Washington State Parks

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News Release 11-049

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W., P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650, (360) 902-8500
Don Hoch, Director

Tree restoration planning begins for Peace Arch State Park

OLYMPIA – Aug. 25, 2011 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is beginning a process that will lead to a tree restoration plan for Peace Arch State Park. The public is invited to an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 6 at the American Kitchen in Peace Arch State Park, 100 A Street, Blaine, Wash.

The purpose of the meeting is to gather input from the public to develop a plan for new tree planting along the Canadian border of the park. Specifically, Washington State Parks staff will gather public comment on the type of planting for the international border and input on the development options for the restoration design. Public comment also may be provided by e-mail to Peace.Arch@parks.wa.gov or calling (360) 332-8221.

Twenty-three Lombardy poplar trees were removed along the Canadian border at Peace Arch State Park in August 2010. The State Parks arbor crew performed a safety assessment of the trees in July 2010 and determined the weak tree structures from storm damage would eventually result in tree failure and presented a safety hazard to park visitors.

Lombardy poplars are a short-lived species, generally succumbing to health problems within 15 years. The Lombardy poplars removed at Peace Arch State Park were more than 40 years old.

Peace Arch State Parks is a day-use park that commemorates treaties and agreements that arose from the War of 1812. Celebrating the unguarded United States/Canadian border that stretches from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, Peace Arch State Park features horticultural exhibitions and the giant, commemorative, concrete arch that straddles the border of the two nations. The United States and Canada co-maintain the monument.

The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 98-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.

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