Long-term planning begins for Olallie State Park

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is beginning a process that will lead to a long-term plan for Olallie State Park, including the Twin Falls trail and Mount Washington.

The Classification and Management Plan, or CAMP, will address overall visitor experiences, natural resources, use of the parks’ buildings, recreation areas and trails, and other topics of interest to the community.

Information about the planning project is available online at www.parks.wa.gov/plans.

Residents are asked to address the overall CAMP process and the public’s hopes and concerns for the parks.

Public comment may be provided by e-mail to Olallie.planning@parks.wa.gov or by calling (253) 288-2579.

Olallie State Park is a day-use park in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. It features dramatic Twin Falls, cliff formations, riverbanks and living old-growth trees up to 14 feet in diameter.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is committed to creating land-use plans in all 121 state parks in the system. Land-use plans will help the state preserve and protect lands while offering appropriate recreation opportunities for the public. So far, 59 parks have complete plans in place. The commitment to land-use plans for parks is part of the Commission’s Centennial 2013 Plan, an initiative to prepare the park system for its 100th birthday and a second century of service to citizens. Information about park plans in development is available online at www.parks.wa.gov/plans.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages a diverse system of more than 121 parks and several recreation programs, including trails, boating safety, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The 95-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.