County reports new trail counters, a volunteer hire, kiosk materials and short-term closures; committee approves March minutes

Clallam County Trails Committee members received several operational updates including new counters installed on the Olympic Discovery Trail, a new volunteer coordinator who will start May 1, maintenance fixes to a bridge deck, and notices of short-term trail closures.

A staff member reported the Trails Coalition received LTAC funding to deploy six portable counters in locations that complement the county’s permanent counters. The reporter said one weekend sample showed 111 westbound users at Lyre River and that the new devices cannot distinguish bicycles from horses or pedestrians; they record direction and count. The counters are battery powered and the supplier service purchased is for two years, after which staff will evaluate continued service and replacement costs.

On personnel, staff said the county has hired a trails maintenance worker/volunteer coordinator and that the new hire will start May 1. The committee noted the position drew 46 applicants.

Maintenance updates included installation of non-slip decking material on Whiskey Creek Bridge after a reported horse slip; staff said the temporary treatment is secured with decking screws and washers and is expected to last about one to two years. Staff also reported ongoing volunteer crew work on the Adventure Trail and several other trail segments.

Kiosk and wayfinding work: committee members said materials to build two additional kiosks are on hand; one kiosk is scheduled for the Gossett Road trailhead and plans for an Adventure Trail trailhead kiosk remain under design with tribal coordination on placement at the La Push end.

Closures and events: the City of Port Angeles plans a four-day closure in April to repave the Green Drive section where the city removed pavement last fall; staff also said FEMA repairs at Morse Creek are scheduled approximately April 28 through May 16. Committee members recognized the closures will be inconvenient but said they are temporary and will be publicized.

Votes at a glance: the committee approved the March meeting minutes by voice vote at the start of the meeting (call for approval, “So moved,” “Seconded,” “All in favor? Aye.”). The transcript does not provide a roll-call count.

Ending: Staff said they will circulate a counter report to committee members next weekend, will post volunteer recruitment material at trailheads and online, and will provide notice about the trail closures and kiosk installations.