2021-09-27-minutes-public-works-study-session

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Existing Trails Existing trails have been developed unofficially over years of use. Existing trails include the following: • Hiking Trails • Mountain Biking Trails • Equestrian Trails • Snowmobile Trails • Cross country ski trails Many existing trails are rutted by motorcycle and off-road vehicle use, or simply because they were created on timber fall lines. These trails were never intentionally developed for hiking or mountain biking use, with the exception of several user -developed trails which are shown on the map. Some trails may not be mapped if the private land owner has not granted permission for their use. TNC and other private landowners that make up the project site do not allow motorized use on their property, with the exception of the identified snowmobile trails. From Cle Elum Ridge the site connects north to the TCF, which is being developed with trails by the DNR with community input. Trail Classifications Existing trails were assessed and classified using the USDA Forest Service trail standards. The following is a summary of the general description of each of the trail classifications. Specific trail characteristics for each trail class are different depending on their designed use. Most of the existing trails are class 1 and 2 and offer a very limited variety of trail experience. • Trail Class 1 — Minimally Developed: indistinct, native material surfacing, natural obstacles, narrow, brushy, steep, no built structures • Trail Class 2 — Moderately Developed: distinct, native material surfacing, natural obstacles common, trail blockages cleared, vegetation may encroach, narrow, single lane, limited structures, route identification signs limited to junctions • Trail Class 3 — Developed: tread continuous and obvious, native or imported crushed rock, obstacles common but not substantial, vegetation cleared of trail, structures may be common and substantial, route identification atjunctions and along route, potential interpretive signs. • Trail Class 4 — Highly Developed: tread wide and relatively smooth, single lane with passing opportunities, some double lane, native or imported crushed rock, may be hardened, few obstacles, vegetation cleared outside trail, frequent structures, bridges as needed, trailside amenities, route identification at junctions and markers for reassurance, interpretive signs common, accessibility info at trailhead. Existing Roads & Access Limited vehicular roads exist in the project area. The main existing roads are the Rat Pack Uptrack and the Ridge Road, however, the Rat Pack Uptrack is gated. There are other roads within the project area but most of these are private development roads and are gated and closed for public access. Planning and Design Goals The PLG developed a vision statement and goals to help guide the design project. Vision Statement "We love this place for its natural beauty and the opportunities to head outside and explore. We want to create recreational routes that make the area accessible and we want to balance that Towns to Teanaway Corridor Master Plan p 17 of 26 Prepared for: Economic Development Group of Kittitas Co. & Kittitas Co. Parks and Recreation District No. 1 Prepared by: J.A. Brennan Associates, Landscape Architects & Planners