NEWS17-026
| Contacts:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Michael Hankinson, (360) 902-8671 |
First two meetings scheduled for May 24 and 25
OLYMPIA – May 9, 2017 –The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is beginning a public process that will lead to updated long-term recreation and land use plans for the Lake Spokane area at Riverside State Park.
The public is invited to attend one of two initial planning meetings from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 24, at Lakeside Middle School, 6169 Hwy 291, Nine Mile Falls (directions) and from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at Shadle Park High School*, 4327 North Ash St., Spokane (directions). Both meetings will cover the same material.
State Parks is committed to preparing comprehensive land use plans for its parks and, in some cases, updating existing plans when necessary. Riverside State Park is one such example that requires additional planning. This planning effort will focus primarily on park-managed land surrounding Lake Spokane. The plan will augment—not replace—the existing Riverside State Park Management Plan, completed in 2005.
The Riverside State Park-Lake Spokane area comprises a patchwork of public and private lands adjacent to Lake Spokane—a reservoir created by Long Lake Dam and operated by Avista Corporation.
At the meetings, Parks staff will describe the planning process and provide background information about the area. Staff will want to hear from the public about what is important to them and to get a sense of the range and types of issues that should be considered and possibly addressed through the planning process. The plan will help determine future use and development of these properties.
For more information about the park plan and how to comment visit the Riverside State Park–Lake Spokane area planning project online: http://bit.ly/RiversideSP-plan or contact Michael Hankinson, Park Planner, (360) 902-8671 or michael.hankinson@parks.wa.gov.
State Parks planning
Washington State Parks has completed land-use plans for almost 100 parks around the state through its Classification and Management Plan (CAMP) process. The CAMP process addresses trails and recreational use, day-use opportunities, natural and cultural resources, and other topics of interest to the community. CAMP describes the intended uses that may occur in the park, the park long-term boundary, and specific management steps that will guide operation of the park.
After considerable involvement through public meetings and receiving comment from communities and stakeholders, the draft plan will be presented to the State Parks and Recreation Commission to consider for adoption.
*Note: The meeting at Shadle Park High School is not a Spokane Public Schools sanctioned or sponsored event.
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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.
Follow Washington State Parks:
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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.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W.
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Washington Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388