Meeting regarding statewide trail network set for next Wednesday

A meeting related to the Adams-Whitman County Palouse to Cascades Trail will be held in Ritzville next Wednesday, Jan. 8, from 6-8 p.m. in the Washington Association of Wheat Growers building.

Formerly called the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, the 212-mile route spans eastern Washington and is planned to connect to existing northern Idaho trails, providing opportunity for users to travel from the Cascades to Lookout Pass – and even further, along the former Milwaukee Road rail right-of-way.

According to a press release, plans envision ties throughout western Washington as well, which would allow it to continue through the state to contribute to a coast-to-coast non-motorized trail network. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has identified this statewide route as the western piece of the proposed Great American Rail-Trail, a 3,700 mile trail system traveling through 12 states from Washington State to Washington D.C.

As directed by the Washington State Legislature, the Department of Commerce led a process to facilitate and mediate ownership, development and use conflicts along the Palouse to Cascades Trail in Adams and Whitman counties. The process has included working with residents, land owners, user groups, and agencies.

“The rapid schedule included phone interviews, two workshops with an advisory group, presentations to town and city councils, an interactive website, this January rollout meeting, and ultimately, the delivery and presentation to the Washington State Legislature,” the press release says. “The Adams-Whitman P2C Trail Report identifies participant concerns and hopes; advances recommendations on trail connectivity, design and management; and identifies key issues to inform implementation steps and investment.”

The “rollout” meeting will give attendees an opportunity to view the recommendations, conclusions and provide feedback on the facilitation report for the Adams-Whitman Palouse to Cascades Trail.