Butted up against the Canadian border, Ferry County is a vast and sparsely-populated wild place of unfathomable beauty that has its share of eccentric, modern-day homesteaders. It also happens to be chock-full of mind-blowing outdoor recreation opportunities: hiking, road biking, camping, mountain biking, fishing, floating, cross-country and backcountry skiing, rock climbing, hunting, back road touring, and more.

I own a chunk of remote, feral land there and am a bit biased, but the place is fantastically bursting with outdoor adventure potential. Yet, somehow, it’s still, for the most part, off the radar of the forces that have pushed more and more soulful chasers of undiscovered mountainous places out of other more well-known and down-right crowded outdoor adventure destinations.

With all of the incredible outdoor activities at your doorstep in Ferry County and its biggest town, Republic, one piece of evolving, super accessible recreational infrastructure stands out as having the potential for giving the region at least some of the tourism destination notoriety it deserves: the 28-mile Ferry County Rail Trail, a hiking, biking, and equestrian pathway that connects from Republic (via the multi-use 5-mile Golden Tiger Pathway) north to Curlew along the Kettle River all the way to Canada.

Local trail advocates organized under the banner of the Ferry County Rail Trail Partners have waged a hardscrabble grassroots effort to secure non-motorized status and funding for the trail in recent years, and their dedication has slowly attracted the attention of rail trail fans and funders and seems to have paid off. A recent $500,000 Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office grant to finish the trail was ranked #1 in the state. That grant, if all goes as planned, means that funding should soon be flowing to complete resurfacing of the entire 28-mile trail, making the full length accessible to everyone from day hikers and packs of kids on Striders to bike packers doing the whole thing with the option to connect to additional rail trails north of the border.

“This project was made possible because of the volunteers,” says Kaleen Cottingham, director of the Recreation and Conservation Office, which administers some of the grants going to the trail project. “The volunteers have developed and maintained the trail, cutting the costs to a fraction of other trails in the region. The dedicated, unwavering effort of the Ferry County Rail Trail Partners is an example of a small community doing really, really, big things for recreation in Washington State.” One of the priorities is to equitably distribute grants across the state, to both large and small, urban and rural communities, says Cottingham. “This project in Ferry County is a great of example of just that. An enthusiastic community that came together with a top-notch project.”

Check out this article to begin planning your own fall trip on the Ferry County Rail Trail. //

The post Off The Map: Ferry County is an Outdoor Adventure Mecca appeared first on Out There Venture.

Our friend Bob gives us this report of recent storms in Ferry County:

“In Ferry County everyone has freezers full of deer meat that gets us thru the year. Being this rural, all of us shop in bulk and freeze food.

Without power its all going bad. I just found out they are still rationing blocks of ice in Republic. Keller on the Colville reservation is even more devastated than North County but we are not hearing about it as much, yet. again, no power and all food going bad.”

See report below for more info. Stay tuned for information on how you can donate to help out:

FERRY COUNTY DISASTER UPDATE
Tuesday, July 24, 2012 1200 Noon
Shawn Soliday – Incident Commander
Incident Information – 509 990-6218

STATUS
Geographic Location: Ferry County. San Poil River valley, north from Columbia River.

Event: A severe windstorm with windbursts exceeding 100 mph occurred July 20, 2012, resulting in extensive property damage and power disruption.

Injuries: One fatality in Ferry County.

RESOURCES
PUD Crews: 9

Trimming Crews: 2 with 2 more coming

The Ferry County Commissioners declared a disaster.

Governor Christine Gregoire declared a disaster affecting 16 counties in eastern Washington.

Current Situation:
Electricity: Line crews are repairing powerline infrastructure throughout the San Poil River valley. Of nearly 1000 miles of powerlines, approximately 300 miles are operational. Power has been restored to approximately 40% of the 3500 customers under the Ferry County Public Utility District. The communities of Republic, Keller and most of the main powerlines have had their power restored, but branch lines and more distant connections will require more time. Reconnecting the power to water systems is a high priority.

Transportation: State Highways 21, 20 and 395 and all County Roads that lead to homes are open and “passable.” Work continues to clear the shoulders, ditches and a safety zone adjacent to the roadway. This stage could require several weeks. Forest roads are still being assessed and re-opened.

Services:. The Sheriff’s office is coordinating requests for assistance including food, water and fuel. A shelter that will provide beds and water is being established by the Red Cross at the High School in Republic that will be ready by 5:00 pm on July 24. The Colville Confederated Tribes have established a shelter at the Community Center in Keller. We are working to identify sources of potable water that are available to the public.

