Alta Lake and Bridgeport State Parks – Classification and Management Planning (CAMP) – Requested Action

Don Hoch Director STATE OF WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION

1111 Israel Road S.W. • P.O. Box 42650 • Olympia, WA 98504-2650 • (360) 902-8500 TDD Telecommunications Device for the Deaf: 800-833-6388 www.parks.state.wa.us

November 19, 2020

Item E-2: Alta Lake and Bridgeport State Parks – Classification and Management Planning (CAMP) – Requested Action

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item asks the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (WSPRC) to adopt land classifications and long-term park boundaries for Bridgeport and Alta Lake state parks. This item advances the Commission’s strategic goal: “Provide recreation, cultural and interpretive opportunities that all visitors will enjoy and support”.

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: From the spring of 2019 through January 2020, staff facilitated a public planning process for Bridgeport and Alta Lake state parks as part of the agency’s Classification and Management Planning (CAMP). This item was scheduled to go before the Commission in March 2020 but was removed from the agenda in response to the Governor’s Stay Healthy – Stay Home order limiting Commission activity to essential business only.

Planning Area Alta Lake and Bridgeport state parks are located in North Central Washington, in Okanogan County. They are located within 30 miles of each other and within two miles of local towns Pateros and Bridgeport, respectively. The town of Brewster sits between the two, which includes a major grocery store, hardware store and many retail services that attract residents from Pateros and Bridgeport. Timber and logging were once the dominant industries in Okanogan County; now agriculture provides the biggest share of employment. Tourism also plays a big role in the local economy, which is still recovering from the 2014 Carlton Complex Fire. The fire burned 256,108 acres and damaged structures and vegetation at Alta Lake State Park, including a significant portion of the shade canopy in the camping areas. The area’s population includes a relatively high percentage of people of Hispanic descent as compared to Washington State’s population. The U.S. Census 2018 estimates for Okanogan County report the population identifying as Hispanic at 20.5 percent, compared to 12.9 percent for Washington state. County household median income levels are $45,808, which is below the state’s median of $70,116 (U.S. Census 2018). Park attendance at each park for the calendar 2019 is as follows:

Park Overnight Day-use Total Alta Lake 33,257 91,574 124,831 Bridgeport 11,291 86,736 98,027

Alta Lake State Park Alta Lake offers fishing, boating, and other water-related recreation in a relatively quiet and serene setting. The park is especially popular in the warm summer months with a core of visitors who return year after year. Private properties front the lake on its southwestern and eastern sides. In addition to many seasonal property owners, some residents live at Alta Lake year-round. The park is edged by the Alta Lake Golf Course, a golf-course community where new home construction continues to attract permanent and seasonal residents.

Alta Lake is a “pothole” lake, having no inlet or outlet, and instead is fed through groundwater, though little is known about its source. Over the past 50 years lake levels have fluctuated, sometimes predictably due to drought or a high runoff year. Changing climate has and will continue to influence water levels in the lake but no analysis has been done to determine the specific effects of these changes or to understand the lake’s hydrogeology.

The Friends of Alta Lake Foundation (FOAL), State Parks and the Alta Lake Golf Course have been in multiple agreements to pump water from the Columbia River into Alta Lake since 2008. These agreements have included sharing of operations and maintenance costs, lake level thresholds for determining when to pump and irrigation of the Alta Lake Golf Course. Pumping water into Alta Lake stems from a 1973 legislative appropriation to construct a pump station and pipeline. This was in response to local concerns about low water levels in the lake and associated impacts to recreation and fish. The project required an easement for a water pipeline from the Methow River to Alta Lake; a permit granted by Douglas County Public Utility District (PUD) for a pump house and pumping system on PUD land; and a water rights certificate from the Department of Ecology to pump water from the Columbia River to Alta Lake. The Friends group has consistently supported the facility with voluntary donations from local property owners. The owner of the Alta Lake Golf Course has maintained the facilities in conjunction with State, has contributed funds for the facility and possesses a water right certificate from the Department of Ecology to irrigate a golf course.

The current three-year agreement (Appendix 4), signed in 2019, doesn’t require any cost sharing as no pumping has occurred since 2016. State Parks is interested in continuing the collaborative relationship it has shared with neighbors around the lake and is supportive of continued pumping. However, the agreement also states State Parks’ interest in transferring responsibility for pumping to other parties. Staff has not determined the process for turning over the facilities and, if required, is open to retaining ownership, maintaining the permits, and working with the parties to ensure continued enjoyment of Alta Lake.

More background, including a brief chronology of events is included in Appendix 3.

Bridgeport State Park Bridgeport State Park is a 622-acre camping park with 7,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on Rufus Woods Lake. The park is located along the Columbia River, just above the Chief Joseph Dam. The park offers swimming, boating, fishing, and camping, and is a lure for hunters in the fall and those seeking a shady oasis during the hot summer months. Visitors access the park from Highway 17, which also leads to the town of Bridgeport. The Chief Joseph Hatchery and other recreation lands owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) lie adjacent to the west.

Bridgeport State Park is comprised of 340 acres of land owned by the Commission and approximately 280 acres leased from USACE. The 25-year lease expires in 2040 and includes a list of planned park improvements and other management commitments. Some commitments have been implemented (e.g. having the park open year-round), while others are being considered through the current CAMP process. Leaders of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation have expressed interest in management of the area, and the lease agreement requires the agency to maintain a positive dialogue with them.

Until 2018, Bridgeport State Park also featured a small nine-hole golf course, which was operated as a park concession. After several years of diminished use, financial constraints required State Parks to end the concession agreement. A key element of the current CAMP process is to determine the long-term viability of the golf course and consider potential alternative uses of the site.

Classification and Management Planning

Land Classification A central park of CAMP involves zoning or classification of park lands. State Parks has developed a system of six land classifications (Appendix 5). When assigned to a specific area within a park, each classification sets an appropriate intensity for recreational activity and development of facilities. Classifications align along a spectrum, ranging from high- to low- intensity land uses. For example, Recreation Areas allow for the most intensive uses on one end of the spectrum, while Natural Area Preserves allow for the least intensive uses on the other. By classifying park lands, the agency is able to consciously strike a balance between protecting park resources and providing an appropriate variety of recreational opportunities for park visitors. Activities indicated as “conditional” under the agency’s land classification system are activities which may be permitted at specific sites only with the concurrence of the Commission. Staff recommendations are included in Appendix 5 and Appendix 6.

Long-Term Boundary A second product of CAMP is the adoption of a long-term park boundary. This is a frequently misunderstood aspect of park planning. One of the purposes of delineating a long-term boundary is to take a big picture look at lands surrounding the park that, independent of ownership, may advance the conservation and recreation mission of the park. Additionally, the long-term park boundary is used to identify surrounding lands with which State Parks would like to advance shared management goals. The long-term park boundary also considers whether agency-owned property should be retained or be considered surplus to park needs.

Including privately owned property in a long-term boundary gives direction from the Commission to staff to work with nearby landowners on cooperative management or potential land transactions. Transactions vary from simple agreements, to recreation and conservation easements, to sometimes even agency purchase of property. Staff recommendations are included in Appendix 5.

Management Plan The management plan describes the principal features of the park, sets park-wide management objectives and outlines specific approaches and prescriptions in response to issues identified through the planning process. These plans help document the planning process and serve as informational resources for the public, as well as provide key background information for pursuing grants and other funding. Park management plans are adopted at the Director level to allow periodic revisions as circumstances change. Management approaches for both parks are included in this report; however, a complete management plan will be presented to the Director at a later date.

CAMP Public Process State Parks prepares CAMP plans through multi-staged public participation-based planning processes that culminate, in this case, with Commission consideration and adoption of land classifications. CAMP plans also include park management plans adopted by the Director that allow for periodic updates as conditions change.

For each planning project, the agency forms a planning team. The team includes park planners, resource stewards and park staff. As necessary, the planning team also calls upon the expertise of resource and facility specialists from within and outside the agency.

