Kick-off meeting scheduled for Feb. 13, in Ellensburg
OLYMPIA – Jan. 29, 2020 – Washington State Parks invites the public to give input during the early stages of long-term recreation planning for Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and Wanapum Recreation Area. The first of several public meetings will take place in February.
The agency’s planning effort, known as Classification and Management Planning (CAMP), provides numerous opportunities for public participation over a period of 10 to 15 months. At this first meeting, State Parks staff will present information about the park, its current status and the need for planning. In addition, staff will want to hear from the public about what’s important to them and what they’d like to see happen at the park.
Questions asked at the meeting may include: What level of recreational use should be allowed in different areas of the park? What is the best way to balance recreation and the conservation and protection of the park land, much of which has significant geological and cultural significance?
WHAT
Public meeting: Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park recreation planning.
WHO
State park planners, area field staff and the public, including parks visitors, recreationists, conservationists and other interested parties.
WHEN
5 – 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 13
WHERE
Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC)
Central Washington University
1007 North Chestnut, Ballroom 215 C
Ellensburg, WA 98926
Driving directions. (Parking is free after 4:30 p.m.)
Next steps
After the initial Feb. 13 meeting, the CAMP process likely will involve three more stages in which Parks planners will:
- Explore alternative approaches, based largely on public feedback.
- Prepare preliminary recommendations to address issues or suggest a realistic compromise at a future public meeting.
- Propose final recommendations, also based on public feedback, for adoption by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
Learn more about the planning process for Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and how to comment. For additional questions, contact Melinda Posner, project lead, (360) 902-8671.
News media contacts:
Melinda Posner, project lead, (360) 902-8671
Toni Droscher, Communications Office, (360) 902-8604
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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.
News release number: 20-007