Damage Reporting and More Information: Report damage to your property and needs for services at 509 775-0266. Report powerline issues and continuing outages to the Ferry County PUD at 509 775-3325. These phone calls help clarify the continuing needs for services and can help establish the level of damage that occurred in this event. Officials must know how much damage occurred in order to qualify for some forms of community assistance.

Current Closures: The US Forest Service’s Ten Mile Campground is closed.

Meeting: There are Public Information Session meetings planned for 7:00 pm tonight (July 24) and also at 7 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, July 25) at the Republic High School. This is a chance to hear reports from various partners to learn more about restoration of services.

Cooperating Agencies: Ferry County Sheriff and Public Works. Ferry County PUD. Tri-County Health. Washington State Department of Transportation. Washington State Emergency Management. Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

Safety: Assume all powerlines are ELECTRIFIED! As power is restored, lines that have been down for several days may become re-charged. Do not touch or approach fallen or broken powerlines.

Improperly installed generators can cause power to travel back along the powerlines and causes immediate danger to repair crews. Do not connect a generator directly to your home system unless you have an approved transfer switch. If repair crews find an improperly installed generator, they will disconnect it.

Guy Gifford
Forest Protection Forester
Land Owner Assistance Section, Northeast Region
Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
(509) 990-6218
Guy.Gifford@dnr.wa.gov
www.dnr.wa.gov

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Ferry County Rail Trail celebrates second annual Ski Day

The Ferry County Rail Trail Partners have announced that the second annual Ferry County Rail Trail Ski Day will take place on Saturday, January 14th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Last year’s inaugural event proved to be quite a success. “It absolutely was a success with about 50 people taking part who had never skied or been on snowshoes before.” said organizer Keith Wakefield of N.E.W. (Northeast Washington) Recreation out of Curlew, Washington. “It was fantastic. We had people from ages two to 70.”

All told, there were 76 people who took part in the event last year. Wakefield donates his time to help plan and organize the event by pooling together both equipment and personnel and also grooming and track setting the trail. The event is being staged at the old rail car loading zone/trailhead north of Curlew and the trail will be groomed to the tunnel approximately two miles north of there.

There will be free cross-country ski and snowshoe lessons for beginners with two clinic sessions taking part at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. There will also be free gear to use for the event, including skis, boots, poles and snowshoes. Hot cocoa and tea will also be available to help keep participants warm during the event.

The City of Spokane Parks and Recreation has helped donate the gear for use at the event and also with organizing instructors for the lessons. There will be four Professional Ski Instructors Association certified nordic instructors at the event: Mike Aho, sisters Tammy Magnuson and Sue Sweeny, local ski legend Nils Larsen and last but not least big thanks to Bob Lattin for snow removal and instruction! “The group has been putting these ski events on for about 10 years,” said Wakefield.

For more info including maps and trail condition updates check out the web:
http://www.ferrycountyrailtrail.com/

&
THINK SNOW!!!

Ferry County Rail Trail celebrate second annual Ski Day

The Ferry County Rail Trail Partners have announced that the second annual Ferry County Rail Trail Ski Day will take place on Saturday, January 14th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Last year’s inaugural event proved to be quite a success. “It absolutely was a success with about 50 people taking part who had never skied or been on snowshoes before.” said organizer Keith Wakefield of N.E.W. (Northeast Washington) Recreation out of Curlew, Washington. “It was fantastic. We had people from ages two to 70.”

All told, there were 76 people who took part in the event last year. Wakefield donates his time to help plan and organize the event by pooling together both equipment and personnel and also grooming and track setting the trail. The event is being staged at the old rail car loading zone/trailhead north of Curlew and the trail will be groomed to the tunnel approximately two miles north of there.

There will be free cross-country ski and snowshoe lessons for beginners with two clinic sessions taking part at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. There will also be free gear to use for the event, including skis, boots, poles and snowshoes. Hot cocoa and tea will also be available to help keep participants warm during the event.

The City of Spokane Parks and Recreation has helped donate the gear for use at the event and also with organizing instructors for the lessons. There will be four Professional Ski Instructors Association certified nordic instructors at the event: Mike Aho, sisters Tammy Magnuson and Sue Sweeny, local ski legend Nils Larsen and last but not least big thanks to Bob Lattin for snow removal and instruction! “The group has been putting these ski events on for about 10 years,” said Wakefield.

For more info including maps and trail condition updates check out the web:
http://www.ferrycountyrailtrail.com/

&
THINK SNOW!!!

Ferry County Rail Trail celebrate second annual Ski Day

The Ferry County Rail Trail Partners have announced that the second annual Ferry County Rail Trail Ski Day will take place on Saturday, January 14th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Last year’s inaugural event proved to be quite a success. “It absolutely was a success with about 50 people taking part who had never skied or been on snowshoes before.” said organizer Keith Wakefield of N.E.W. (Northeast Washington) Recreation out of Curlew, Washington. “It was fantastic. We had people from ages two to 70.”