The CAMP process for Alta Lake and Bridgeport include public participation at each of the four planning stages including: • Two public meetings and one Alta Lake property owner meeting during Stage 1 Issues Identification; • One joint open house during Stage 2 Alternatives; and • One public meeting during Stage 3 Preliminary Recommendations

Attendance at public meetings was low but was productive in communicating with interested parties and collecting their interests. In addition to these meetings, staff conducted additional outreach to reach historically underrepresented groups including development and distribution of bilingual announcements; presentations at local government and business groups, schools, and community events; and an online narrated PowerPoint presentation posted on the project website.

Public Input In addition to the feedback collected in Stage 1 and 2, staff held a public meeting about the Preliminary Recommendations in January 2020. The majority of comments focused on Bridgeport State Park, including support for the land use recommendations for the golf course property, including expanded camping, trail development, gazebos and event space for this area.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION Based on information gathered in the field, the work of the staff planning team and engagement with the public, staff recommends that the Commission adopt final recommendations for land classifications and long-term park boundaries for Alta Lake and Bridgeport state parks as described in Appendix 5 and Appendix 6.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: Appendix 1: Alta Lake State Park map Appendix 2: Bridgeport State Park map Appendix 3: Key management issues Appendix 4: Alta Lake, Lake Level Management Agreement Appendix 5: Staff Recommended Land Classifications and Conditional Uses for Alta Lake State Park and Final Recommendations Map Appendix 6: Staff Recommended Land Classifications and Conditional Uses for Bridgeport State Park and Final Recommendations Map Appendix 7: Alta Lake State Park Draft Management Approaches (for Director approval) Appendix 8: Bridgeport State Park Draft Management Approaches (for Director approval) Appendix 9: State Parks Land Classification System matrix

AUTHORITY: RCW 79A.05.030(1), WAC 352-16-020, and WAC 352-16-030

REQUESTED ACTION OF THE COMMISSION:

That the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Adopt land classifications and long-term park boundaries as recommended by staff in Appendix 5 and Appendix 6. 2. Affirm the land classification and long-term boundary decisions are for Commission policy direction only and should not 1) affect private property values; 2) be used as an indication of a property owner’s willingness to sell; or 3) be used as a basis for making state or local government regulatory, permitting or zoning decisions on private land holdings. 3. Affirm that any land acquisition or development of land management agreements withing the adopted long-term park boundary are subject to staff capacity and agency priority. 4. Direct staff to explore means to potentially free State Parks of ongoing financial and operational responsibility for managing lake levels at Alta Lake State Park.

Author/Contact(s): Melinda Posner, Park Planner [email protected] (360) 902-8671

Reviewer(s): Jessica Logan, SEPA REVIEW: Pursuant to WAC 197-11-310 and WAC 197-11-340, staff issued a “Determination of Non-Significance” on January 29, 2020 for the preliminary staff recommendation finding that the action proposed was minor and the environmental effects not significant. Van Church, Fiscal Review: Adoption of this requested action has an indeterminate fiscal impact. Future decisions regarding the Alta Lake and Bridgeport state parks may have a fiscal impact on the state park system. These costs would be assessed and identified and if needed, included in future operating and capital budget requests. Andy Woo, Assistant Attorney General: Reviewed February 21, 2020

Peter Herzog, Assistant Director

Approved for Transmittal to Commission

______Don Hoch, Director

APPENDIX 1 Alta Lake State Park Map

APPENDIX 2 Bridgeport State Park Map

APPENDIX 3 Key Management Issues

Several recurring management issues were identified through the process. Management approaches to these issues as identified by the public and staff include the following:

Alta Lake Management Issues Two key issues were identified to be addressed through this process for Alta Lake State Park: Lake Level Management and Trail Management.

Lake Level Management

Background In response to pressure from the public, in 1969 the legislature appropriated $60,000 to State parks to install a pump system to pump water to Alta Lake to raise the lake level. The State Game Commission agreed to spend up to $30,000 of the project costs to assure fish protection. State Parks obtained water rights for “lake level restoration and maintenance of Alta Lake only.” In 1972, State Parks installed a system which included a pump station on Douglas County property on the Methow River (Well’s Pool) with a 150-horsepower pump and 7,400 feet of 10- inch diameter steel-pipe.

State Parks has been involved in multiple agreements with the Friends of Alta Lake (FOAL) and the Alta Lake Golf Course to pump water into from the Methow River into Alta Lake since the system was built. These agreements have included cost sharing and lake level thresholds for pumping. Soaring operation and maintenance costs to keep the pump running 24/7 and concerns about risk from lake level dynamics led State Parks to revise these agreements over time, limiting the financial contribution and expressing the desire to transfer responsibility for lake pumping to other parties.

State Parks removed itself from the water pumping agreement in the 1980s after rising lake levels led to flooding of private and park property. After pumping stopped, the natural lake level kept rising, resulted in the eventual closure of the boat launch and 35 campsites, as well as the eventual removal of 300 ponderosa pines. This left private property owners with continued concerns about future lake levels.

Local pressure and a failed attempt to create a lake level funding district brought the agency back to the table. During the 1985 session the Legislature passed a bill establishing a governmental mechanism by which property owners could establish a lake improvement district to control water levels. Local residents and representatives from the Pateros Chamber of Commerce strongly urged State Parks to modify its existing pumping system to pump water out of the lake. State Parks indicated a willingness to work with the community but would not assume the entire responsibility to stabilize the lake level. The local community was unable to establish an appropriate entity to sponsor and fund the project. In time, the lake level receded, reducing concern about the higher water levels. In 1989, the motor and pump unit were removed and placed in storage. 9

In 2004, when lake levels again receded (the water was about 8 feet below the boat ramp docks), State Parks was pressured to pump water into the lake and, in 2008, a new two-year Water Level Management Agreement was signed between WSPRC and FOAL. Alta Lake Golf Course is also a party to the agreements, for use of the water for golf course irrigation. Pumping continued until 2016 when FOAL ran out of money and the lake was within a couple of inches of the preferred lake level. At that time, the pump was shut off and winterized. Since then, Alta Lake Golf course has used the pump system solely for irrigation.

The lake level came within 2 inches of flooding the state park boat launch in February 2019. At that time, the 2016 agreement was replaced with the current agreement (Appendix 4), which reduces the performance period to three years, eliminates financial contributions by State Parks (and the other entities) from contributing financially, and establishes State Parks’ desire to transfer the responsibility for the facilities and management to other parties.

In March 2020, the lake level was a few inches lower than what it was in February 2019 but it had already flooded portions of some private properties including a boat house and septic system. As it typically does, the lake level receded over the summer and now, in October 2020, the lake is approximately two feet below the “normal”, which is noted below at 1175’.

Alta Lake Water Level Pumping Chronology

Alta Lake State Park Property: • Acquired in 1957 • Included 177 acres and 2871 feet of shoreline at the time

Alta Lake Water Levels • Normal lake level has been noted as 1175 feet above mean sea level

• Recorded levels: 1959 1179 feet 1970 1168 feet 1982 1176 feet* *augmented by pumping from 1972 to 1982 1984 1184 feet – flooding occurring 2004 1161 feet and dropping 2006 1175 set as target elevation for lake 2013 1110 2014 1102

• In 1967, a member of the public discussed the problem of the level of the lake. The public suggested that the cost for this project be shared by the Department of Game, Department of Parks, and the communities of Brewster and Pateros. Staff recalls the Director and Department of Game not being interested in this proposal. At that time, a property owner at the south end of the lake was pumping water out of the lake for wheat field irrigation. • A private golf course was to be involved in a cooperative venture. The golf course dropped out, leaving just the Department of Game and the Parks Commission. In 1969 10

the legislature appropriated $60,000 to State parks to install a pump system to pump water to Alta Lake to raise the lake level. The State Game Commission agreed to spend up to $30,000 of the project costs to assure fish protection.

• State Parks obtained water rights for “lake level restoration and maintenance of Alta Lake only.” (Current status of these rights has not been confirmed.)

• In 1972, State Parks installed a system which included a pump station on Douglas County property on the Methow River (Well’s Pool) with a 150-horsepower pump and 7,400 feet of 10-inch diameter steel-pipe. Pumping water into Alta Lake occurred until 1982.

• In 1985, the natural water level increased, resulting in high waters that flooded 35 campsites and made the boat launch unusable. Ponderosa pine trees, weakened and dying because of inundation by lake water, were attacked by bark beetles, which started to spread to adjacent upland trees. Approximately 300 heavily infested trees were removed during 1985 to help prevent further spread of the infestation.

