This project consists of the following: Design and construct a 2.25 mile equestrian trail in the existing road right of way of Fertile Valley Road beginning at Pend Oreille County Park (318342 Hwy 2) and ending at the Rustler’s Gulch Recreation Area. This trail will connect the 386 acre park with the 560 acre County owned Rustlers Gulch Recreation area and the adjacent 2,800 acre West Branch Little Spokane Wildlife Area. This project has been vetted by the County Parks Board, and the County Commissioners. Both bodies are extremely supportive of this proposal. This project enhances the County transportation system and the State Highway System.
This project is 100% grant funded through the RCO (Recreation & Conservation Office) and Road Dept. Fund, which can only be used for paths and trails. The Public Works Department has already begun construction of the trail and is expected to be completed by Summer of 2018.
Equestrian Group Camp and Parking Area
Pend Oreille County Parks and Recreation will be installing an Equestrian Group Camp and Parking Area within the Pend Oreille County Park. The Parking Area will be a staging point for access to the Equestrian Trail linking the County Park to Rustler’s Gulch.
The Pend Oreille County Parks and Recreation Board has designated two areas within the park system as Non-motorized. The first is the trail system and all other areas (excluding the paved road that allows entry into the park) inside the 440 acre Pend Oreille County Park located in the south end of the County where hiking, camping, horse-back riding, bird watching and snowshoeing are the major activities. The Sweet Creek Rest Area, located in the north end of the County, where picnicking and hiking predominate is also a designated Non-motorized area. The Pend Oreille County Parks and Recreation Board will continue to designate these two areas as Non-Motorized.
At this time, all other County lands under the jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation Board shall remain open to both motorized and non-motorized recreational activities. Efforts shall be taken to develop and coordinate maintenance, improvements, facilities, and events so that motorized and non-motorized recreational activities are able to co-exist in the same areas without conflict. If damage to natural resources occurs or problems arise between motorized and non-motorized recreational interests, the Parks and Recreation Board will consider each individual area and take steps to resolve conflicts keeping in mind at all times resource conservation as well as the best interests of the residents of Pend Oreille County.
