Protect Old-Growth Douglas Fir

Date: Saturday, April 5 (9:00 am - 3:00 pm)

Location: Government Mineral Springs near Carson, WA

Description: Douglas firs are icons of the Pacific Northwest, but the oldest of these trees are under threat from the Douglas fir beetle (DFB). Scattered areas of DFB-caused mortality have been detected throughout western Washington, including outbreaks just north of Governmental Mineral Springs. In 2024 CFC worked with the Government Mineral Springs Cabin Association to inventory old growth Douglas fir near Trapper Creek and install MCH caps, a pheromone repellent for Douglas fir beetles.

We will continue our inventory of mature and old growth Douglas fir trees near Government Mineral Springs this spring. We will work in teams of 2-3 to collect data on the size and health of individual trees and install or replace MCH caps on the trees’ trunks. If we have time we will inventory trees in other campgrounds in the Wind River corridor. 

Work Conditions: We will be walking on gravel roads and off-road on mostly flat terrain. There may be snow present which could make walking surfaces uneven. Using a specialized tape to measure trees and using a hammer to remove old MCH caps and install new ones will require lifting to shoulder height or higher. 

Gear: Please bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots or snow boots, appropriate layers for the weather, and a day pack with enough food and water for the day. Please bring a hammer from home if you have one you don't mind bringing into the field.

The MCH caps are most effective if they are installed before Douglas fir beetles emerge in the spring. There may still be snow on the ground, in which case we will recommend bringing snowshoes. If this happens, we will be in touch about a week before the trip to gauge who has snowshoes and who needs to borrow a pair.

CFC will provide gloves, tools, and survey equipment. Your registration confirmation will include a complete gear list and information on how to borrow boots. 

Transportation and Vehicle Access: Please contact us at trips@cascadeforest.org if transportation is a barrier to participation. We can arrange carpools if necessary. Our site is accessible via paved roads. We may drive up to 1 mile on an unpaved forest road if it is not blocked by snow. This road has potholes but it is navigable with a sedan.