Public input sought to address state park solutions in eastern Washington

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is continuing a public process that will lead to long-term recreation and land-use plans for three southeastern Washington state parks: Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry and Lewis and Clark Trail.

The public is invited to learn more about the planning process and to provide input at one of two planning meetings from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, at Washtucna High School, 730 E. Booth Ave., Washtucna, or 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, at Dayton Elementary School, 302 E. Park St., Dayton. Both meetings will cover the same topics.

This workshop will include a presentation from Parks’ staff describing the planning process and providing background information on the three parks. Following the presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to discuss the project with State Parks staff and provide comment.

Planning for these parks will involve three main objectives: Classify park lands to determine the appropriate level of recreational use; Delineate a long-term park boundary to identify lands with shared management objectives or land that may be appropriate for transfer; And prepare a park management plan for each park.

Washington State Parks has completed land-use plans for almost 100 parks around the state through its Classification and Management Plan (CAMP) process. The agency’s goal is to complete CAMP plans for all state parks. The CAMP process addresses trails and recreational use, day-use opportunities, natural and cultural resources, and other topics of interest to the community. Public involvement is a key factor in these planning efforts.

Palouse Falls, Lyons Ferry and Lewis and Clark Trail state parks are part of State Parks’ Blue Mountain Area. More detailed information about planning for these parks is available at bit.ly/PalousePlan. The public may also provide comment or ask questions about the planning effort by contacting Laura Moxham, Parks Planner, at (360) 902-8649 or [email protected].

Palouse Falls State Park is a 100-acre park with a unique geology and history. Located on the Palouse River in Franklin and Whitman counties, the park gives visitors a dramatic view of the 198-foot waterfall.

Lyons Ferry State Park is a 168-acre day-use park that sits at the confluence of the Palouse and Snake rivers in Franklin county. The park has more than 5,200 feet of shoreline and offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking and swimming.

Lewis and Clark Trail State Park is a 37-acre camping park with 1,333-feet of freshwater shoreline on the Touchet River, located just outside of Dayton in Columbia county. The park is a rare treasure of old-growth forest and river surrounded by arid grassland.