Washington State Parks News Releases

News Release 12-044

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

Lake Easton State Park campsites closed temporarily to remove diseased trees

OLYMPIA – May 15, 2012 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announces a temporary campground closure at Lake Easton State Park while diseased trees are being removed. Utility campsites 1 through 44 are currently closed but are expected to be open the morning of May 25 in time for Memorial Day weekend camping.

Forest health issues have been identified in the park. Native tree pathogens, primarily laminated root rot, have attacked Douglas-fir near the park’s western campground, day-use area and boat launch. The disease, which affects the roots and lower stems of certain tree species, has the potential to cause healthy-looking trees to fall without warning. The Commission has approved the harvest to deal with the disease and to minimize risk to park visitors.

Since laminated root rot affects the roots and lower stems of trees, most of the wood in an infected tree remains sound. A contractor has purchased the trees and will be felling them and removing them from the park.

Lake Easton State Park is a forested, 516-acre, year-round camping park with 24,000 feet of freshwater access on the shores of Lake Easton in the Cascade Mountain foothills. The park has mountain views and hiking trails to explore in summer and is a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.

Stay connected to your state parks by following Washington State Parks at www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks, www.twitter.com/WaStatePks_NEWS and www.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks.

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 99-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.

Support state parks by purchasing your 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.

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