• During the 1985 session the Legislature passed a bill establishing a governmental mechanism by which property owners can establish a program of lake improvement and maintenance, including control of water levels. (The current status of this legislation has not been researched.)

• Local residents and representatives from the Pateros Chamber of Commerce strongly urged State Parks to modify its existing pumping system to lower the lake level. State Parks indicated a willingness to work with the community but would not assume the entire responsibility to stabilize the lake level.

• An Alta Lake Level Association was formed to proceed with acquiring all permits (completed May 20, 1985), requesting the court to set a lake level at 1175 +/- 2 feet, and to allow for property owner assessments to pay for maintaining the lake level.

• Washington State Department of Game and The Department of Ecology were not opposed to stabilizing the lake level. They granted necessary approvals but would not contribute financially.

• The State Park Commission’s approved 1985-87 Capital Budget, included funds for State Parks to do its share of a project to modify the pumping system to one which would both raise and lower the lake level as needed.

• The local community was unable to establish and fund an appropriate entity to sponsor/participate in the project to control the high lake level. In time, the lake level receded, reducing concern about the higher water levels.

• In 1989, the motor and pump unit were removed and placed in storage.

• Historic use by cattle drinking from the lake on the private property next to the boat launch and across from the swim area caused a potential for lake pollution; this was addressed in other agreements going forward.

• In 1992, the State Park Commission approved the Director or designee to approve additional use of the Alta Lake pipeline, after submitting a request for proposals. (This appears to be when improvements were made to pipe water to the golf course). This was not to preclude State Parks’ use of the pipeline for its original purpose. Additionally, it provided State Parks with the option and supply line to irrigate 10 acres in the random camp area. Weight was given to providing facilities necessary to exclude livestock from access to Alta Lake.

• A 20-year utility license was issued for utilization of the State Park’s Alta Lake pipeline and pump house, with the existing pump and motor. The licensees agreed to take responsibility to supply adequate year-around water for the cattle grazing on adjacent property and responsibility for the cost of an irrigation supply line to the State Park random camp area.

• In 2004 a letter was sent to WSPRC outlining a need for revisiting the lake pumping option.

• In October 2008, a “Water Level Management Agreement” was signed between State Parks and the Friends of Alta Lake. This 2-year agreement had parks monitor the percentage of water used by Alta Lake Golf Course and charge them the electrical costs for that percentage. WSPRC then paid 70% (up to $12,000 per year) of the remaining electrical costs and the FOAL paid the remaining 30% (up to $6,000 per year). FOAL had no responsibility for maintenance costs unless they volunteered to donate and it was specifically stated that WSPRC was to accomplish repairs and replacements, consistent with the real property agreement with the Alta Lake Golf Course.

• Approximately $40,000 was spent by State Parks for pump repair and replacement. This included rebuilding the first pump two additional pump replacements, and, using State Parks’ divers, refurbishing the river intake and installing a self-cleaning fish screen. From 2009 to 2013, State Parks spent $50,000 on electricity costs alone.

• In August 2011, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was created between WSPRC and “Friends of Alta Lake,” which ran through June 30, 2013. Lake levels had risen. The MOA changed the agreement requiring the remaining electrical costs to be split 60% WSPRC and 40% FOAL. Alta Lake Golf course was still charged electrical costs relative to the percentage of their monthly water use.

• A meeting between Don Barth, representatives from Friends of Alta Lake, and WSPRC was held April 2013.

• In April 2014, a 5-year MOU between WSPRC, Friends of Alta Lake and the Alta Lake Golf Course was signed. Under this MOU WSPRC contributed to the FOAL $7,000 annually for the maintenance and operation of the facility. Alta Lake Golf course was responsible for daily operation and maintenance of the facility. Any maintenance costs exceeding $1,000 were to be split between the FOAL and Alta Lake Golf course based on the percentage of water used.

• In 2014, $5,000 was spent from the Alta Lake parks budget for electricity costs.

• On February 1, 2016, the lake level was within inches of the winter lake level goal, so the pump was shut off and winterized. Since then, Alta Lake Golf course has used the facility solely for their irrigation.

• In February 2019, the lake level was within 2” of flooding the state park boat launch.

• A meeting was held between Don Barth (owner of Alta Lake Golf course), representatives from Friends of Alta Lake and WSPRC on February 8, 2019 to discuss whether to renew the MOA. In the spring of 2019, the three entities entered a new agreement) for a three-year period (See Appendix 4). The following is stated in the agreement:

VIII. WASHINGTON STATE PARKS DEPARTMENT SHALL 1. During the term of this three-year agreement WSPRC will work with the parties to determine future collaboration and responsibilities of each party beyond the April 2020 agreement termination date. 2. Look into the possibility of surplus of the pump facilities to the Alta Lake Golf Course/or consider long term agreement allocating all responsibilities and oversight of the facilities to the Golf Course for the use of the Golf Course operations and lake level management as per agreement. 3. Discuss long term collaboration of the Facility with the Golf Course, Friends of Alta Lake, and WSPRC beyond this period in order to maintain cooperative measures for the betterment of the Alta Lake water levels into the future. 4. State Parks will not be contributing toward the operating budget for the period of this agreement as the previous two payments have been held in reserve as no pump operations have occurred for lake level management since January 2016.

This chronology brings us to current day.

Public Comments Several public comments about lake levels were collected throughout the process, including those from lake property owners. A sampling of comments includes: • Lake levels are a priority • Need pumping system to keep lake level the same all the time

• The pumping system could be made to work in either direction and keep the lake at a normal height (1175 ft). This would ensure more campers over time, as they know what to expect each year. As private homeowners we would be more than willing to work towards this goal. • Highest priority of the State is to maintain a reasonable lake level • Rising water levels have limited access in the past • A study to investigate the water level of the lake would be a good use of funds as much of the beach area previously open to the public is now gone because of the rise in water level over the last couple of years √√√ • About 3-4 years ago the water level increased significantly eliminating the sandy beach that once existing just northeast of the swim area. This reduced the number of boaters at the lake as it eliminated a place to beach your boat and a place to relax on a sand beach away from the swim area. I would like to see the lake level lowered to bring back this sandy beach area to some extent. Or as an alternate the area just south of the swim area could be improved Conclusion State Parks works collaboratively with neighbors and friends groups to operate and manage state parks properties with minimal impacts to adjacent properties, and we highly value our partner relationships and rely on volunteers to extend our limited resources in stewarding park resources for the benefit of Washington residents and visitors. Many neighbors agree we have been a good neighbor at Alta Lake and cooperated with the friends and golf course towards mutually beneficial results.

However, the arrangement at Alta Lake is not typical and, had there not been legislative action directing the agency to participate, State Parks would likely not entered any agreement to manage lake levels here. While the lake is most desirable for water-based recreation when at “normal” water levels, the agency’s common practice is to maintain natural processes and not artificially manipulate water levels. In the future, with changing climate, it’s entirely possible that “normal” lake levels will be even lower, resulting in potential impacts to park facilities – similar to times in the past when Alta Lake’s water level unexpectedly rose and State Parks and other properties were impacted by flooding. Incidences such as these might have been avoided if more were known about the lake’s hydrological processes. To date, there has been no study or scientific evaluation. As a result, decisions about pumping water in the lake are made with limited knowledge about how the lake will behave and what impact this will have on water levels.

State Parks is not opposed to having water pumped into the lake and is open to facilitating an arrangement by which local property owners can manage this, whether it means transferring easements and/or assets or continuing to manage these in support of a new arrangement between the friends and the golf course. Our staff will explore the options and work with affected parties to find a workable solution and thereby divest the agency from management of water and utility systems, and associated potential financial risk and liability.

Cliff Trail and Day-Use Trail Improvements

Background

The existing cliff trail is a steep, switchback that tees off at a fork along the current service road (which also serves as a park trail) located on the west side of the park. The trail rises to a viewpoint that provides stunning views of wildlife area lands to the north; of orchards, homes and range lands along both sides of the Columbia River and to the confluence of the Methow and Columbia rivers to the east; and of the ridges and rises to Goat Mountain to the west. The trail is currently passable but in need of rehabilitation. Though limited to foot traffic, the trail has degraded significantly in recent years. Washout sections and unstable surfaces in many places have created a potential safety hazard. A key issue to resolve through the CAMP process is whether to abandon the trail or rehabilitate and potentially extend the trail to the top of Goat Mountain.

