Galbraith Mountain to Close Aug. 24–25 for Targeted Roadside Herbicide Treatment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — August 21, 2026 — Janicki Logging & Construction (JLC) will close Galbraith Tree Farm/Galbraith Mountain to recreational access on Monday, August 24, and Tuesday, August 25, while crews conduct targeted roadside herbicide treatment, weather permitting.
The treatment is part of JLC’s ongoing vegetation and invasive-species management at Galbraith. Application will be made by truck and limited to vegetation immediately along the Mainline and select spur roads, covering approximately half of Galbraith’s 25-mile road system. No aerial spraying is involved.
Road corridors are particularly susceptible to invasive plants because clearing and regular disturbance create open, sunny conditions where aggressive species can readily establish and spread. Vehicle and equipment traffic can also transport seeds and plant material along road networks and into adjoining areas.
The primary vegetation being targeted includes invasive blackberry, Scotch broom, and grasses. JLC will use a custom herbicide mixture containing glyphosate and broadleaf-control herbicides, applied directly to roadside vegetation.
Recreational trails and trail corridors will not be treated, except for vegetation immediately adjacent to locations where trails intersect treated roadways.
A similar roadside treatment was last conducted at Galbraith in 2024. Periodic control helps prevent invasive vegetation from becoming more firmly established and spreading into adjacent forestland, while also helping maintain road corridors used for forest management, emergency access, and recreation.
Mountain Closure and Reopening
In coordination with the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition (WMBC), the entire mountain will be considered closed to recreational access on August 24 and 25. Although herbicide application is limited to selected roadsides, the full closure will provide adequate separation between recreational users and application crews and equipment.
Notification and closure signs will be posted at the primary Galbraith access points. Visitors are asked to observe all posted closures and not enter the property during the two treatment days.
Galbraith Mountain is scheduled to reopen to recreational access on Wednesday, August 26.
After reopening, visitors should avoid unnecessary contact with recently treated roadside vegetation and follow any posted precautions. JLC also recommends that visitors not pick or eat wild blackberries growing along treated roadways, as blackberries are one of the primary species being targeted.
The August 24–25 treatment schedule is dependent on suitable weather conditions. Current conditions are expected to be favorable, but spraying may be adjusted or postponed if rain, wind, or other conditions are not appropriate for controlled application. We will communicate any significant schedule or access changes as needed.
Janicki Logging & Construction manages Galbraith Tree Farm with an emphasis on long-term forest health, responsible timber management and compatibility with the mountain’s extensive recreational use.
For updates or questions, Contact:
Peter Wheeler
Public Relations, Galbraith Tree Farm & Janicki Logging Co.
jlc@parallelcreative.com | 425-418-3334
