Lewis River – Vancouver Lake Water Trail Plan

Water Trail Planning Key Steps to Success

National Outdoor Recreation Conference April 2015

Annapolis, Maryland

Jean K. Akers, AICP, PLA Located in the Pacific Northwest

Lewis River – Vancouver Lake Water Trail This first phase of a water trail planning effort focused on 32+ miles of flat water paddling opportunities on a combination of waterways in southwest Washington.

April 14, 2015 Lewis River – Vancouver Lake Water Trail Plan Purpose & Goals  identify needs for additional amenities, access points and other improvements,  address potential conflicts or safety concerns in order to facilitate a better recreational experience for the community  allow for entities to apply for grants to help make the identified improvements, and  help public agencies budget for future projects related to the water trail.

April 14, 2015 Original Stakeholders: Seeds for Future

• City of Ridgefield • Ridgefield Kayak • Community Choices • Port of Ridgefield • Clark County DES • Lower Columbia Estuary • Clark County Parks Partnership • City of La Center • WA State Parks • City of Woodland • Intertwine Alliance • WA Fish & Wildlife • Plas Newydd LLC • Port of Vancouver (USA) • US FWS- RNWR • Urban Greenspace Institute • Vancouver Watershed Alliance • Sierra Club Loowit Chapter • Friends of the Refuge

Clark County River Mile Markers Navigational Lights & Buoys 122°47'30"W 122°47'20"W 122°47'10"W 122°47'0"W 122°46'50"W 122°46'40"W 122°46'30"W 122°46'20"W 122°46'10"W

Additional 45°48'0"N 91 45°48'0"N Participatory 4027 C 45°47'50"N 4026 R

O O 45°47'50"N L L E Stakeholders H U C A B M 45°47'40"N

B 45°47'40"N I • US Coast Guard Auxiliary A

BUOY"13" FL G 6S • Clark County Sheriff’s 45°47'30"N 45°47'30"N Department

45°47'20"N 4035

• Clark County Fire & 45°47'20"N Rescue 92 45°47'10"N

45°47'10"N

BUOY"15" FL G 4S

122°47'30"W 122°47'20"W 122°47'10"W 122°47'0"W 122°46'50"W 122°46'40"W 122°46'30"W 122°46'20"W 122°46'10"W Legend 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.40.5 Miles 4014 89 4015 Buoy 904022 4023 Light 1:10,000 4127 4026 Range Marker 91 Site 4035 River Miles 92 3001 Public Boat Launch

Public Outreach

. Stakeholder planning meetings . Regular email updates . Press releases at regular intervals . Project Website . CVTV video YouTube production . Intertwine (website) “Adventure”

April 14, 2015 Discover Opportunities

Mapping & inventory was combined and reviewed by stakeholder groups to further clarify existing conditions and identify needs for a successful and safe water trail. Stakeholder-defined trail sections

Coast Guard Auxillary Clark County Sheriff’s Office CC Fire and Rescue Paddling guides Environ.Ed. Organizations Outdoor Rec businesses Park Planners Conservation groups Land Trusts

Lewis River – Vancouver Lake Water Trail Plan Recommendations

Site improvements

Land acquisition

Sign system

Web access

Mobile Apps

Trail Guide

Coalition

Partnerships

Big Paddle events Cast a Wide Net Engage the broadest range of stakeholders feasible.

Conservation Outdoor Recreation Environmental Water Education Trail

Local Transportation Economy Lewis River – Vancouver Lake

Paddling Guide

The paddling guide is targeted for users to ensure safe and enjoyable adventures and to enhance the economic activities associated with this outdoor recreation resource.

Funded by grants from: With additional support from: Potential Partnerships Events: Celebrate Stakeholder Successes

“Big Paddle” “Paddle, Pedal, Picnic” “Big Paddle” Saturday, June 2, 2012 Saturday, June 1, 2013 Saturday, June 7, 2014 National Trails Day National Trails Day National Trails Day Promoting Stakeholder Successes

Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership

Port of Ridgefield Leverage Stakeholder Value: Conservation Lands

Lewis River – Vancouver Lake Water Trail Plan Recommendation: Land Stewardship

Conservation lands have stewardship plans that may allow for some degree of public access, especially along the shoreline.

These lands could provide enhancements for recreational paddlers along the water trail.

Clark County Conservation Futures Land Acquisition Plan update will identify sites along the water trail for acquisition to enhance both access and conservation.

April 14, 2015 Lewis River – Vancouver Lake Water Trail Plan Recommendation: Evaluate Access

The plan recognizes the need to improve current levels of water trail access through physical site enhancements and user information.

Location

Launch April 14, 2015 Lewis River – Vancouver Lake Water Trail Plan Recommendation: Engage Volunteers

Local governments and non-profit organizations recognize and embrace the value of volunteer efforts.

The water trail provides an enjoyable focus for volunteer activities to assist with management of this recreational resource.

Growing new stakeholders

April 14, 2015 Regional System Stakeholder Alliance Local jurisdiction promotes water trail and hosts annual event

From Ridgefield’s website on local trails: Lower Columbia River Water Trail Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation, in partnership with more than 18 agencies and organizations, led an effort to develop a plan for providing greater access to and increased knowledge of the waterways in western Clark County. The launch point is located at Ridgefield Boat Launch, located at the end of Mill Street and Lake River. The plan mapped and designed the water trail through the lowland areas of the Lewis River, Lake River, Bachelor Slough, Vancouver Lake and a portion of the Lower Columbia River. The Water Trail Guide can be downloaded below. Big Paddle: Annual Event

4th Annual Big Paddle June 6th 2015 National Trails Day Celebrating a New Species of Partnership!

Pairing Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with Pelican Brewing Company is a natural—not only because white pelicans visit our waterways, but thanks to Pelican’s ongoing support of conservation in the Northwest. Pelican Brewing will offer consumers a commemorative version of their award-winning Imperial Pelican Ale in bottles with a custom label showcasing Ridgefield NWR’s anniversary.

First Lady Michelle Obama Designates the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge a Preserve America Steward Capturing Opportunities: Stakeholder Achievements Future Opportunities:

Signs & ‘Wayfinding’

Directional, identification, mileage, allowed uses, contact information, mapping, emergency services, safety.

Level of accessibility, support amenities, related services, economic activities.