WA Chapter’s Public Land Pack Out & Special Trail Maintenance Project

Thanks to all of the Washington members who showed up to clean up our public lands!  It was great to finally reconnect in person! 

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Need a reminder of what the Public Land Pack Out is?

Every year during September, which is also Public Lands Month, BHA members pack out trash from fishing access sites, wildlife management areas and other areas on which hunters and anglers depend for access and opportunity. This year, BHA members across North America removed over 4,000 bags of trash from public lands in the month of September. To support this effort, our friends at First Lite generously donated $3 to BHA for every bag of trash packed out, resulting in a $12,000 donation for this year’s effort.

So, how did the Washington Chapter do?

We held a Public Lands Pack Out event on September 26th in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, just outside of Granite Falls.  Over 30 volunteers showed up to the Pack Out, and we were able to remove a whopping 82 contractor bags worth of garbage.  This was enough garbage to fill two utility trailers and two truck beds.

In addition to leaving the area better than we found it, this project resulted in a $250 match for BHA thanks to First Lite’s generous sponsorship!

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We didn’t stop there.

The Washington State Chapter of BHA also partnered with WDFW, Washington Waterfowl Association, and Ducks Unlimited for a trail maintenance project at the Spencer Island Wildlife Area to enhance walk-in waterfowl access.

On October 3rd, the group cleared blackberries and alders from the trail and improved access to hunting areas. 

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What did we learn?

Our members are ready to get back out there and get their hands dirty.  We can’t wait to ramp up the amount of volunteer efforts here in Washington, and we are super excited with the enthusiasm we received during these two fall season events. 

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Giving Thanks

We want to thank all of the sponsors for collaborating to make these events happen.  We appreciate the donations of First Lite during our Public Land Pack Out.

Our members also deserve thanks for sticking with us through the pandemic, and for showing up to support BHA’s cause throughout. 

Last but not least, we thank Bryce Levin for his effort in putting these two events together.  He’s a stud, and we are amped for the events he hosts in the future.

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Join Us!

Do you have questions or want to become more involved?  Reach out to us on our social media channels or via email [email protected]!  We would love to hear from you and any projects you have in mind. 

Also, keep an eye on our social media pages to keep up on important information regarding hunters and anglers, where we share member and public-specific action items.  We certainly need your voice in maintaining our traditions here in Washington!

Click here to help protect our public lands!  www.backcountryhunters.org/join