Elbe Hills Focus Group Summary

Elbe Focus Group report

 

The turnout was very small for the ORV community, only 4 people plus Nancy Barker, from the DNR.

 

This however was a very important meeting as some critical decisions were made.

 

First, for the news:

The helicopter has completed dropping tons of rock in along side various sections of the busywild. This rock is fairly large – from 12-18” most of it, and will be used eventually for trail repairs as needed.

 

We have a couple of loads or concrete remnants 1” to 6” concrete chunks to use wherever we need it.

 

We’re cleared to go ahead with the improvements to the rock quarry at the end of the 9 road and the Rainier Vista.

 

Now, for the new stuff:

 

We agreed to a trail rating system and renaming a couple of trail sections.

 

We are going to be using a 4 step rating system.

Green Circle – Easy: These trails are passable for any 4x4 vehicle.

There are no Easy rated trails at Elbe Hills ORV Park.

Blue Square – Moderate: These trails are passable by most 4x4 vehicles with 31” – 33” offroad tires, may be more difficult in full size vehicles. Recovery equipment recommended.

The Sunrise, Gotcha, Alder Loop, Mainline as well as two new trail sections, the Mainline Cut (that name isn’t final yet) and the newly named “Easywild”. The Easywild is the second half of the Busywild that a lot of people don’t get to. It’s not been well marked in the past.

Black Diamond – Difficult: Recommended equipment includes 33”-35” tires, a single locker and vehicle recovery equipment.

The Mainline Extension and Swamp trail have this this rating.

Double Black Diamond – Extreme: Recommended equipment includes 36” or larger tires, dual lockers, winch and body armor.

There are two trails with this rating, the busywild and Rainier Vista (after it’s been renovated…)

 

Each trail will have a sign at the trail head and indicators at each trail intersection.

This winter, each trail will get marked with diamonds that are color matched to the trail map. There will be a work party when these are ready to be put up.

 

So, that’s all the good news, NOW, the flame suit goes on.

There is a vehicle restriction for the busywild that will be enforced and a gatekeeper will be built. This gatekeeper will keep out underprepared and “oversized” vehicles. The busywild will be restricted to vehicles with a wheelbase shorter than 107” and a maximum width defined as 82” outside bulge to outside bulge of the tires. As before the busywild is a one way only trail year round.

 

There will be another focus group meeting in two months.

so what about a subie with 27" tires and welded rear.That gateskeeper sounds like they wouldnt allow it to run on some trails.

As far as I understand the gate keeper will only be at the enterance of the busywild.

 

Some of these rules that were laid down at Elbe are going to ba what happins everywhere. We need to get everyone involved in the meeting that are going on. There is going to be alot of changes over the next few years. State and federal land has set deadlines for getting rules inplace. There are alot of nature freaks out there against wheelin that are involved too. Even if you don't have a wheelin rig you can still get involved and speak your mind. Evans is next.