Recreation Facility Analysis

Forest planning can have huge implications for hikers and our trails, and your participation can make a difference. Photo by Mike Matson.

In the face of inadequate federal funding to meet recreation needs, the Forest Service is conducting a process known as Recreation Facility Analysis (RFA). It's a mind-numbingly long name for a course of action that could have huge implications for hikers.

This process requires that each forest determine its “niche”, or primary function.  These include the operation and maintenance of the campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, toilets, lookouts, visitor centers, and other facilities.  This niche will help determine which facilities will continue to be maintained or expanded and which will be closed.

Washington Trails Association's Position

WTA foresees a number of potential facility closures as a result of this process.  We're concerned about the direction that these facility master planning processes are taking, with closure of trailhead facilities and trailheads themselves being high on the list of potential actions.

What You Can Do

Several of Washington's national forests released proposed five-year plans of work, driven by the RFA process, this Summer they are now in the process of reviewing comments generated by those plans and exploring implementation options. While no formal process is currently available to comment on these plans feel free to contact the local land managers to see where things stand.

Olympic National Forest is currently reviewing comments about their proposed five year plan driven by the RFA process. For more information about the forest's RFA process currently underway  visit the Olympic National Forest's website.

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has proposed a five year management plan of their developed recreational sites as a result of the RFA process.  For more information about the site specific management changes and to comment on the proposal visit the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest website.

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest currently soliciting feedback about on their proposed five year program of work to implement the findings of the RFA process.  Go to the forest's website to view the specifics of the work plan and  comment on the proposal. 

Visit WTA’s Action Center to learn how you can make your voice heard and find out when the next recreation planning meeting will take place.