As the Enchantments deal with U.S. Forest Service staffing shortages, local volunteers are stepping up to the plate to care for one of Washington’s most treasured recreation areas.
Wenatchee Outdoors is a nonprofit that connects people to information on recreational activities and volunteer opportunities. The group has stepped in to remove trash and complete trail work at the Enchantments. Typically, work that Forest Service rangers take care of.
Volunteers and hikers say they’re seeing unmaintained trails, trash that’s been left behind and overflowing toilets.
”It’s not glamorous work, but it’s really rewarding,” said Matt Porter, a Wenatchee Outdoors volunteer.
The volunteer program launched in the spring. This summer, U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier, who represents Washington’s 8th Congressional District, sent a letter to the Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz to address the staffing shortage at the Enchantments.
Schrier’s letter said that the Wenatchee River Ranger District currently has one employee. There used to be 11.
Porter said the shortfall has left basic services struggling.
Sarah Shaffer, Wenatchee Outdoors’ executive director, said more than 40 volunteers signed up to work in the Enchantments. There’s also a waitlist to volunteer.
“Overuse has been a longstanding issue, and for years it felt like there wasn’t a lot of physical action to address it,” Shaffer said. “We finally decided it was time to get boots on the ground.”
Volunteers like Porter carry trash bags, gloves and tools to repair signs and toilets. They also take down illegal campfires and speak with hikers about fire safety and rules in the Enchantments.
“We understand that having wilderness rangers out there is the most ideal situation,” Shaffer said. “But right now, this is one way the community can step up.”
Hikers passing through the Enchantments are already seeing the impact of the reduced staffing. Becca Schmidt and Abby Davis, two hikers visiting from Portland, said they encountered downed trees and overflowing toilets along their trek.
“One of the toilets had maggots in it,” Schmidt said. Davis added that the restroom at Tranquil Lake was “filled to the brim.”
Trail markings also posed challenges. Davis said the rock cairns, human-made piles of stones used to mark trails that guide hikers, were hard to spot while climbing Aasgard Pass.
“I’ve never needed cairns as much as on this trail,” she said.
Both Schmidt and Davis said they think there is a clear need for more resources.
“Forestry workers need a lot more money,” Schmidt said. “Otherwise, places like this aren’t going to stay as pretty.”
The Enchantments draw thousands of visitors each year. A lottery system for camping permits allows a small number of overnight campers, but day hikers continue to visit the area in large crowds.
“With a name like the Enchantments, it draws people in, and it really is magical,” Porter said. “But if we don’t take care of it, we’re going to lose what makes it special.”
