With the expansion, the park district plans to create a regional attraction that will lure mountain bike enthusiasts with the opportunity for hourlong rides through progressively challenging terrain, according to a news release.
The trail system has already proved popular, attracting an estimated 7,800 visits.
The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, the state's largest mountain bike organization, is assisting with the design, construction and maintenance of the trails.
The REI grant will pay for construction materials, oversight, and recruitment and management of volunteer trail builders. Other capital expenses related to the second phase of construction will come from the $198 million bond issue approved by Metro Parks voters in April 2014, according to the release.
Besides the trail system, the 373-acre park includes a wooded canyon, pedestrian trails, the city's largest community garden and a 1-acre permaculture plot or food forest.
Take a trip through Quinault Rain Forest
The Lacey Parks and Recreation Department is leading a trip to the Quinault Rain Forest July 25.
Participants will be go through the old-growth forests that surround the South Shore of Lake Quinault, get a glimpse of the world's largest Sitka spruce, as well as waterfalls, the lake and the Quinault River.
The day will start on the Rain Forest Nature Trail, an easy 0.5-mile loop. The group will be travel to the famed Lake Quinault Lodge with an opportunity to hike the 0.9-mile Lakeshore Trail to the Willaby Campground and back, or just relax at the lodge.
Participants should bring money to purchase lunch at the lodge or bring a picnic lunch.
The trip will be from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and is for ages 8 and older.
The cost is $35 per person, plus tax.
Register at 360-491-0857 or ci.lacey.wa.us.
Building rock dams in streams harms fish
On hot summer days like the ones we've been experiencing, heading to a local stream to cool off is a good option.
Unfortunately, people are using rocks to dam the streams. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is reminding people that rock dams like these block fish and are illegal.
Fish can't move upstream to find cool water, spawn and feed, the department said in a news release.
"We need your help to maintain good fish habitat. Please be a responsible recreationist and do not leave dams or other structures in the stream," the release said.
You can report dams you discover by calling toll free 877-933-9847 or sending an email to wildcomm@dfw.wa.gov.
Compiled by Jeffrey P. Mayor, jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com
How to haze coyotes
Experience the Pacific Northwest Trail
It's a boy! Endangered tapir gives birth at Tacoma zoo
By Siandhara Bonnet
Tacoma's Point Defiance Zoo welcomes a Malayan tapir baby. The animal's name will be determined by a public poll.
MORE OUTDOORS
Plan to add mountain biking trails at Kaiser Woods pleases bikers, concerns neighbors
Olympic Forest may see greater federal protection due to Democrat-majority House
Washington state to cut hundreds of trees to save salmon
From this North Idaho peak, you can see 3 states, 2 countries and 1 proposed wilderness
New orca calf born in May is confirmed to be female
Public campgrounds full? You're in luck. The AirBnB of camping has come to South Sound