State Parks holds virtual public meeting about Klickitat Trail boundaries

Parks planners will discuss possible modifications to conserve critical habitats

OLYMPIA – March 14, 2022 – Washington State Parks invites the public to attend a virtual meeting to learn about plans for expansion of the Klickitat Trail State Park in Klickitat County.

Members of the public can participate in the meeting by using the link or call-in information below.

WHEN:
1:30 p.m.– 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 29

WHERE:
Online at Microsoft Teams: https://bit.ly/362lTdK
Attendees do not need to download Teams to participate.

WHAT:
State Parks planners will seek public input about plans to modify the Klickitat State Park Trail's long-term boundary. The modified long-term boundary would include slopes adjacent to the trail between the towns of Klickitat and Warwick. Planners will discuss options and funding as State Parks plans for the trail's future.

BACKGROUND:
Working with partners, State Parks seeks to cohesively manage the watershed above and adjacent to the trail to preserve this important area for wildlife habitat, visitor experience, climate resiliency, fisheries and economic benefits.

The slopes surrounding the Klickitat Trail contain important Douglas fir and Garry oak habitat. The area is home to one of the state's three remaining Western gray squirrel populations. The slopes also protect the quality of water in Swale Creek and contribute to fisheries' habitat.

The project goal is to work with willing landowners to protect the slopes if the opportunity arisesManagement options could include conservation easements, leases, management agreements, property donations or acquisitions.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will consider public feedback in its decisions about the modification.

Learn more and provide written feedback at the State Parks planning page.

For more information, please contact parks planner Andrew Fielding at andrew.fielding@parks.wa.gov

About Klickitat State Park Trail
The Klickitat Trail is a 545-acre, 31-mile day-use park that runs through stunning Columbia River Gorge country between Lyle and the Goldendale plateau. As it leaves the Columbia to follow the Klickitat River, the trail leads cyclists, mountain bikers, hikers, birders and equestrians through dramatic canyons and small towns, alongside rapids and gentle beaches. The trail runs along the historic rail bed of the Spokane, Portland, Seattle Railway (SP&S). Later owned by Burlington Northern, this part of the rail line was sold in 1993 to the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy and was gifted to State Parks in 1994.

News media contacts:
Andrew Fielding, State Parks Planner (509) 665-4312, Andrew.Fielding@Parks.WA.Gov
Meryl Lassen, Communications Office, 503-490-8796 media@parks.wa.gov