AGENCY POST-CATASTROPHIC EVENT STRATEGY COMMUNICATION IS KEY PUBLIC SERVICE

Washed Out Road - Gifford Pinchot NF

(photo courtesy of Gifford Pinchot website)

QWR believes that creation of a substantive and timely communication program between the Forest and recreation community is a vital element of a successful travel management strategy.

Communication is even more critical when it comes to providing the public with access information during active and post-catastrophic events such as intense wildfires and major floods.

Washed Out Access Road - Gifford Pinchot NF

(photo courtesy of Gifford Pinchot website)

For example, several important roads within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest were washed out by flooding that occurred in December of 2015.  A number of those roads provide access to motorized trails on the unit.

LINK TO GIFFORD PINCHOT NF ROAD ACCESS INFORMATION

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/giffordpinchot/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD500377

The OHV community and the public-at-large understand how catastrophic events can impact access to recreation facilities such as campgrounds, staging areas, and trail networks.  That understanding and trust is strengthened when the Forest has an effective communication strategy and makes access information available through email and social media alerts with links back to the agency’s website.

LINK TO ROAD REPAIR STRATEGY

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/giffordpinchot/recreation/?cid=fseprd486364

As the Forest Service moves forward with it National Trails Strategy, QWR hopes the agency will encourage units that are ramping up their trail program to hire staff with good networking and communication skills.  In 2016, those talents are becoming a valuable and treasured asset and will complement the other resource-oriented specialized fields.  Communication is a good thing!