All told, there were 76 people who took part in the event last year. Wakefield donates his time to help plan and organize the event by pooling together both equipment and personnel and also grooming and track setting the trail. The event is being staged at the old rail car loading zone/trailhead north of Curlew and the trail will be groomed to the tunnel approximately two miles north of there.

There will be free cross-country ski and snowshoe lessons for beginners with two clinic sessions taking part at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. There will also be free gear to use for the event, including skis, boots, poles and snowshoes. Hot cocoa and tea will also be available to help keep participants warm during the event.

The City of Spokane Parks and Recreation has helped donate the gear for use at the event and also with organizing instructors for the lessons. There will be four Professional Ski Instructors Association certified nordic instructors at the event: Mike Aho, sisters Tammy Magnuson and Sue Sweeny, local ski legend Nils Larsen and last but not least big thanks to Bob Lattin for snow removal and instruction! “The group has been putting these ski events on for about 10 years,” said Wakefield.

For more info including maps and trail condition updates check out the web:
http://www.ferrycountyrailtrail.com/

&
THINK SNOW!!!

Ferry County Rail Trail celebrate second annual Ski Day

The Ferry County Rail Trail Partners have announced that the second annual Ferry County Rail Trail Ski Day will take place on Saturday, January 14th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Last year’s inaugural event proved to be quite a success. “It absolutely was a success with about 50 people taking part who had never skied or been on snowshoes before.” said organizer Keith Wakefield of N.E.W. (Northeast Washington) Recreation out of Curlew, Washington. “It was fantastic. We had people from ages two to 70.”

All told, there were 76 people who took part in the event last year. Wakefield donates his time to help plan and organize the event by pooling together both equipment and personnel and also grooming and track setting the trail. The event is being staged at the old rail car loading zone/trailhead north of Curlew and the trail will be groomed to the tunnel approximately two miles north of there.

There will be free cross-country ski and snowshoe lessons for beginners with two clinic sessions taking part at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. There will also be free gear to use for the event, including skis, boots, poles and snowshoes. Hot cocoa and tea will also be available to help keep participants warm during the event.

The City of Spokane Parks and Recreation has helped donate the gear for use at the event and also with organizing instructors for the lessons. There will be four Professional Ski Instructors Association certified nordic instructors at the event: Mike Aho, sisters Tammy Magnuson and Sue Sweeny, local ski legend Nils Larsen and last but not least big thanks to Bob Lattin for snow removal and instruction! “The group has been putting these ski events on for about 10 years,” said Wakefield.

For more info including maps and trail condition updates check out the web:
http://www.ferrycountyrailtrail.com/

&
THINK SNOW!!!

The post Ferry County Rail Trail celebrates 2nd annual Ski Day appeared first on Out There Venture.

The inaugural Ferry County Rail Trail Ski Day last Saturday January 15 was quite a success thanks to all who came out and got moving despite somewhat foggy, January weather. At least 70 attended, ranging in age from 2 years old to 80 years young!

Whole families who had never skied or snowshoed before participated and ended up loving it!

We would like to extend a warm and hearty THANK YOU! to the following:

Ferry County Commissioners
Dave Lentz: Forest Service, Equipment Partnership
Bob Lattin: Snow Plow, Instruction
Tammy Magnuson: Instruction and equipment management
Suz Sweeney: Instruction and equipment management
Mike Aho: Equipment and Instruction
Nils Larsen: Instruction and equipment management
Keith Wakefield: Organization, logistics, grooming and instruction
Madilane Perry: Refreshment coordinator
Joss Whittaker: Shovel master
Roadside Sani-Cans: provided restroom facility
Ferry County Rail Trail Partners Board and supporters…

Have a look on our FaceBook page at great rail trail ski day pics

If you don’t have FaceBook, we have a smattering of the pics posted here, a higher quality jpg too.

BREAKING NEWS: United States Senator Maria Cantwell visits Ferry County. We were flattered to have our Washington State Senator visit the Old Fire Hall during her brief visit to Republic. Bob Whittaker, president of Ferry County Rail Trail Partners, updated the senator on our County’s rail trail project. Senator Cantwell agreed it has great potential to bring recreational tourism to our area as well as get our community healthy by offering an all season, easy access, safe muscle powered pathway for all ages.

Find out more: http://www.ferrycountyrailtrail.com/
Email us: info@ferrycountyrailtrail.com

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Had a great time this weekend visiting a friend and staying in his cabin near the Colville National Forest just north of Republic. This area is nt given enough credit for its lush beauty. We had a chance to ride bikes of the Ferry County Rail Trail, which starts out as the Golden Tiger Trail and goes on into Canada. You may have heard about this trail as we have covered it often in OTM. Bought some great granola at the Republic Co-op and drive Highway 21 to the Keller Ferry. Here are some pics:

Nice aspen grove which are common in Ferry County.