The day-use trail runs from the boat launch to the day-use area (LC 5, LC 10). It has been repeatedly damaged by drainage from the steep slopes on the west side of the park. The location of the trail in the center of the park is used by campers and day-use visitors, and is within the natural setting of a transition zone from ponderosa pine forest to arid shrub-steppe landscape, making it an ideal location for the development of an interpretive trail. Its proximity to Natural Areas LC 10 and LTB 7 also contributes to its potential for interpretive experiences, which could include interpretive/educational facilities (e.g. viewing platform) for observing the birds and other wildlife in this area. The proposal is to restore the day-use trail with a sustainable design and materials so that it will withstand future high-water events to provide a nonmotorized path accessible to all park visitors, and to develop interpretive signage.

Public Comments Staff heard a range of comments about trail development in Stage 2 and 3 including the desire for additional trails, trails of different lengths and levels of difficulty for different ages and abilities, and trails around the lake. A sampling of comments is included here: • Like trail development √√√√ • Expanding hiking/biking trails • Either maintain the trail up the mountain from the group campsite or close it – liability • Difficult and expensive to build trails and keep slides and access controlled • Disappointed by the lack of trails currently • Trail around the lake appealing for seeing the terrain • Disappointed with lack of access to most of the lake • Walking/biking trails around the lake would be great but opposed to having them open to motorized vehicles • Prefer a more nature-based experience when we go camping and the idea of hiking from a campsite around the lake would be amazing • Support new or refreshed trail from camping area to swim area; question the trails suggested on Alternative #1 – primarily due to presence and number of rattle snakes, both inside and outside park boundaries • Most interested in having more or longer trails for walking and hiking; like the idea of a loop trail around Alta lake, and it would be cool if it had a safe viewing area or platform at the top since people will make their own trails to look over the edge at the lake anyway. • Love the idea of an around the lake trail at Alta and the extension of the mountain trail. 15

• Trail development to east area in Alternative 1 would be great. This past summer the Boys & Girls Club did 4 field trips. One was to Alta Lake Cliff trail; another was to water park. By far, the Alta Lake hike was the best – all parents, staff and kid participants agreed – they did an interpretive thing too • Improve trail from boat launch to picnic area. • Maybe an easy hike for kids. • Wide trails for bikes Conclusion There are limited opportunities to expand and diversify the recreation experience at Alta Lake State Park. Expanding the trail network is one way of doing so and was well supported by feedback heard from day-use and overnight visitors, and by both boaters and non-boaters. The recommended action supports continued development/rehabilitation of the two existing trails and identifies new trail development opportunities that could be implemented in the near future, with or without future expansion of the park’s long-term boundary, supporting the park’s future as more of a destination property.

Bridgeport Management Issues The key issue to address in this process for Bridgeport State Park is re-use of the former Lake Woods Golf Course.

Background The Lake Woods Golf Course ran a concession at Bridgeport State Park from 1963 to 2018. Over time, the business was unable to make improvements and attract enough customers to continue operation. In 2018, the lease was terminated. Since that time, State Parks has continued to run the irrigation system, which is outdated and in need of significant repair, in order to keep the grass and trees alive. A key issue for this CAMP was to determine the vision for future use of the golf course property.

The majority of the property used by the golf course is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). USACE owns a total of 280 acres within Bridgeport State Park and State Parks owns 342 acres of the total 622 acres and manages both the USACE- and WSPRC-owned property within the park. . The current 25-year lease agreement between State Parks and USACE calls for continuing operation of the golf course, upgrading the park’s irrigation system and continuing productive dialogue with the Colville Confederated Tribe, in addition to other facility improvements such as improving access to the day-use beach, which was identified by several members of the public during Stage 1. USACE has indicated general support for the proposed recreation uses in this area identified by the public, such as camping, trails and other facilities.

Public Comments Public comments covered a range of topics including ideas about future use of the golf course property: • More group camping and shade trees • Provide more camping but preserve size of current sites; golf course property provides opportunity for additional camping units without raising the commercialism of the camping 16

• Improved camping/RV facilities including more sites to accommodate 5th wheelers • Cabins offer opportunity to leave the 5th wheeler at home and tow the boat • Need larger RV sites; would be great along the water in old golf course area • Like the idea of camping at the old golf course • Like the idea of cabins along the water -in old golf course area • People want full hookups – would be great in area of old golf course • Everyone uses the existing trails – walking, biking • If you add more trails, make sure you add bathrooms • Add concession at the old clubhouse, with large seating area and selling things that people need to drive to town for • Frisbee golf • Like the open area and green grass • Add more water features – e.g. wading pool for little kids • More recreational activities for children - spray park, bike trails, bike course; concession to provide things we don’t have to drive into town for

Conclusion The CAMP process generated significant feedback about future use of the former golf course property including continued trail use along the “links” and other recreation uses consistent with the lease agreement State Parks holds with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The public is more supportive of continuing the existing developed landscape area, with shade and grass (and requiring irrigation) than restoring it to the natural shrub-steppe environment. In addition, the public also supports expanded camping and day-use where both types of visitors will enjoy river views, trail development and space for interpretive programming and events.

APPENDIX 4 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN FRIENDS OF ALTA LAKE / ALTA LAKE GOLF COURSE AND WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAINTAINING LAKE LEVEL AND PUMPING FACILITY AREA MAP

APPENDIX 5 Staff Recommendations for Land Classifications, Conditional Uses, and Long-Term Park Boundary for Alta Lake State Park

Land Classification: Staff recommends that the Commission classify Alta Lake as a combination of the three land classifications proposed below, and as graphically illustrated on the map on the next page. The long-term boundary recommendations for the south end of the lake offer an opportunity to expand the offerings at Alta Lake State Park, which is currently limited to the existing developed footprint. It is the logical next place to expand recreational use; will protect views and the recreation experience both in and around the lake; provides an opportunity to offer nonmotorized boating access away from the boat ramp at the north end of the lake, which is well- used by motorized boats; and provides a front-country gateway to the backcountry to the southeast.

• Recreation applies to: o Areas noted as LC 2, LC 3, LC 6 and LC 7. This includes the existing developed camping and day-use areas and will allow for continued high-intensity use and potential expansion of overnight accommodations where possible. This land classification includes the restrooms, swim area, office and shop buildings near the park entrance, park residences and boat ramp. o Areas noted as LTB 2, LTB 6 and LTB 8. LTB 2 and LTB 6 will allow for limited expansion of camping in existing camp loops 1 and 3. LTB 8 will allow for future development of additional high intensity recreation in the area currently managed as a private recreation resort, including guided tours, trail rides, camping, and boating.

• Resource Recreation applies to: o Areas noted as LC 1, LC 5 and LC 9. LC 1 includes the existing developed residential properties along Otto Lane and will allow for trail development to the southeast. LC 5 protects habitat for the western gray squirrel and golden eagle and will limit development or expansion of high intensity recreation facilities which could be negatively impacted by high water events. This land classification will support the renovation of the existing day-use trail into a sustainable interpretive facility within reach of most park visitors. Most of LC 9 includes the steep west slope of the park, retaining the existing cliff trail which will be improved in the future.

o Areas noted as LTB 1, LTB 3 and LTB 5. LTB 1 and 3 will protect the existing viewshed and wildlife corridor. LTB 5 will support trail development in this area of the park, including a trail connection from the eastern area of the park.

