Collaboration in the Methow: WDFW’s Trails Ambassador Program
This spring and summer, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) launched an initiative in partnership with Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust at wildlife area trailheads and water access areas in Kittitas County and continued the program in the Methow Valley with the Methow Valley Trails Collaborative (MVTC). The program was initially piloted with the Washington Trails Association (WTA). This year, we are excited to partner with MVTC as a locally based partner.
In recent years, we’ve seen a significant rise in visitors to WDFW-managed lands. Many of these visitors are new to outdoor recreation and may not be familiar with how to enjoy these spaces safely and responsibly. The Trailhead Ambassador Program addresses this need by stationing volunteers at popular entry points to welcome visitors, provide information, and offer education on safe and responsible recreation practices.
The Trailhead Ambassador Program is at the following locations:
- Big Valley, Methow Wildlife Area: April-June
- Lewis Butte, Methow Valley Wildlife Area: April-June
- Pipestone, Methow Valley Wildlife Area: April-June
- Joe Watt, L.T. Murray Wildlife Area: June, September-October
- Manastash, Wenas Wildlife Area: June-September
The MVTC has played a crucial role in this program by maintaining and improving the extensive trail network in the Methow Valley and ensuring it remains accessible and enjoyable for all. MVTC builds and strengthens relationships between trail users, land managers, and advocates to enhance sustainable trail experiences in the Methow Valley. Their work includes trail maintenance, education, and promoting responsible recreation. Partnering with them helps ensure that the Trailhead Ambassador Program is tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of the Methow Valley, making the initiative more effective and impactful.
This program is a key part of WDFW’s 10-Year Recreation Strategy for WDFW-managed Lands, aimed at improving visitor experiences and reducing the impact of increased recreational use.
WDFW manages over a million acres of land in Washington, providing unique opportunities for exploration and recreation. Managing visitor access and recreation across such a large amount of land poses significant challenges.
The strategy has several key goals, including the following:
1. Protect natural and cultural resources: Increasing protections for the natural environment, cultural heritage sites, and tribal resources is crucial.
2. Enhance recreation opportunities: We aim to provide high-quality recreational experiences on WDFW-managed lands.
3. Strengthen partnerships: We seek to build and maintain strong relationships with tribal, state, federal, and local governments, nonprofits, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
“Throughout the program, ambassadors worked more than 13 weekends, and volunteers welcomed more than 245 visitors to the three trailheads.” says Allen Jircik, MVTC Trails Manager.
The program provides an opportunity for locals and visitors to connect with WDFW-managed lands in ways not previously offered in the Methow. It is also an opportunity to directly share information about responsible recreation and reducing human-wildlife conflicts with visitors.
If you’re interested in becoming an ambassador at any of the Methow Wildlife Area locations in the future, visit the Methow Valley Trails Collaborative website. To volunteer to become an ambassador at the Manastash or Joe Watt Canyon locations, visit the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust website.
WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
