Galbraith Mountain Annual Meeting

## Meeting Overview The annual Galbraith Mountain meeting convened on January 23, 2025, bringing together key stakeholders in the management and use of this beloved Bellingham recreation area. The gathering included representatives from the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition (WMBC), Galvert Tree Farm, the Galbraith Bay Coalition, the City of Bellingham's Natural Resources department, and various other partners who collaborate on the complex web of land management, trail maintenance, and recreational access that makes Galbraith Mountain function. Tyler, the conservation easement coordinator, served as the unofficial host, with WMBC President Glenn and Executive Director Eric presenting the organization's comprehensive annual report. The meeting covered a year of significant challenges and successes, from unexpected logging operations that impacted 18 trails to new trail construction and evolving policies around e-bikes and deer management. What emerged was a picture of an incredibly busy mountain — 202,000 trail users since May alone — and the intricate coordination required to balance recreation, forest management, and conservation goals. ## The Year in Review: Recovery from Unexpected Logging Eric opened with the sobering reality that shaped much of 2024: "a lot of what happened this year for us was slightly unplanned." The previous January, everyone had understood that Rob (the tree farm owner) was taking a year off from harvest activity. Instead, significant logging occurred both on his property within the easement and on the 650-acre Polygon property higher up the mountain. "18 trails were impacted because of that," Eric explained. "Some were fully impacted and some were just partially impacted. So it really took a lot of our staff time to get those reopened during the season." The organization had to push other projects aside because "that's always our priority — getting trails reopened up on Galbraith." The impact was dramatic. Eric showed a photograph of the SST trail crossing, where riders would normally pass through forest. Instead, the image revealed a stark clearcut landscape. "Just to give you an idea of what level of work we have to come in and do," he noted. "So that's what it looked like when we came back. Sometimes it's a mess, and we got to come back and do all the work." Despite these disruptions, WMBC managed to complete five new trails that had been started in 2023. The organization also implemented a comprehensive trail counter system for the first time, generating concrete data about usage patterns that had previously been only anecdotal. ## Trail Usage: The Numbers Tell the Story The trail counter data revealed the true scale of Galbraith's popularity. "202,000 trail users since May," Eric reported, with "7,000 people on Galbraith Northside Access" — the entry points along the neighborhoods that generate the most complaints from residents. Two of the newer trails demonstrated the mountain's draw. Blue Ribbon had 26,000 riders from May to December, while Double Vision recorded 26,103 users in the same period. "In one month each of these two trails had almost 8,000 or over 8,000 riders," Eric noted. "243 a day, I think, is what we ended up averaging." The data provided crucial context for ongoing neighborhood concerns. As Eric explained, the northside access points serve "almost every year 50% — when we do trail surveys it's literally 50/50 from people" who are locals versus visitors. ## New Trail Development and Infrastructure Beyond reopening damaged trails, WMBC completed several new projects. The organization built trails with names like "Larry's Pizza," which was constructed entirely during summer months because it sits in the watershed. "That was all the clearing as far as trees and stuff — we cleared in the spring, and then work started on that on June 1st," Eric explained. A more somber project was the Nathan Roe memorial skills area. Nathan, who owned Harris Street Cafe, had died in the Terminal Building fire in December 2023. "He has a 3-year-old daughter and we're doing a little skills area right by Last Call," Eric said. His friends and family were also planning "some sort of a gazebo kind of similar to the snack shack" near Dad Bod trail, "because that was his favorite trail." The organization was also finally moving forward on donor bricks for the main parking area and considering changing rooms "so people aren't changing in the middle of the parking lot, which happens a lot when you're muddy." ## Mountain Closures and Community Response The year brought two mountain closures due to herbicide spraying — one on August 27th and another on September 4th with aerial spraying. WMBC managed the communications around these closures, "closing the mountains, signing the mountain, getting the social media out, dealing with most of the blowback on that stuff." The deer management archery hunt proved more complex in its reception. Only four deer were harvested during weather that was "ideal for trail hiking and biking and terrible for deer hunting. Cold, clear, calm weather is not necessarily conducive to game activity." However, the hunt generated significant community engagement. "We actually had such a huge response from the hunting community that we set up a registration to be considered for future hunts — close