Forest thinning work will reduce tree disease, wildfire risk.
OLYMPIA – Sept. 22, 2021 – Washington State Parks will conduct forest thinning at Fields Spring State Park beginning this fall. The project will reduce wildfire risk and improve the health of the park’s forests.
A contractor has been hired to thin approximately 300 acres south of US Highway 129 within the park. Removal of trees will reduce wildfire risk within the park and improve the health of the remaining trees.
In addition to heightened wildfire fuel loads, Fields Spring has seen an increase in forest pests and tree diseases that threaten the health of remaining trees.
Project Details:
- Preparations for the work are underway. Park staff ask that visitors not disturb paint, flagging or markings within the park.
- Work is scheduled to begin next month and finish in spring of 2022.
- Follow-up work may include trail repairs, debris management, replanting and noxious weed control. These activities will continue once the initial project is complete.
- Portions of the park and select trails will close during thinning operations. All trails will reopen once the trails are deemed safe. For visitor, park staff and contractor safety, the agency asks that parkgoers keep out of closed areas and follow all posted signs and notices.
Because Fields Spring State Park attracts winter recreationists - sledders, cross-country skiers and snowshoers - closure updates will be posted periodically on State Parks’ Winter Recreation Twitter feed: @WAStatePks_WNTR
Learn more about our state’s forest health strategy for eastern Washington.
News media contacts:
David Cass, Agency Forester (360) 386-2990 David.Cass@parks.wa.gov
Meryl Lassen, Communications Consultant media@parks.wa.gov
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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: 21-054