The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to help plan for the future of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail in eastern Washington through a second round of public meetings.

Because the trail spans such a distance, State Parks has scheduled two meetings on the same topics. The first meeting is 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, at the Preston Community Center, 8625 310th Ave., Preston. The second is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, 109 E. First, Ritzville.

These meetings are the second of two rounds of public meetings in which State Parks staff will provide information on the planning process and gather information and comments from the public that will help lead to a long-term plan for the John Wayne Pioneer Trail. Staff will give a presentation followed by a breakout session to collect public comments on preliminary recommendations for a range of trail-related issues, including noxious weed and vegetation management, trailhead and camping opportunities, fencing and trail-use permits.

To view a map and get more information about the John Wayne Pioneer Trail planning project, visit http://parks.state.wa.us/979/John-Wayne-Pioneer-Trail-Planning. The public may provide written comments at the meeting, online or by contacting Randy Kline, Parks Planner, (360) 902-8632 or randy.kline@parks.wa.gov.

The first round of meetings were held on March 8 and 9 in Cheney and Ellensburg, and input provided at those meetings has helped shape the preliminary recommendations that will be presented during the May meetings.

The John Wayne Pioneer Trail section undergoing public planning is part of the Iron Horse State Park Trail that extends 285 miles from North Bend to the Idaho border and comprises most of the former Milwaukee Road Railroad corridor. The eastern portion of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail begins on the east side of the Columbia River and extends 175 miles east to the Idaho border.

In winter 2015, State Parks began working with a 12-member advisory committee to produce a plan to address management and recreational use issues on this section of the trail. The advisory committee members represent an array of trail interests, including: Adjacent landowners; Tekoa Trestle and Trails Association; agriculture; tourism and economic development; natural resources; historic and cultural resources; hikers, cyclists, equestrians and utility providers.

Planning for the 110-mile western portion of the Iron Horse State Park Trail from Cedar Falls to Beverly Bridge on the west side of the Columbia River was completed in 2000. In 2014, State Parks completed planning for the 35-mile section of railroad corridor between Malden and the Idaho border.

State Parks has completed more than 100 land-use plans for parks around the state, through its Classification and Management Plan (CAMP) public process. The CAMP process addresses issues such as day-use and camping opportunities, overall visitor experience, natural resources and other topics of interest to the community.