Stewardship
Overview
Our stewardship activities are conducted in cooperation with the City of Anacortes Parks and Recreation Department. Our mutual efforts include trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, litter pick up, user group education, habitat restoration, trail patrol, 4th of July Fire Watch, and "Adopt a Trail."
There are many ways that you can help take care of the woods. Group work parties are scheduled throughout the year for trail maintenance and habitat restoration. Individual efforts at litter pick up and problem reporting are always welcome. If you or your group would like to be involved in any of these activities, please contact Parks and Forest Lands Manager, Jonn Lunsford (299-1953, email jonnl@cityofanacortes.org) or Forest Ranger, Dave Oicles(293-1918, email daveo@cityofanacortes.org) at the City, or check out our events page for work.
EXPLORE THE ACFL
Summer is a great time to head out and explore your Anacortes Community Forest Lands. With 52 miles of trail and 3 freshwater lakes, there is always something new to enjoy. Try hiking a trail you have never been on before, or bring someone along who has never had the pleasure of experiencing the wonders the woods has to offer. The ACFL is a multiple-use forest that allows a variety of outdoor activities, depending on which trail you are on, that include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, motorcycle trail riding, rock climbing on the south face of Mt Erie, fishing, and swimming. Some folks simply enjoy the flora and fauna during their visit. So come out and enjoy your woods!
FOREST FIRE DANGER
Summer is also a time to be extra careful while in the woods and at the lakes. Each year, wildland fires pose a risk and hazard to our forest lands, the critters that live there, and to the neighborhoods that surround the ACFL. . Here are a few things to keep in mind to help prevent wildfires in the ACFL:
1. Refrain from smoking. Smoking is prohibited in the ACFL.
2. Campfires and other open flames like BBQs are also prohibited.
3. If you ride motorcycles, a spark arrestor is required to ride in the ACFL.
4. Remember, fireworks of any kind are prohibited in the ACFL.
5. Call 911 if you smell or see smoke or fire in the ACFL.
Also, if you live next to the ACFL boundary, observe and follow any fire bans or fire restrictions that are in place. Do not burn in windy conditions. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated, and Smokey the Bear will thank you too!
ALCOHOL & PETS
The Anacortes Police will once again be doing extra patrols in the ACFL, enforcing the “no alcohol” Ordinance as well as the City of Anacortes leash law on our trails and at our lakes. The Anacortes Police have assisted the ACFL Ranger Staff numerous times during busy and warm summer days and we look forward to another winning summer. A WA Fish & Wildlife Officer will also be assisting with lake patrols this summer, especially around Whistle Lake. Help keep our trails safe and fun by following basic trail etiquette and thinking about how your actions affect the ones around you. Enjoy the summer!
If you want to get involved more intimately, you can attend one of the many Work Parties we schedule throughout the year. Our past work parties have included projects to repair trails, build trail bridges, remove non-native invasive plant species, prune fire roads, plant trees, and clean up trash. Here is a list of upcoming work parties. If you have any questions please call Ranger Dave at 661-3554. Hope to see you there!