The Enchantments in Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness attracts over 100,000 visitors annually, relying on cooperation between federal agencies and volunteer groups for trail maintenance. Recent federal budget cuts, including the elimination of the Forest Service's local equine stock program, led to a delay in vital trail work. Consequently, the Washington Trails Association decided to withhold trail maintenance crews. Although the Forest Service later restored its pack string, it was too late for the WTA to schedule new projects, resulting in deteriorating trail conditions this summer that visitors will likely encounter firsthand.
The business of trail work is like dominoes: When one tile falls, the next one lurches, and the effects cascade downstream.
We're most concerned about our ability to support gaps on the federal landscape, and a lot of high-use trails are not seeing the level of support we would typically provide.
Recent federal budget cuts have triggered rippling delays in trail maintenance, with consequences impacting both labor and logistical support for essential projects.
Visitors to the Enchantments area this summer are likely to encounter accumulated debris, damaged tread, and overgrown brush on trails due to deferred maintenance.
#trail-maintenance #federal-budget-cuts #public-lands #washington-trails-association #alpine-lakes-wilderness
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