BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Sumas Mountain will be closed to vehicles due to environmental damage from the public.

The state Department of Natural Resources announced the closure that begins this Friday and will likely last until the 2024 hunting season.

DNR says illegal trail-building, garbage dumping and timber theft have continued to damage public resources on the mountain.

Unsanctioned trail-building in particular has affected fish by delivering sediment into streams and has angered neighbors by crossing onto private property.

The DNR previously closed the mountain to vehicle access in August 2022 due to similar concerns.

Damage over the past two years has cost the state about $30,000 so far, according to the department.

The forest remains open for walk-in recreation.

Here is the map of Sumas Mountain.