Doing a little downhill near the Colville National Forest.

My friend uses an old Stumpjumber w/ fat tires to ride the unpaved gravel portion of the Ferry County Rail Trail.

Mt. Elizabeth, near Malo, WA.

This is what the Keller Ferry looks like.

The post Memorial Day Weekend In Ferry County appeared first on Out There Venture.

Click here for more info. Should be fun.

The post Great Event In Ferry County This Weekend appeared first on Out There Venture.

In case you haven’t heard there’s been an ongoing conflict in Ferry County WA over ORV access on trails. Here’s the latest the Quiet Communities Coalition:

Greetings Quiet Communities Coalition Members and supporters,

It was this time last year when QCC embarked on a successful challenge of the illegal Ferry County OHV Ordinances. The two ill-conceived OHV Ordinances, designed to blanket the county with OHV routes, were permanently prohibited.

Quiet Communities Coalition persists in our work advocating for safe roads and a balanced recreation policy for Ferry County. And our mission will continue to be challenged.

Now, the County plans on developing another OHV Ordinance…but this time we’d like to help shape the outcome.

The original QCC Board of Directors and a few volunteers can’t continue to do everything…we need the help of more dedicated members. The Board of Directors encourages you to join one of several committees working on a range of projects.

Our current and future projects include:

· Working with FC Commissioners to develop a legal OHV Ordinance
· Completing and submitting 501(C)3 paperwork for non-profit status
· Attending and monitoring County Commissioner and City hall meetings
· Communicating with the public and QCC members on OHV issues
· Organizing fundraising and member meetings
· Producing special events like a bird festival or mountain bike rally
· Commenting on the OHV Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
· Monitoring state and regional legislation concerning OHV issues

The Board of Directors provides direction for all committees and communicates via email and/or phone. Committees meet, when needed, in Curlew or Republic. If you work well with people, have a little extra time and energy, then please consider the rewards of being part of a QCC committee and help preserve our quality of life.

Please respond to this email with any questions, suggestions, or ideas on how you can help. Or call Steve Anthes at 779-4117.

Sincerely,
Steve Anthes, Vice President
Quiet Communities Coalition Board of Directors

P.O. Box 966 Republic, WA 99166

Website: www.quietcommunitiescoalition.com

The post The Latest From Ferry County appeared first on Out There Venture.

Just got this press release from the Quiet Communities Coalition. This seems like great news if you support non-motorized trails in Ferry County. We’ve been covering this issue for a couple years now, but I’m sure this isn’t the end.

Ferry County Permanently Prohibited from Implementing Off Highway Vehicle Ordinance

On November 20, 2008 Superior Court Judge, Michael P. Price signed and entered a stipulated order granting a permanent injunction in the case between Quiet Communities Coalition and Ferry County Commissioners.
The Order provides that:
1. Ferry County Ordinance 2007-22 and Ferry County Ordinance No. 2008-06 violate RCW Ch. 46.09, as at least some of the roads and road segments designated for off-road vehicle or off-highway vehicle use in those Ordinances fail to create direct connections between off-road vehicle recreation areas and cities of less than 3,000 people.
2. Ferry County must conduct an Environmental Impact Statement before enacting a new OHV ordinance.
3. Ferry County is permanently prohibited from implementing Ferry County Ordinance 2007-22 and Ferry County Ordinance No. 2008-06.
4. The Court retains jurisdiction over continuing disputes that may arise between the parties regarding Ferry County’s efforts, if any, to enact and implement ordinances that purport to permit off-road vehicle use or off-highway vehicle use within Ferry County.
Ordinance 2007-22 was enacted in December 2007 to authorize use of Off Highway Vehicles on 54 Ferry County roads. Quiet Communities Coalition challenged the ordinance with a legal complaint based on non-conformance with RCW Ch. 46.09 and failure to comply with the State Environmental Policy Act.
The Commissioners then attempted to correct their errors by enacting a replacement Ordinance, OHV Ordinance 2008-06, in June 2008, on the same day of the Court hearing to challenge the first ordinance. After oral argument, the Court issued a temporary injunction preventing either ordinance from going into effect.
Quiet Communities Coalition is pleased that this court order represents a complete victory on both its claims. QCC will continue to closely monitor Ferry County’s efforts to enact any new OHV ordinance.

Submitted by Quiet Communities Coalition
For more information please contact: info@quietcommunitiescoalition.com
www.quietcommunitiescoalition.com

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