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Washington State Trails Coalition Conference 2006
The 2006 Washington State Trails Coalition Conference was
held in Yakima
on November 3rd and 4th. This Coalition was founded in
1999; the organization focuses on a bi-annual state trails conference targeting
both motorized and non-motorized outdoor recreation and transportation trails.
The conference was open to everyone with interest for trails and what they had
to offer.
This is the first time the conference committee designed an
exhibit hall that would allow attendees to browse, learn and purchase trail
related products and services. Exhibits catered to trail users giving high
exposure to all recreation with opportunities to contact specific groups and
exchange views and issues.
Trail advocates, planners, builders, motorized and
non-motorized users and volunteers were the main attendees with government
agencies being represented through their presentations during breakout sessions
throughout the two day event.
The Conference began with opening statements by WSTC
President, Elizabeth Looney and Dave
Edter, Mayor of Yakima. The moderator this year was Cleve Pinnix, Director
Retired, of Washington State Parks & Recreation, he set the tone for what
was to be an interesting couple days exploring the network of trails; the
effort to maintain and develop systems as we try and keep pace with the
recreational demands; and It is also necessary to take time and look forward to
where we will be in five – ten – or twenty years from now.
Those who contributed to achieving a vision for the
conference were Rex Derr, Director, of Washington State Parks; Marti Marshall,
USFS Region 6, Assistant Director, on Recreation/Heritage/Resources; David
Uberuaga, Superintendent Mt. Rainier National Park; and Doug Sutherland,
Commissioner of Public Lands.
Impact on the state legislature and trails with regards to
Policies, Capital Budget and Ways and Means were addressed by House and Senate
staff. They gave an insight on natural resource and trail related policy issues
that the Senators and Representatives discuss in Olympia and how issues are best served.
The conference was structured around three tracks addressing
urban trails, funding; activism and public outreach.
Urban Trails – The importance of urban trails; the need for
them as they are close proximity to metropolitan areas; dealing with neighbor opposition;
to creating and implanting a community trail plan.
Funding – Addressing how we make decisions about what
facility are maintained/constructed and to what standard. Government funding –
how it really works; private sector trail funding; corporate foundations and
how they work; to setting priorities with limited resources.
Activism and Public Outreach – Lobbying 101 is a successful tool
for activism; discussion on how to get great results by knowing when and how to
contact elected officials on all levels. Representative Bill Hinkle, 13th
Legislative District, gave examples on successful efforts where issues were
supported.
There is a need to “get organized” by working together to
promote and develop successful projects. This breakout session provided case
studies of groups that have achieved their goals, including the recruitment and
use of volunteers.
The PNW participated in the exhibition hall exposure. Region
4 took the lead in this venture making sure all material and information was
available; adding a CD which gave us viewing capability of 4x4 activities – and
who we are and what we do. Those representing the PNW were Region 4 Director
and Secretary, Earl and Sande Nettnin; PR Chairman, Kelda Hagemeier and husband
Sid; Bob Brooks and myself.
We had invited Steve Sutliff, ORV officer with the Yakima
County Sheriff’s Office to share space with us where he could present the
county’s Education and Enforcement program and introduce the September 2006
Edition of the Yakima Co Recreation Guide/Map. It is the mission of the
Sheriff’s Office to consistently contribute to improving the counties
reputation as a safe place to live, work, play, learn and visit and this can be
handled through the newly revised map. Further map information can be obtained
through the Sheriff’s Office 1-800-572-0490 or 509-574-2500 or www.co.yakima.wa.us/sheriff
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The newly formed organization Washington OHV Alliance
(WOHVA) made there first appearance, representing motorized recreation across
the state; the Washington Snowmobile Association; Washington Country Horsemen;
and the Mountain Bikes were well represented as well.
Since WSTC is an open membership organization all conference
participants were invited to the annual business meeting where they select new
officers; consider bylaw amendments and discuss the future WSTC conferences and
activities.
John Eaton, WOHVA, was seated as representative for
motorized recreation. I have volunteered my support to John, in any capacity I
can, when the 2008 conference rolls around. There are several avenues the motorized
groups can do to promote their specific sport.
Arlene Brooks, WA. St.
Director
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