In alignment with Gov. Jay Inslee’s decision to partially reopen state recreational lands incorporating social distancing guidelines, lands owned or managed by The Nature Conservancy in Washington will reopen May 5 with some important exceptions.
Both the Yellow Island Preserve in the San Juans and the popular Bluff Trail at the Robert Y. Pratt Preserve at Ebey’s Landing on Whidbey Island, will remain closed for the safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors, and for preservation of fragile lands. The National Parks Service plans to keep their portion of the Bluff Trail closed as well.
Thanks to Washington Department of Natural Resources for sharing these tips and graphics.
The Bluff Trail hosts sensitive and culturally significant plants such as camas, chocolate lily, and death camas. It’s impossible to maintain physical distancing on the narrow trail without going off trail onto the steep slope. Going off trail damages the fragile soils and plants along the bluff and undermines the work of our staff, partners and many volunteers who all work to maintain the trail for safe use.
At Yellow Island it’s difficult for staff to maintain social distancing with visitors.
In other Conservancy owned or managed lands, we are asking people to follow state guidelines as well. Stay close to home; don’t travel overnight to visit. If you’re sick, or have any symptoms of cold or flu, stay home. No camping. Visit only in your household group; no large parties. Maintain social distance – at least 6 feet from other users. Bring your own food and drink to keep the community safe. Be safe so you don’t impact local rescue or medical facilities.
In the Central Cascades Forests, we want to remind visitors that there has never been motorized recreation permitted on Conservancy-managed lands on Cle Elum Ridge, above Roslyn, Ronald and Cle Elum.
Fishing and hunting is open within state regulations, but with a reminder not to congregate at trail heads, boat launches and access points, and again, no camping.
We’re hoping we can reopen safely with your cooperation. If we again see overcrowding it may be necessary to close access to these private lands again. The prevention of the spread of COVID 19 is a responsibility that we all must share to protect our communities and each other.
Our offices in Washington remain closed. Some on-the-ground restoration and conservation work deemed “essential” under state guidelines is moving forward, including forest restoration work around Cle Elum, at Ellsworth Creek Preserve, the Hoh River Conservation and Recreation Area and the Clearwater Forest Reserve. Please be cautious for heavy equipment and forest workers in these areas. Volunteer opportunities in the field remain on hold, although some at-home opportunities are available. Check wanature.org/volunteer to see updates.
Please continue following along on social media (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) for ways to engage with nature and stay connected with us from home. #StayHomeSaveLives
Banner photo © John Marshall