• Natural applies to: o Areas noted as LC 4 and LC 8, which will protect both wetland areas in conjunction with the land classifications below. o Areas noted as LTB 4 and LTB 7, which include the rest of each of the two wetland areas located outside the current park boundary, and adjacent to LC 4 and LC 8 respectively. 25

• Conditional activities in Recreation Areas: Recreation concession areas • Conditional activities in Resource Recreation Areas: None • Conditional activities in Natural Areas: None

Alta Lake Land Classifications Description Reference Proposed Acres Description Land Classification LC 1 Resource 27.65 This area includes developed residential properties Recreation along Otto Lane and is adjacent to the long-term boundary expansion proposed on the east side of the park (LTB 1). The purpose of the resource recreation land classification is to preserve the viewshed and allow future development of a multipurpose trail which could begin in this area or in LTB 1. LC 2 Recreation 2.58 This area includes existing developed structures, which provide permanent and temporary housing for parks staff. LC 3 Recreation 14.50 This area includes existing park facilities including the park office, shop and storage areas LC 4 Natural 2.53 This area is classified as Natural to protect the existing wetland area. The Natural land classification will allow limited public access, including interpretive trails. LC 5 Resource 3.46 The Resource Recreation land classification includes Recreation the wildlife corridor through the middle of the park and is designed to protect habitat and viewshed values. LC 6 Recreation 62.92 The Recreation land classification in this area recognizes existing developed areas of the park, which includes the camping, day-use and other high intensity recreation facilities. These uses will continue, and, where possible, be expanded to include additional camping, development of a hiking/biking group camp and potential cabin development along the toe of the cliff and/or close to the shoreline. LC 7 Recreation 14.58 Similar to LC 6, this land classification covers the existing developed areas of the park and will support expansion of these facilities where conditions and funding warrant and sensitive to the wetland values adjacent in LTB 4. LC 8 Natural 10.18 This area is classified as Natural to protect the existing wetland, which is also addressed in LTB 4.

The Natural land classification will allow limited public access, including interpretive trails. LC 9 Resource 36.04 The Resource Recreation land classification in this Recreation area is consistent with the existing cliff trail, which will be improved for safety and sustainability. Other facility development is not expected based on the steep talus cliffs and the habitat values for golden eagle and other natural processes. Long-Term Boundary LTB 1 Resource 81.30 Classified as Resource Recreation for viewshed and Recreation wildlife corridor protection, and multipurpose trail included in development. Ultimately, a trail could be developed the long-term that would connect to the existing west side trails, boundary continue along the eastern ridge, and, potentially, south to the area proposed in LTB 5. LTB 2 Recreation 2.69 This area is proposed as Recreation, which would included in allow for expanded camping or other facility the long-term development, where topography permits. boundary LTB 3 Resource 85.17 This area would protect the viewshed from future Recreation in development and natural habitat for the golden eagle LTB and Western gray squirrel. LTB 4 Natural in 15.42 This area would extend the long-term boundary LTB north and west to encompass the entire wetland and its immediate environments. The Natural land classification will allow limited public access, including interpretive trails. LTB 5 Resource 86.01 This area is proposed for lower intensity Recreation in development, south of LTB 8, which could include LTB nonmotorized water access, parking and trail development, including a connection to a future east side trail. LTB 6 Recreation in 5.54 Similar to LTB 2, this area will allow for expanded LTB camping or other facility development, where topography permits. LTB 7 Natural in 1.44 This will include the existing wetland area located LTB outside the current park boundary, and adjacent to LC4, which is also classified as Natural. The Natural land classification will allow limited public access, including interpretive trails.

LTB 8 Recreation in 32.19 This would extend the long-term boundary to the LTB south and be classified as Recreation to support high intensity recreation uses including camping, comfort stations, picnic and day-use areas. The future boundary of this area will be determined based on a closer look at existing recreation infrastructure in the area and appropriate sizing to support camping and other facilities.

APPENDIX 6 Staff Recommendations for Land Classifications, Conditional Uses, and Long-Term Park Boundary for Bridgeport State Park

Land Classification: Staff recommends that the Commission classify Bridgeport as a combination of the two land classifications proposed below.

• Recreation applies to: o Area noted as LC 1, which includes all developed areas of the park including camping, day-use, boat ramp, office and operations and maintenance buildings as well as the structures that were used for the golf course. This includes the golf course property as well as some contiguous expansion of the currently developed area to allow for additional high intensity development in the future. LC 1 will allow for future high intensity uses including camping, cabin development, trails, gathering and picnic areas, as well as amphitheater/program space for events, cultural activities and interpretive programming.

• Resource Recreation applies to: o Area noted as LC 2, including the strip of land located along the river next to the developed area of the previous golf course. Resource recreation will support trail development and other low and moderate intensity use. • Conditional activities in Recreation Areas: Recreation concession areas • Conditional activities in Resource Recreation Areas: None

Bridgeport Land Classifications Description Reference Proposed Acres Description Land Classification LC 1 Recreation 467.34 This area is classified as Recreation and includes all current developed areas within the park including existing operations and maintenance areas. It supports a concept that includes the expansion of the existing developed footprint of the property, including the area previously occupied by the Lake Woods Golf Course. This area will support high intensity recreation facilities and activities consistent with the lease agreement State Parks holds with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lease agreement 1. Included in the vision for this area of the park is the expansion of camping, day-use and other high intensity recreation including an expanded group camp, RV sites and space for interpretive programming and events. This area will also support future trail development including a trail along the river’s edge and connecting to other trails on USACE property to the west. LC 2 Resource 155.16 This area is classified as Resource Recreation to Recreation accommodate additional trail development in the future, including: 1) Development of an interpretive trail in the north and east area highlighting the more diverse natural habitat, landscape and topography around the wetter areas of the landscape; 2) More formal development of what is casual access now from those accessing the park from the north on the service road, and walking through the existing group camp on the way to the swim and other day-use areas of the park; and 3) Development of a multi-purpose trail in the shrub-steppe landscape. Similar to the trail segments that exist on similar arid property adjacent to the park on the west, this segment could be developed with interpretive information about the shrub-steppe landscape, including its flora and fauna.

APPENDIX 7 Alta Lake State Park – Draft Management Approaches

Natural Resources

Issue Management Approaches

Forest Health • Continue to coordinate with agency forestry specialists to develop and implement re-planting program of resilient species to recover damage from 2014 Carlton Complex fire Natural plant and • Rehabilitate existing day-use and cliff trail to prevent damage to natural animal resources communities • Work with stewardship program to identify practices to protect and protection enhance the wetland (LC 8) and Natural area along Otto Road (LC 10), and LTB 4 and LTB 7, should they be included in the future long-term boundary • Prevent future development from encroaching upon the Resource Recreation area (LC 5) to protect the wildlife corridor and facility damage from high water events • Protect private and public property with fire-smart development and maintenance practices Invasive species • Work to remove invasive species, especially in Natural areas Viewshed and • When and if possible, include LTB 1 and LTB 3 within the park’s long- wildlife corridor term boundary to protect the viewshed and wildlife corridor with low or protection moderate intensity development (e.g. trails and trail facilities) Recreation

Issue Management Approaches

Camping • Expand camping in Camp Loops 1 and 3 where possible • Consider additional tent camp sites, cabins and new bike/hike group camp site(s) • Enforce “no boat trailer parking” in campsites • Expand camping and other overnight accommodations in LTB 8 should this area be included in the future long-term boundary Trails • Rehabilitate the existing day-use trail with sustainable design and materials • Contract with Washington Trails Association design and rehabilitate the existing cliff trail and to initiate aggressive volunteer program • Coordinate with U.S. Forest Service to develop future phase of cliff trail that includes loop to the top of Goat Mountain 34

• Officially designate cliff trail and include in park literature • Upgrade existing park loop trail for ADA access, leashed pets and pedestrians • Limit all trails to non-motorized use • Designate and improve access trail to/from golf course homes in northwest • Coordinate with U.S. Forest Service to develop a trail around the east side of the lake • Expand the trail network to include additional trail segments – to Goat Mountain to the west, and a new trail on the southeast side of the park Boating • Improve boat launch, parking and signage as needed to provide access for motorized and nonmotorized boats • Remove trees and other aquatic hazards • Assess lakeshore erosion impacts from wakes boats and work with Okanogan County to consider ways to limit impacts • Develop and post boating safety signage for boaters and swimmers about safe boating rules including speed limit and direction • Consider development of boating access for non-motorized boats in LTB 8, should the area become part of the future long-term boundary Playground • Update facilities and provide appropriate facilities for range of ages

Other high • When and if possible, consider development of additional day-use, intensity camping, and trails within LTB 8 recreation

