest Service is deciding whether or not to proceed with taking over the management of all or portions of the trail. Currently the trail easement is owned by the State of Washington and managed by them in partnership with the Klickitat Trail Conservancy.     Hikers head back to Lyle, nearing Fisher Hill Bridge. click on images to enlarge Harms Road Trail Head Assembled below are selected links either to full text or to relevant web sites. Please contact Pam Essley by email at pamess@gorge.net with any suggestions for additional relevant web sites that you think may be informative.   Klickitat Trail Conservancy A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the Klickitat Rail-to-Trail as a unique recreational asset and legacy for our community.   Rails-to-Trails Act (common name for the National Trail System Act) This link takes you to the full text at 16 USC, §1247(d) The Surface Transportation Board has a ministerial role in administering Section 8(d) of the National Trails System Act of 1983, 16 USC 1247(d), commonly known as the Rails-to-Trails Act.  The Board does not maintain information on what railroad right-of-ways have been converted to trails under Section 8(d). You may be able to obtain information on Rails-to-Trails programs or specific trails by visiting one of the links in their listing of Rails-to-Trails Sites. U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 5-22-01 memo titled, "Obstacles to Rail Infrastructure Improvements."   Rails-to Trails-Conservancy Try their search engine for updated news on the Klickitat Trail.  See Also A Legal Perspective on the Klickitat Trail by Charles Montagne and The Klickitat Trail -- In the Balance Washington State Parks Agency Information Overview of agency information, mission statement, and key contact information. Washington State Parks Commission Meetings What was discussed and decided at the most recent State Parks Commission meetings and calendar of upcoming meetings. Washington State Parks and Recreation State Parks Site Map A quick way to navigate the Parks' web site.