Kitsap Water Trails gain National Recognition!

The Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails is the first National Water Trail in our state! NKTA board member John Kuntz, Visit Kitsap (Patty Graf-Hoke) and Kitsap County teamed with the National Park Service to apply for "National Water Trail" status for Kitsap's water trail. Kitsap County has the second longest coastline in Washington State and is a favorite destination for experienced paddlers, but our region is also unique in the number of small sheltered bays that offer family friendly paddling and destinations suited to novice paddlers.

Here's what the National Water Trail website has to say about our water trail:

"The Kitsap Peninsula includes 371 miles of coastline on Puget Sound and some of the most spectacular marine environments on the planet. The Kitsap Peninsula is a destination for paddlers from around the globe because of its unique marine environments, the natural scenic beauty of the mountains and Sound, migrating marine mammal populations, and ports and towns steeped in tradition."

The goal of the National Water Trails System is to uniquely connect Americans to the nation's waterways and strengthen the conservation and restoration of designated waterways through the mutual support of federal, state, local and nonprofit organizations by:

• Establishing a national system of exemplary water trails.
• Becoming a catalyst for protecting and restoring the health of local waterways and surrounding lands.
• Establishing a community that mentors and promotes the development of water trails.
• Benefits of designation into the National Water Trails System include:
• National promotion and visibility with designation by the U. S. Secretary of the Interior
• Positive economic impact from increased tourism
• Assistance with stewardship and sustainability projects
• Opportunities to obtain technical assistance and funding
• Increased opportunities for outdoor recreation and water resource protection
• Contribution to public health and quality of life

"The mission of the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail is to provide a network of launch and landing sites that allows people in human-powered boats, and beach-able sail craft to enjoy the historic, scenic, and environmental richness of the Puget Sound's Kitsap Peninsula through single and multi-day trips. These sites are maintained through partnerships with agencies that own the trail sites; additional trail maintenance is provided by p addling clubs, community organizations, and Washington Water Trails Association."

Kitsap County's adoption of NKTA's String of Pearls Trail Plan and the support of NKTA's trail planning work by the National Park Service Rivers Trails and Conservation program was a foundation element of this ongoing effort. Thanks and congratulations to John Kuntz for his vision and perseverance, Patty Graf-Hoke and Visit Kitsap for their efforts to promote Kitsap tourism and the "Natural Side of Puget Sound", Kitsap County and Sue Abbott and the National Park Service for their ongoing support of Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails and North Kitsap Trails!

Two fun Port Gamble Trails Events support Trails

The popular Stottlemeyer 30/60 Mt. Bike race, put on by the Epic Series, wrapped up May 10th. 373 bikers from all over came out to complete the muddy and difficult 30 or 60 mile courses. This race is the season opener of a three race series and is billed as

"Technical single-track winding through forest, followed by fast gravel trails, Stottlemeyer is perfect to test you and your bike."

Proceeds from the Stottlemeyer 30/60 ride went to NKTA, and netted over $1800. Thank you to the participants, volunteers, and race organizers! Thanks especially to West Sound EMBA volunteers (Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance) volunteers who were out the day before, repairing the course and getting it ready for those hundreds of out of town visitors!

Also in Port Gamble sporting news, The Lumberjack 50/100 mile Endurance Run in April raised over $800 for NKTA, which provided match for our Great Give donations. The weather was right for both events and the trails were in great shape!

Thanks to Donors and to Kitsap Great Give!

We would like to thank all our recent contributors and those who gave to NKTA through Kitsap Community Foundation's first Great Give May 6th. Thirty-five NKTA supporters donated $2105, which with Great Give matching funds added $2332 to what NKTA has for North Kitsap trail improvements. $425 came from 6 current members, $394 from 5 anonymous donors and $1,285 from 24 new contributors. We've got several efforts in the works, so whether new, old or anonymous, your contributions will help "Build Trails for Our Future".

Can you join the KFB Forest of trees in the Bainbridge July 4th parade?

Our "Forest of Trees" (and menagerie of sea creatures) parade again this Fourth of July, dancing our way down the street to help get the word out about the Kitsap Forest & Bay Project. It is a wonderful way to spend part of the day. Kids can easily carry one of the tree puppets. Bainbridge Grand Old Fourth Parade starts at 1 pm and lasts about an hour. Line up by 12:30 pm on Madison Ave. south of High School Rd. Look for the tree puppets and KFBP banner. We need help with this! Contact Judy at jdwillott@mac.com / (206) 459-6841 or NKTA.

Save the date: The Poulsbo Marathon is Sunday October 12, 2014.

Registration is open, proceeds benefit North Kitsap Trails and there is still time to train!

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