Interpretation and Education

Issue Management Approaches

Boating and • Develop and post boating safety signage for boaters and swimmers pedestrian/vehicle • Post public safety signage for pedestrian crossings along county road circulation public • safety issues Clearly indicate park boundaries and provide vehicle turnaround along county road to minimize impacts to private property owners Interpretive Program • Develop interpretive signage for rehabilitated day-use and cliff trail • Assess potential for education and interpretive facilities (e.g. viewing platform and interpretive signage) at Natural area in LC 10 Environmental • Continue to provide Environmental Education program in cooperation Education with Pateros school • Expand education program with Boys & Girls Club 35

Facilities

Issue Management Approaches

Shade structures • Install shade structures in day use and camping impacted by 2014 Carlton Complex fire Playground • Update facilities and provide appropriate facilities for range of ages Comfort stations and • Update and upgrade facilities other facilities Concessions • When current term expires, recruit new food concession and provide more reliable hours • Continue paddleboard and kayak concession • Investigate other kid-friendly activities including equipment and/or game check-out program Pump and pipeline • Take action to transfer lake level management responsibilities to other for lake level parties management • Research current status of water rights and easement held by State Parks • Coordinate with Douglas County PUD to assess lease transfer options including pump, land and fish screen at the Methow River • Work collaboratively with FOAL and Alta Lake Golf Course to transition the transfer of assets, operations and ongoing management

Cultural Resources

Issue Management Approaches

Cultural resource • When new projects are proposed, conduct cultural and archaeology protection surveys to identify presence and ascertain significance of historic properties and/or archaeological sites • Develop cultural resource treatment options if indicated

APPENDIX 8 Bridgeport State Park – Draft Management Approaches

Natural Resources

Issue Management Approaches

Natural plant and • Work with Colville Confederated Tribe to explore transfer or shared animal management of resource recreation area in north area of the park (LC 2) communities including: protection o Protect and enhance, where possible, existing shrub-steppe landscape and habitat for mule deer and other species o Update plant and species inventory o Remove non-native plant species from undeveloped areas and rehabilitate natural plant communities o Remove invasive species o Plant native and other species that will support subsistence food cultivation consistent with Colville Confederated Tribe cultural practices

Recreation

Issue Management Approaches

Re-use of golf • Develop new high intensity recreation facilities and activities within the course property area designated as LC 1 including: o Expanded camping for groups, tent camping and RVs o Develop an amphitheater or other programmable event space that can be used by schools, community groups and tribal members for environmental education, interpretation and other cultural events; provide kitchen, power and water facilities to support large groups and flexible use o Develop a lakefront trail within the resource recreation designation along high bank of the lake and connected with trails along the previous system of golf course links o Connect new trails to existing trail system within the park and on adjacent U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property Trails • Develop a new interpretive trail along the existing service road leading from existing group camp area to the northern boundary of the park • Consider future development of trail in the north area of the park (LC 2)

Camping • Expand existing and/or relocate existing group camp • Develop additional group camp • Improve and expand the number and design of RV sites to accommodate larger facilities Access to swim • Improve access for all visitors; look at solutions to allow visitors to area park closer to the day-use area/swim area

Interpretation and Education

Issue Management Approaches

Lack of • Coordinate with the Colville Confederated Tribe to showcase tribal interpretive history, culture and practices through education and interpretive program programs including: o Along the new trail segment proposed in LC 2 about tribal culture and practices including benefits and species of shrub-steppe landscape, subsistence food sources, etc. o Coordinate with the Colville Confederated Tribe to establish tribal events at Bridgeport including Salmon Day and Canoe Journey • Coordinate with the Colville Confederated Tribe, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Okanogan visitor center to showcase area history and development including Chief Joseph Dam construction • Coordinate with city of Bridgeport, PUD and other partners to showcase history and development of the area • Coordinate with city of Bridgeport, PUD and other partners to jointly promote the recreational, cultural and interpretive programs at Bridgeport • Coordinate with local schools and Chief Joe Hatchery to develop Environmental Education program that includes bringing kids into Bridgeport State Park

Facilities

Issue Management Approaches

Periodic flooding • Consider relocation of existing group camp to reduce impacts from of group camp flooding and to maintain privacy from other park visitors Public safety • Install bear rubbish cans near playground and other park areas Golf course area • Upgrade the existing irrigation system to continue and improve the irrigation system landscaped area in LC 1

Lack of facilities • Work with the Colville Confederated Tribe, U.S. Army Corps of for interpretive Engineers, schools, city of Bridgeport and other community partners to and environmental consider design and facility features of new event space in former golf education course area programs

APPENDIX 9 Washington State Parks Land Classification System

WAC 352-16-020 Land classification system. State park areas are of statewide natural, cultural, and/or recreational significance and/or outstanding scenic beauty. They provide varied facilities serving low-intensity, medium intensity, and high intensity outdoor recreation activities, areas reserved for preservation, scientific research, education, public assembly, and/or environmental interpretation, and support facilities. They may be classified in whole or part as follows: (1) Recreational areas are suited and/or developed for high-intensity outdoor recreational use, conference, cultural and/or educational centers, or other uses serving large numbers of people. (2) Resource recreation areas are suited and/or developed for natural and/or cultural resource- based medium-intensity and low-intensity outdoor recreational use. (3) Natural areas are designated for preservation, restoration, and interpretation of natural processes and/or features of significant ecological, geological or paleontological value while providing for low-intensity outdoor recreation activities as subordinate uses. (4) Heritage areas are designated for preservation, restoration, and interpretation of unique or unusual archaeological, historical, scientific, and/or cultural features, and traditional cultural properties, which are of statewide or national significance. (5) Natural forest areas are designated for preservation, restoration, and interpretation of natural forest processes while providing for low-intensity outdoor recreation activities as subordinate uses, and which contain: (a) Old-growth forest communities that have developed for one hundred fifty years or longer and have the following structural characteristics: Large old-growth trees, large snags, large logs on land, and large logs in streams; or (b) Mature forest communities that have developed for ninety years or longer; or (c) Unusual forest communities and/or interrelated vegetative communities of significant ecological value. (6) Natural area preserves are designated for preservation of rare or vanishing flora, fauna, geological, natural historical or similar features of scientific or educational value and which are registered and committed as a natural area preserve through a cooperative agreement with an appropriate natural resource agency pursuant to chapter 79.70 RCW and chapter 332-60 WAC. WAC 352-16-030 Management within land classifications. (1) The director shall develop management guidelines for each land classification listed in WAC 352-16-020. The guidelines shall provide specific direction for each classification, outlining the philosophy of each classification, its appropriate physical features, location, allowed and prohibited activities, and allowed and prohibited developments. (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow uses that are otherwise prohibited, nor prohibit uses that are otherwise expressly allowed, by the commission, this code, or by statute.

Land Classification Management Guidelines Recreation Areas

TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS FEATURES

Washington State Parks State Parks State Parks State Parks State Parks Recreation Areas State Parks Recreation State Parks Recreation Areas Recreation Areas are Recreation Recreation Areas may allow and provide for a Areas shall provide Recreation are suited and/or to respond to the Areas generally are wide variety of indoor and appropriate facilities and Areas developed for human needs for physiographic made, not found. outdoor day, weekend and services for the high-intensity readily available areas features such as They shall be vacation activities. Provision participation and enjoyment outdoor for outdoor recreation topography, soil located throughout may be made for high intensity of high concentrations of recreational use, and facilities to type, drainage, the state with participation in camping, outdoor recreationists conference, congregate for etc., shall be primary emphasis picnicking, trail use, water and/or participants in cultural and/or education, artistic adaptable to to service major sports, winter sports, group field indoor educational, cultural educational expression and other varied types of centers of urban games, and other activities for and artistic activities. A centers, or other ennobling pursuits. intensive uses populations and/or many people Off-trail high degree of development uses serving large They are to provide a and outstanding equestrian and/or bicycle use is anticipated. Facilities numbers of variety of outdoor development. recreational tourist may be appropriate in selected may include road and people. recreational, An attractive attractions. areas if approved by the parking networks, educational, artistic, natural setting is Scenic and commission. Activities swimming beaches, full and cultural desirable; inspirational requiring high levels of social service marinas, trails, opportunities to large however, values shall be interaction are encouraged. bathhouses, artificial lakes numbers of human-made considered but are and pools, play fields, large participants. Primary settings are secondary to the sanitary and eating emphasis is on the acceptable. site adaptability facilities; standard and provision of quality There are no and population utility campgrounds, stores, recreational services specific size criteria. When picnic grounds, group and facilities with criteria. part of a large shelters, conference secondary recognition diverse park, centers, environmental given to protection of recreation areas learning centers, hostels, the areas natural should be sited in and administrative support qualities. proximity to facilities. public roads and utilities.