to 150 people registered during that time," reported one of the participants. The feedback was mixed but leaned positive. "We had probably 5 to 1 ratio of people supporting the hunt versus calling to criticize it," they noted. Going forward, organizers were considering "a lottery-based draw for a permit, and then any of those proceeds would go to charity." ## WMBC's Broader Programming Impact Beyond trail maintenance, WMBC's educational programs served hundreds of local youth. "17 different bike clubs last year — almost 400 students," Eric reported. "If you go there on a Monday after school, you'll run into me and the Way King Bike Club." The organization's partnership with the Vomos program had reached 210 Latino youth, while their collaboration with Cascade Bicycle Club through a WashDOT grant had "given away more than 100 bikes this year" to underserved populations. After being paused during COVID, bike rodeos were returning to elementary schools. "Sometimes it's their first time ever actually riding a bike," Eric said. "I've been a part of that experience which is crazy to see a kid learn to ride a bike for the first time ever." ## Looking Ahead: 2025 Harvest Plans Peter Wheeler, representing Galvert Tree Farm, presented the logging plans for 2025-2026. Using a clear map overlay, he showed approximately 80 acres of harvest areas in blue-green, followed by spraying and replanting, plus 200 acres of thinning operations in pink. "The harvest areas will be followed by spraying to control weeds when they replant, and then thinning will go on in the areas that are the pink color," he explained. The timing would likely be "3rd, 4th quarter for that work" to avoid the busy summer trail season. Eric provided trail-specific context: "This is what's called the Pipeline run right here... that's Rock and Roll, Cedar Dust, Jumps On and stuff. Cedar Dust right there. This is Candy and Tested in that area." The affected zone would also include portions of the 2,000 and 2,500 level trails and "just a little bit of Cabin." An additional wildcard was a pending Department of Natural Resources auction for 50 acres at the top of the mountain. "It depends on who gets the auction," Eric noted, because different owners would use different truck routes, significantly affecting traffic patterns and road construction needs. ## E-bikes: A Quiet Revolution The integration of Class 1 e-bikes, approved by city council the previous year, appeared to be proceeding smoothly. Kelsey from WMBC reported that "since it went live we haven't really gotten any negative feedback." Eric estimated that "25-30%" of riders now used e-bikes, and noted a demographic shift: "the demographic of riders has moved older. So it's nice to see that user group getting back on the hill, because you know, gravity gets worse as you get older." ## City Partnership and Property Management The meeting included updates from the city's Natural Resources department, with Assistant Director Renee and Mike discussing their oversight of properties in the Lake Whatcom watershed. They were working toward "a different way to have a set of guidelines that can give us a little more ability to enforce or just have something that we can point the public towards as far as set of rules and guidelines for recreation." The city was also planning its own harvest activities — "likely 160 acres of harvest on the north side of Lake Whatcom" — and dealing with development pressures as the Creekside development expanded toward the power lines with 24 additional houses. ## Administrative Matters and Future Planning The group addressed several ongoing administrative issues, including license renewals between various parties and the final stages of easement amendments that would formally allow Class 1 e-bikes. There was also discussion of an experimental carbon vault project that would bury harvest residue and slash to sequester carbon, though the initial grant application had been unsuccessful. Rob, the tree farm owner, was exploring two interesting additions for the property: allowing about 20 beehives to summer on the mountain before returning to California, and planning an art installation "visible all the way from the city all the way up the hill" similar to installations at other tree farms. ## Looking Forward As the meeting concluded, the group agreed to add a mid-summer check-in meeting in early June. The complexity of managing this multi-use landscape was evident throughout the discussion — balancing recreational access for over 200,000 annual users, sustainable forest management, neighborhood concerns, wildlife management, and evolving technology like e-bikes. Eric's invitation captured the collaborative spirit that makes Galbraith function: "If you guys ever need to go up on the hill or need a tour of whatever we're doing, you're always welcome... if you ever want to volunteer for any one of our programs." The mountain's success clearly depends on this network of partnerships and the ongoing commitment of volunteers, land managers, and community organizations working together to preserve access while managing the resource sustainably. The meeting adjourned with the promise of continued coordination as the 2025 season approached, knowing that market forces, weather, and the needs of an ever-growing user base would undoubtedly bring new challenges and opportunities.

## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE **Meeting ID:** BEL-GAL-2025-01-23 ### Meeting Overview The Galbraith Mountain Annual Meeting brought together stakeholders including the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition (WMBC), property owners, Janicky Tree Farm representatives, and City of Bellingham Natural Resources staff on January 23, 2025. The meeting focused on reviewing 2024 trail activities, discussing 2025 logging plans, and coordinating management of this popular recreation area. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Conservation Easement:** A legal agreement that restricts certain uses of land while allowing others. On Galbraith Mountain, this allows public recreation access while the property remains privately owned by Janicky Tree Farm. **Trail Counter System:** Electronic devices that count trail users passing specific points. WMBC installed comprehensive counters in 2024 to gather data showing 202,000 trail users since May, with some individual trails seeing over 26,000 users. **Harvest Activity:** Commercial logging operations. In 2024, unexpected harvesting impacted 18 trails, requiring significant trail rebuilding work by WMBC staff. **Class 1 E-bikes:** Electric bicycles that provide pedal assistance only up to 20 mph and require pedaling to engage the motor. These became legally allowed on Galbraith trails in 2024 after city council approval. **Deer Management Hunt:** A controlled hunting program to reduce deer population that damages tree seedlings in replanted harvest areas. The December 2024 hunt was invitation-only and resulted in 4 deer harvested. **Watershed Property:** Land within the Lake Whatcom watershed that provides drinking water. Special restrictions apply to activities in watershed areas, including timing of trail construction. **Working Forest Easement:** A separate easement from the recreation easement that governs logging activities and forest management on the property. **DNR Parcel:** Washington Department of Natural Resources land at the top of Galbraith Mountain near cell towers, subject to a 50-acre logging auction. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Tyler | WMBC Conservation Easement Coordinator, Board President | | Eric | WMBC staff member, presenter | | Peter Wheeler | Representative, Janicky Tree Farm and Logging | | Sarah Brown | Executive Director, Galbraith Bay Coalition | | Morgan Robin | Special Projects Manager, City Natural Resources (4-5 days on job) | | Laura Bradford | Owner's representative for Galbraith Mountain | | Kelsey Hackem | Operations Manager, WMBC | | Renee | Assistant Public Works Director, City of Bellingham | | Mike | City Natural Resources contact | | Glenn | WMBC Board President (modest about role) | ### Background Context Galbraith Mountain is a 2,500-acre privately-owned working forest that operates under dual conservation easements allowing both commercial logging and public recreation access. The mountain hosts over 40 miles of mountain bike trails maintained by WMBC and sees over 200,000 annual users. The 2024 season was challenging due to unexpected logging that impacted 18 trails, requiring extensive rebuilding work. The property operates as a balance between active forest management, including periodic harvesting and replanting, and maintaining one of the region's premier mountain biking destinations. Bellingham ranks as the #1 mountain biking destination in Washington on popular apps, making Galbraith Mountain management crucial for both the local economy and forest health. ### What Happened — The Short Version WMBC presented their 2024 annual report showing 202,000 trail users and significant trail rebuilding after unexpected logging impacted 18 trails. Five new trails opened, with individual trails seeing 26,000+ users in 8 months. The mountain had two temporary closures for herbicide spraying and a deer management hunt that harvested 4 deer. Looking ahead to 2025, Janicky Tree Farm plans to harvest 80 acres and thin 200 acres, mostly in the 3rd-4th quarter. A DNR auction for 50 acres at the mountain's top will determine logging truck routes. E-bikes (Class 1) are now allowed with minimal complaints reported. The city is developing new property management guidelines while WMBC continues expanding youth programs that served nearly 1,400 students in 2024. ### What to Watch Next • DNR auction results for 50-acre logging parcel (within 10 days of meeting) will determine truck traffic routes • 2025 logging operations beginning 3rd-4th quarter affecting 80 acres of harvest and 200 acres of thinning • Possible mid-season check-in meeting in early June to coordinate ongoing activities ---

