Washington State Parks

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News Release 12-005

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

Public meeting to discuss tree removal plan for Kopachuck State Park

OLYMPIA – Jan. 9, 2012 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to attend an informational meeting regarding the plan to remove diseased trees at Kopachuck State Park in Pierce County.

The public meeting will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at Kopachuck Middle School, 10414 56th Street N.W., Gig Harbor. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information about the tree treatment plan for Kopachuck State Park, which includes the removal of trees diseased with laminated root rot and the sale of timber not usable by the park. Due to safety concerns for park visitors, the park's campground will remain closed until treatment is completed. Those unable to attend the meeting may request treatment plan details by calling (360) 725-9781 or sending an e-mail to Ed.Girard@parks.wa.gov.

In 2011, park staff noticed a gradual, but growing, pattern of dying trees in the campground. Assistance from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) pathologists was requested by State Parks to help determine the extent of problems and treatment options. Tree pathogens, in particular laminated root rot, were identified in campground trees and the adjacent forest, resulting in the emergency closure of the park’s campground. Laminated root rot can cause trees to fail with little or no warning, posing a significant risk to visitors, staff and facilities.

Kopachuck State Park is a 109-acre marine and camping park with 5,600 feet of saltwater shoreline on Henderson Bay. One portion of the park, Cutts Island (or “Deadman's Island”) is a half mile from shore and reachable only by boat. The park provides scenic views of sunsets, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.

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.

Washington State Parks is on Twitter at WaStatePks_NEWS and YouTube at WashingtonStateParks.

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