Land Classification Management Guidelines Resource Recreation Areas

TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS FEATURES

Washington State Parks State Parks Resource State Parks State Parks Resource State Parks Resource State Parks Resource State Parks Resource Recreation Areas are Resource Recreation Areas may Recreation Areas provide Recreation Areas Resource Recreation Areas sites where the high Recreation Areas be located anywhere opportunities for low- and development shall be Recreation are suited and/or quality of a have a variety of in the state where medium-intensity recreational permitted to the extent Areas developed for particular natural or physiographic natural or cultural experiences including, but not necessary to serve natural and/or cultural resource or features. While factors produce land limited to, picnicking, allowed activities. cultural resource- set of such resources they may contain and water sites primitive camping, a variety Parking, sanitary based medium- and is the lure for human areas of particularly suited for of recreational trail facilities, and other low-intensity recreation. Thus, the environmental recreation in a natural experiences, interpretive ancillary developments recreational use. rationale for sensitivity, most setting. Access to facilities, historic/cultural and support facilities recreation is based portions of each these sites should be exhibits, nature observation, should be constructed in on the value of area will be able to reasonably proximate photography, orienteering, a manner that is attractive natural or withstand low- to to major urban kayaking, canoeing, floating, consistent with the site's cultural resources. medium-intensity centers, but some and fishing. Off-trail ability to manage Management of recreation use access restriction may equestrian and/or bicycle use environmental change. these areas must without significant be necessary to avoid may be appropriate in stress the centrality environmental overuse of resources. selected areas if approved by of preserving the degradation. Within large diverse the commission. Basketball, quality of the natural parks, these areas tennis, organized group and cultural should be located at sporting activities requiring resources while least a moderate formal sports fields, allowing appropriate distance from public commercial-sized piers and and sustainable roads and high use docks, standard and utility levels of human use intensity areas, while camping, indoor and enjoyment. still maintaining accommodations and centers, reasonable public developed swimming areas, access for their and other similarly intense intended use. uses are not appropriate. Scientific research is permitted.

Land Classification Management Guidelines Natural Areas

TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOP FEATURES MENTS

Washington State Parks Natural State Parks Natural Areas State Parks Natural State Parks Natural Areas State Parks Natural Areas provide State Parks State Parks Areas are designated are to respond to the Areas have a variety are not "made", but rather opportunities for outdoor recreation on Natural Area Natural for preservation, human need for readily of topography and currently exist due to designated trails. Those trails may be development shall Areas restoration, and available "conservatories" features to provide a historical circumstances developed and used only to the extent be limited to interpretation of of nature and open diversified natural that have resulted in little that they do not significantly degrade the facilities required natural processes spaces. Emphasis is environment with or no human interference system of natural processes in a for health, safety and/or features of directed toward nature interesting but not in the natural classified area. Hiking, non-groomed and protection of significant ecological, and the conservation of necessarily unique environment. Those cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or users and features geological or native flora and fauna, flora and fauna, or areas most desirable in other trail uses of similar impact to consistent with paleontological value special geologic or geologic or terms of physical features natural systems and providing a allowed activities. while providing for paleontologic resources, paleontologic and size usually are compatible recreational opportunity, Facilities to low-intensity outdoor and the natural amenities features. Where "found" and "held" may be permitted, after consultation with enhance public recreation activities as of the area. Human wants classification is against creeping appropriate local, state, federal and tribal enjoyment shall be subordinate uses. for other than naturally based on biological encroachments and resource management agencies, and limited to existing educational and considerations, sites raising land values. They upon a finding by the agency that such primitive items recreational opportunities should consist of often become over used trails are not likely to significantly such as trails, trail are considered secondary land areas large and "lost" as populations degrade natural processes. Relocation of structures and to nature's requirement enough to maintain spread around them. As existing equestrian, bicycle, nordic track minor interpretive for the sustained natural biological a part of the overall or other similar trails into a natural area exhibits. All maintenance of its natural processes in a nearly system, these areas may be permitted upon a finding by the improvements balances, or the undeveloped state should be geographically director that such relocation is for the shall harmonize preservation of special and provide users spread throughout the purpose of reducing overall resource with, and not geologic or paleontologic with a feeling of state. When classifying impacts. All trails may be moved, detract from, the features. solitude and specific park areas, redesigned, closed and/or removed upon natural setting. tranquility, and an consideration must be a finding that their use is causing Parking and other opportunity to view given to the ability to significant degradation to the system of trailhead facilities nature in its adequately manage the natural processes. Technical rock should be located "uncontrolled" form. areas against undesirable climbing requires authorization by the outside of a They may be human encroachment. commission. Off-trail use for nature classified area. partially or wholly observation, photography, cross-country on land, skiing, harvesting of mushrooms and subterranean, or part berries and similar uses are permitted to of the marine the degree that they do not significantly environment. degrade natural processes. Scientific research is permitted.

Land Classification Management Guidelines Heritage Areas

TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS FEATURES

Washingto State Parks State Parks State Parks State Parks State Parks Heritage Area State Parks Heritage Area n State Heritage Areas Heritage Areas Heritage Areas Heritage Areas activities shall generally be development shall Parks are designated are designated to vary in size usually are limited to those directly generally be limited to Heritage for preservation, preserve and/or and located where associated with the that necessary for the Areas restoration, and interpret selected physiographic they are found, interpretation of the area or protection and interpretation of areas or features makeup or the feature feature, and the education of the interpretation of the area outstanding, for the education according to exists. patrons. Picnicking, or feature, and the unique or and enjoyment of their location However, in recreational trails, and other education and safety of unusual the public, an and reason for some instances low- to medium-intensity the patrons. Sanitary archaeological, area's intrinsic existence. relocation or re- recreation uses may be allowed facilities, recreation trails, historical, cultural value, Historic creation of if they do not detract from the and picnicking facilities scientific, and/or and/or for landscapes artifacts, principal purpose of the area, its may be provided in a cultural features, scientific may require resources or setting, structures, sites and manner which does not and traditional research. relatively large facilities is objects. detract from the aesthetic, cultural acreage while possible. In educational or properties, which archaeological these situations environmental quality of are of statewide sites may be they may be the area, its setting, or national measured in located in structures, sites or objects, significance. square feet. appropriate or, if applicable, its value settings and for scientific research. concentrated near major population centers and along primary travel routes.