## MODULE S2: FLASH CARDS **Meeting ID:** BEL-GAL-2025-01-23 **Q:** How many trail users did Galbraith Mountain have from May to December 2024? **A:** 202,000 trail users, with 7,000 using the five main northside access points that connect to residential neighborhoods. **Q:** How many trails were impacted by unexpected 2024 logging operations? **A:** 18 trails were impacted - some fully closed, others partially damaged - requiring significant WMBC staff time to rebuild and reopen. **Q:** What are the two new trails that opened in 2024 and how much traffic did they see? **A:** Blue Ribbon (26,000 users) and Double Vision (26,103 users) from May to December, averaging about 243 riders per day each during peak month. **Q:** What is a Class 1 e-bike and what's their status on Galbraith trails? **A:** Electric bikes providing pedal assistance up to 20 mph only while pedaling. Legal on Galbraith since 2024 city council approval, with minimal complaints reported. **Q:** How many deer were harvested in the December 2024 deer management hunt? **A:** 4 deer were harvested during ideal weather for recreation but poor conditions for hunting (cold, clear, calm weather). **Q:** What logging activity is planned for 2025-2026? **A:** 80 acres of harvest and 200 acres of thinning, primarily scheduled for 3rd-4th quarter to avoid busy summer trail season. **Q:** Who owns Galbraith Mountain and what allows public access? **A:** Privately owned by Janicky Tree Farm, with dual conservation easements (recreation and working forest) allowing public trail access. **Q:** How many students participated in WMBC's educational programs in 2024? **A:** Nearly 1,400 students through 17 different bike clubs, trail core programs, and various educational activities. **Q:** What two temporary mountain closures occurred in 2024? **A:** August 27th and September 4th for herbicide spraying operations in harvest areas to control weeds during replanting. **Q:** How many people registered for future deer management hunts? **A:** Close to 150 people registered during the 2024 hunt period, showing high community interest in participating. **Q:** What is Tyler's role in mountain management? **A:** Conservation Easement Coordinator for WMBC, responsible for curating and enforcing easement terms, plus monitoring all WMBC-owned properties. **Q:** Where do most local trail users access the mountain? **A:** Northside access points along residential neighborhoods - about 50% of users based on trail surveys, totaling 7,000 recorded users. **Q:** What was the main challenge that pushed other WMBC projects aside in 2024? **A:** Rebuilding 18 trails impacted by unexpected logging operations, which took priority over other planned projects to reopen trail access. **Q:** What determines logging truck routes for the DNR parcel auction? **A:** If Janicky wins, trucks use existing easement through Black Gate; if others win, trucks must travel longer route via Cedar Dust road. **Q:** How many bikes has WMBC given away through their equity program? **A:** Over 100 bikes through their "Bombos and Earn a Bike" program funded by a Cascade Bicycle Club grant via WSDOT. **Q:** What safety consideration was emphasized for the parking lot plantings? **A:** Maintaining good sight lines to prevent theft and ensure safety, especially for solo female riders - area has only had one known break-in. **Q:** What special hunting consideration is being explored for future deer management? **A:** Creating opportunities for disabled hunters who could benefit from road access and trail systems on the mountain. **Q:** What carbon sequestration project was discussed? **A:** Carbon vault technology using harvest residue and non-merchantable logs buried in wet clay soil, though the specific grant application was unsuccessful. **Q:** When is the next potential meeting being considered? **A:** Early June for a mid-season check-in, before schools get out and the busy summer season begins. **Q:** What art installation is planned for the mountain? **A:** Rob (property owner) is planning a 2026 art installation visible from the city, similar to those at Pilchuck Tree Farm, funded personally. ---