It’s no secret that certain groups have been questioning multi-use access to the Slate River for many years. Several years ago, an meeting with very little forewarning or fanfare was called to discuss the winter trailhead. While a certain person was trying to get this trailhead shut down to motorized travel, others were sticking up for open access. Present at the meeting were many, including Keith Bauer (current Nordic Center Director), Frank Konsella (current board member of Share the Slate), Marlene Crowley (Public Works Director), some county plow drivers, and several other backcountry users. Most people present did not want to see motorized access to the Slate River Drainage get shut down and were willing to make compromises to reduce user conflicts, property owner complaints, and trailhead crowding. However, as more and more people find themselves using the Slate River Drainage, some of these rules have been forgotten – or some never knew them in the first place. Below is a list of “rules” that were agreed upon during this meeting, and/or have been established as the norm. No parking in the turn around – At the end of the road and the start of the trailhead, there is a