Land Classification Management Guidelines Natural Forest Areas

TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS FEATURES

Washingto State Parks Natural State Parks Natural Forest State Parks Natural State Parks Natural State Parks Natural Forest Areas provide State Parks Natural Forest n State Forest Areas are Areas are places where Forest Areas have a Forest Areas may be opportunities for outdoor recreation on Areas development shall be Parks designated for human access to and variety of located anywhere in the designated recreation trails. Those trails limited to facilities required Natural preservation, interpretation and topographic and state where natural may be developed and used only to the for health, safety and Forest restoration, and enjoyment of natural forest vegetative factors produce forest extent that they do not significantly degrade protection of users and Areas interpretation of processes are limited to conditions. They vegetative cover. These the system of natural forest processes in a features consistent with natural forest those activities and are generally large areas are not "made", classified area. Careful design of recreation allowed activities. Facilities processes while facilities that do not enough (300 or but rather currently trails should match intended uses, to to enhance public enjoyment providing for low- significantly degrade more acres) to exist due to historical maintain consistency with the purpose and shall be limited to trails, trail intensity outdoor natural forest processes. contain one or circumstances that philosophy of the classification. Hiking, structures, and minor recreation activities as Public access into these more distinct and have resulted in little or non-groomed cross-country skiing, interpretive exhibits. All subordinate uses, and areas emphasizes relatively intact no human interference snowshoeing, or other trail uses of similar improvements shall which contain: appreciation of nature vegetative in natural forest impact to natural systems and providing a harmonize with, and not (a) Old-growth forest through experiencing communities. progression. As a part compatible recreational opportunity, may be detract from, the natural communities that nature. The principal Smaller areas may of an overall system, permitted, after consultation with setting. Parking and other have developed for function of these areas is to be appropriate if these areas should be appropriate local, state, federal and tribal trailhead facilities should be 150 years or longer assist in maintaining the representative of a geographically spread resource management agencies, and upon a located outside of a classified and have the state's bio-diversity while unique or unusual throughout the state, finding by the agency that such trails are not area. following structural expanding human forest community. recognizing that likely to significantly degrade natural forest characteristics: Large understanding and Desirably, they are maintenance of bio- processes. Relocation of existing equestrian, old-growth trees, appreciation of natural part of a large diversity is one of the bicycle, nordic track or other similar trails large snags, large logs values. system of open primary functions of into a natural forest area may be permitted on land, and large space, wildlife their classification. upon a finding by the director that such logs in streams; or (b) habitat, and When classifying relocation is for the purpose of reducing Mature forest vegetative specific park areas, overall resource impacts. All trails may be communities that communities that consideration must be moved, redesigned, closed and/or removed have developed for 90 provide a good given to the ability to upon a finding that they are causing years or longer; or  opportunity for adequately manage the significant degradation to the system of Unusual forest long-term areas against natural forest processes. Technical rock communities and/or ecosystem undesirable human climbing requires authorization by the interrelated vegetative sustainability. encroachment. commission. Off-trail use for nature communities of observation, cross-country skiing, significant ecological photography, harvesting of mushrooms and value. berries and similar uses are permitted to the degree that they do not significantly degrade natural forest processes. Scientific research is permitted.

Land Classification Management Guidelines Natural Area Preserves

TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS FEATURES

Washingto State Parks State Parks Natural State Parks Natural Area State Parks Natural State Parks Natural State Parks Natural Area n State Natural Area Area Preserves are Preserves have a variety of Area Preserves may Area Preserves Preserves development Parks Preserves are sites where human topographic and vegetative be located provide opportunities shall be limited to access Natural designated for access is limited to conditions. They are anywhere in the for scientific research facilities for permitted Area preservation of educational and generally large enough (300 state where natural and education about activities and structures Preserves rare or vanishing scientific purposes. or more acres) to contain one ecological systems natural systems, to inhibit general public flora, fauna, The principal or more distinct and intact or significant geologic features, access. No other geological, natural function of these ecological communities. geologic features sensitive, rare, facilities or structures are historical or areas is to preserve Smaller areas may be exist. These areas threatened or permitted. similar features of natural ecosystems appropriate if representative are not "made", but endangered species or scientific or or geologic features of a unique or unusual rather exist due to communities. educational value of statewide ecological community or historical Recreational use of and which are significance. Public geologic feature. They may circumstances that existing or relocated registered and access for recreation be partially or wholly on have resulted in trails may be committed as a must be subordinate land, subterranean, or part of little or no human permitted, provided natural area to the principal the marine environment. interference in the that it can be clearly preserve through a function of the Desirably, they are part of a natural system. As demonstrated that cooperative classification. large system of open space, a part of an overall such use does not agreement with an wildlife habitat, and system, these areas degrade the system of appropriate natural vegetative communities that should be natural processes resource agency provide a good opportunity geographically occurring in the pursuant to for long-term ecosystem spread throughout preserve. Otherwise, chapter 79.70 sustainability. the state. trails are limited to RCW and chapter administrative, 332-60 WAC. scientific and organized educational activities and uses. No other activities are permitted.

Land Use and Land Classification Compatibility Matrix – Facilities

Recreation Resource Heritage Natural/Natural Natural Area

Recreation Forest Area Preserve*

Amphitheater P C C N N

Archery/Target Range C C N N N

Camping - Std and Utility P N C N N

Camping – Primitive P P C N N

Camping - Adirondack P C N N N

Camping - Horse-oriented C C N N N

Camping - Water Trail P P C N N

Children's Play Area P C C N N

Day Use Picnic – Tables P P C N N

Day Use Picnic - Group Shelter P N C N N

Day Use Lodges/Centers P N C N N

Environmental Learning Centers C N C N N

Equestrian Facilities C C C N N

Fields - Informal Play/Mowed P C C N N

Indoor Accommodations P N C N N

Interpretive - Centers P N P N N

Interpretive – Kiosks P P P C N

Interpretive Trail P P P P C

Interpretive – Signs P P P P C

Parking – Vehicles P P C N N

Roads P P C N N

Land Use and Land Classification Compatibility Matrix – Facilities (Continued)

Recreation Resource Heritage Natural/Natural Natural Area Preserve* Recreation Forest Area

Sanitary: Comfort Stations P N C N N

Sanitary: Composting/Vault P P C C N

Sports Fields C N N N N

Skiing - Alpine Facilities C C N N N

Swimming Facilities P N C N N

Trails - Hiking P P P P C

Trails - Mountain Biking P C C N** N

Trails - Equestrian C C C N** N

Trails - Nordic Track Skiing P P C N** N

Trails - C-C skiing P P P P C

Trails - Snowmobile P C C N** N

Trails - Paved non-motor P C C C N

Water: Docks/Piers > 10 boats P N C N N

Water: Docks/Piers - < 10 boats P P C C N

Water: Launch Ramps P C N N N

Water: Hand Launch Areas P P C C N

Water: Mooring Buoys P P C C N

P (Permitted) - Use permitted with normal agency design review C (Conditional) - Use may be permitted, but conditioned to assure design is compatible w/purpose of land classification and abutting classification objectives. N (Not Permitted)- Use not permitted. NA - Not Applicable * All uses in a Natural Area Preserve must be specifically approved by the Park and Recreation Commission as part of a management plan. **Relocation of existing trails into a natural or natural forest area is permitted per WAC 352-32-070(4) and WAC 352-32-075(5)(a).

Land Use and Land Classification Compatibility Matrix – Activities

Recreation Resource Heritage Natural/Natural Natural Area Recreation Forest Area Preserve*

Farming/Orchards C C C N N

Filming/Special Events P P P C N

Grazing C C C N N

Harvesting - Edible Fruiting Bodies P P P P N

Harvesting - Mushrooms P P P P N

Harvesting - Shellfish P P P P N

Harvesting - Fish P P P P N

Harvesting - Algae, etc. P P P P N

Haying P P P N N

Metal Detecting P P C N N

Orienteering P P C N N

Ocean Beach Driving P C N N N

Off-Trail: Equestrian C C C N N

Off-Trail: Hiking P P P P N

Off-trail biking C C C N N

Paragliding P P C N N

Recreation Concession Areas C C C N N

Technical Rock Climbing P P C C N

Land Use and Land Classification Compatibility Matrix – Activities (Continued)

Recreation Resource Heritage Natural/Natural Natural Area Recreation Forest Area Preserve*

Water: Jet Skiing P C N N N

Water: Kayak/Canoeing P P P C N

Water: Power Boating P C N C N

Water: White Water Boating P P C C N

Water: Sailing P P P C N

Water: Skiing P C N N N

Water: Swimming P P P P N

Water: Wind Surfing P C C N N

Winter: Alpine Skiing C C N N N

Winter: C-C Skiing (off-trail) P P P P C

Winter: Mushing/Sled Dogs C C C N N

Winter: Snowshoeing P P P P C

Winter: Snowmobiling (off-trail) P P C N N

Wood Debris Collection P P P N N

P (Permitted) - Use permitted with normal agency design review C (Conditional) - Use may be permitted with Commission concurrence, but conditioned to assure compatibility w/purpose of land classification and abutting classifications. N (Not Permitted)- Use not permitted. NA - Not Applicable * All uses in a Natural Area Preserve must be specifically approved by the Park and Recreation Commission as part of a management plan. **Relocation of existing trails into a natural or natural forest area is permitted per WAC 352-32-070(4) and WAC 352-32-075(5)(a).

Revised July 2019