15-034 Commission announces public workshop
to discuss recreation management at Riverside State Park
State Parks considers collaboration with Spokane County Parks, Avista
OLYMPIA – June 10, 2015 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to a workshop to discuss several management planning topics for Riverside State Park in Spokane County.
The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Lakeside Middle School Auditorium, 6169 Highway 291, Nine Mile Falls. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/kPP5E).
State Parks staff will present key recreation management objectives related to lands located within the current boundaries of the park or lands owned by various public and private entities.
The meeting will address four key management objectives:
• A potential boundary line adjustment at Riverside State Park to encompass the Trautman Property, owned by Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf (Spokane County Parks).
• Development of a long-term management agreement with Spokane County Parks to manage the Trautman property.
• How to allocate funding provided by Avista Corporation, an area utility company, for the development of recreational facilities on Lake Spokane, which lies within Riverside State Park.
• Development of a long-term agreement to manage lands owned by Avista on Lake Spokane for recreation purposes.
Background
Trautman property: The 280-acre property, adjacent to Riverside State Park, will be acquired by Spokane County later this year. Original owner John Trautman died last year, and his heirs are in the process of selling the property to Spokane County for preservation. State Parks is working with the County to manage the property as part of Riverside State Park for habitat protection and to provide recreation opportunities such as biking, hiking and equestrian use.
Avista Corporation: The Spokane-based utility company operates the Spokane River Hydroelectric Project on Lake Spokane. The company provides access to its lands for recreation; State Parks manages these as part of Riverside State Park.
The public may comment in person at the meeting or online at: http://j.mp/rsp-planning, where more information and supporting documents also are available. The public also may contact Michael Hankinson, parks planner, at 360-902-8671 or by e-mail at michael.hankinson@parks.wa.gov.
About Riverside State Park
Riverside State Park is a 14,000-acre camping park on the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers. The park provides a wide variety of recreational activities, including miles of hiking, biking, off-road and equestrian trails, water sports, interpretive activities and more. For more information, visit: http://www.parks.wa.gov/573/Riverside.
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
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• www.parks.wa.gov
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• Twitter: @WAStatePks
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Media contacts:
Michael Hankinson, (360) 902-8671
Virginia Painter, (360) 902-8562