Home › Lifestyle › Hood River Area Trail Stewards Update: Fall 23′ #7 – The Success of the Hood River County Parking Permit Program, the dirt is still being sculpted, and volunteers needed.

Hood River Area Trail Stewards Update: Fall 23′ #7 – The Success of the Hood River County Parking Permit Program, the dirt is still being sculpted, and volunteers needed.

By White Lotus Sports on November 2, 2023 • ( 0 )

Hello Trail Lovers,

Here’s number seven of our eight-week seasonal newsletter.

Hood River County’s Parking Permit Program

Are you aware of the HRC Parking Permit Program and how it has benefited the community?

From a non-motorized Post Canyon trail user’s perspective, this program has been vital in creating the numerous changes we see happening now. Prior to its implementation, HRC had limited funds to manage these trails or approve HRATS-funded changes and improvements. The annual collection of $75,000 to $90,000 has partially funded the Recreation Program Manager position (TJ Moloney), who wrote and won a grant worth $147,000 (with HRATS/Community match bringing it to $185,000). The grant is the driving force behind all the work we’re seeing now and will continue to see in the coming year. The Hood River County Forestry Dept. plans to utilize these funds to continually apply for non-motorized grants and secure funding necessary for HRC and HRATS to maintain and enhance the community’s trail systems.

Thanks to the Parking Permit Program funding, work has started on several projects. Some notables include a fun and flowy trail in the old Upper 8 Track area, a rebuild of the iconic trail Egghunt, the new equestrian/hiking/running trail, the upper-intermediate/low-advanced enduro trail, and numerous projects in Family Man:

A new Middle School Jump line
Two more vault toilets
An adaptive trail
A rock garden skills line

As well as continual funding for the upkeep of bathrooms, garbage disposal, brushing, and hazard tree removal.

Last year, the Parking Permit Program helped fund the repair of the new Spaghetti Bridge, the first $20K in the Family Man rebuild, and the installation of new trail signs at intersections.

These significant improvements were made possible with the Parking Pass Program. Therefore, it’s crucial that we spread the word on how important each pass purchase has become and encourage others to contribute to the success of our community.

For another example of how HRC is changing how it utilizes its forest, please read the following article: https://www.hoodrivercounty.gov/forest-carbon-project-fall-2023

Work Parties

Thank you to all of the 21 volunteers who showed up for the HRC work party on Saturday to help with the Lower Trail-140 / Blue Car Downhill rebuild! The group included many locals, as well as The Event Promotors from The Cascadia Dirt Cup in Olympia, WA, and a group of dirt enthusiasts from Seattle, WA. It’s great to see so many people coming together to support an important cause. Thanks again to everyone who volunteered!

Post Canyon: Second HRATS public work party. We need lots of help for numerous projects!

Dates: Sunday, November 12th.

Time: 9:00am to 1:00pm

Meeting site: Family Man Staging Area

Please bring: Water, snacks, proper footwear, gloves, trail-building attire & a good attitude.

Come help The Mitchell Ridge Crew on Saturday, November 18th. Details to be announced soon.

44 Trails: If you love to ride up there, now is the chance to show some love. Join the 44 Trails Association for the November 4th work party. Visit the website for details.

Whoopdee: These trail builders are always looking for a few people to help with the new extension. Please email joebenedetti@gmail.com.

Equestrian, runner, or hiker? We need your help. If interested in helping please go to the: Post Canyon equestrian/runner/hiker trail Facebook page or email coreymhoffman@gmail.com

If you’re unable to fling dirt please consider donating to our Fall Fundraiser in support of our new trail projects (more is always better) To donate, visit our webpage

HRATS is still looking for a few good people.

Please consider one of following positions for yourself or forward to someone that might be willing to help:

HRATS Volunteer Coordinator

HRATS is looking for a friendly trail enthusiast to help us organize work parties and recruit volunteers to keep our trails in good shape. The Volunteer Coordinator will work with the Adopter Liaison to help with trail maintenance and trail building needs identified by our local trail adopters. The Volunteer Coordinator should enjoy working with people, be enthusiastic about mountain biking, and have strong communication skills. Prior trail-building experience is appreciated but not required. HRATS board member appointments are three-year terms. We hope to find someone interested in sticking around and helping for multiple build seasons. Please contact: spaeth.andrew@gmail.com

HRATS FUNdraisers

We’re looking for a few passionate, energetic folks to join our fundraising committee. The committee works year-round but with an average commitment of a few hours a month and an effort peaking around our large spring fundraiser in April/May. No prior fundraising experience is required. For more info, contact Fundraising Chair Campbell Morrissy

That’s all for this week.

Thanks for reading!