March 10, 2010

IN THIS UPDATE:

·       Volunteer leaders needed

·       Restoration work parties scheduled

·       Reiter Field Day report

·       Focus Group to meet later this month

Volunteer leaders needed

Are you interested in taking a leadership role on restoration, construction and maintenance projects at Reiter Foothills Forest? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) would like to train 10 to 20 individuals to serve as volunteer group leaders for our upcoming work parties, which will take place on the first Saturday and the third Sunday of each month. We are offering training from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 20 at the Reiter gravel pit parking area.

As a volunteer leader, you will:

·       Learn new skills and techniques.

·       Gain leadership experience.

·       Gain work experience. (Volunteer time counts hour for hour on state, county, and municipal job applications.)

·       Work, network, and socialize with like-minded individuals.

During work parties, volunteer group leaders will help direct volunteers, provide instruction on proper procedures, work alongside other volunteers, and assist DNR staff as needed. 

The March 20 training will include:

·       Volunteer group leader responsibilities.

·       Communication protocols and ethics for group leaders.

·       Safety in the field.

·       Tracking and documenting volunteer efforts and work progress.

·       Field orientation.

This leadership orientation training is designed for those interested in overseeing volunteers who will be helping with restoration, construction and maintenance projects.

To sign up for the March 20 group leader training, contact David Way, 360-854-2830 ordavid.way@dnr.wa.gov and provide your  name, e-mail address, and phone number.

Restoration work parties scheduled

If you are not interested in being a volunteer leader but would like to help with work projects, beginning in April, DNR will host work parties on the first Saturday and the third Sunday of each month. For more information, contact David Way. Here’s the schedule for the next few months:

·       Saturday, April 3

·       Sunday, April 18

·       Saturday, May 1

·       Sunday, May 16

You can also find out about Reiter work parties and other volunteer opportunities on DNR-managed lands on DNR’s Blog at: http://washingtondnr.wordpress.com/. You can also sign up to be a DNR Fan on our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Olympia-WA/WashingtonDNR/273352136518.

Directions to Reiter gravel pit parking area: Just after the fire station east of Gold Bar on Highway 2, take a left at Milepost 30 onto Reiter Road.  Travel .7 mile, bear right to continue on Reiter Road. Go 1 mile to large gravel area on the left.

Reiter Non-motorized Trails Field Day Report

We had another successful field day on Saturday, February 27. We explored the possibilities for non-motorized trails and trailheads and talked with a State Parks ranger about linking trails with Wallace Falls State Park. Read more on our Blog at:  http://bit.ly/a4l4l8

Focus Group to meet later this month

The first meeting of DNR’s Reiter Foothills Focus Group will be in late March. We are looking for a diverse group of people to participate in monthly meetings with DNR staff. These meetings will be opportunities to engage in ongoing discussions about projects and management issues at Reiter Foothills Forest. For more information and details, contact Candace Johnson at 360-854-2803 or candace.johnson@dnr.wa.gov.

Candace Johnson

Assistant Region Manager, State Lands

Northwest Region
Washington State Department of Natural Resources

360-854-2803
www.dnr.wa.gov