WASHINGTON STATE PARKS and RECREATION COMMISSION Item E-4: Riverside State Park – Classification and Management Planning

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

May 17, 2018

Item E-4: Riverside State Park – Classification and Management Planning Project - Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item reports to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission on updated land classifications, long-term boundary, and management plan for Riverside State Park. This item advances the Commission’s strategic goal: “Develop amenities and acquire lands that advance transformation” and “Provide recreation, cultural, and interpretive opportunities people will want.”

SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: For the past year, staff has conducted a public planning process for Riverside State Park as part of the Agency’s Classification and Management Planning (CAMP) project. The purpose of this report is to acquaint the Commission with information gathered, issues raised, and preliminary staff recommendations. Appendices 1- 8 provide detailed information regarding the current CAMP planning effort for Riverside State Park.

Original CAMP Planning Process When the current land classification system was first established by the Commission in 1995, a long-term effort was undertaken to classify lands and prepare management plans for each park in the system. By 1998, this effort resulted in a public process at Riverside that: 1) Oriented citizens to the park and the planning process; 2) Identified natural, cultural, and recreation management issues, and; 3) Developed management approaches designed to address these issues.

Riverside continues to evolve and its land classifications, long-term boundary, and park management plan require updating to address changing circumstances. Today, State Parks manages 9,432 acres within the existing Riverside State Park long-term boundary. These holdings include: • 7, 617 acres owned by State Parks • 1,686 acres owned by Spokane County • 129 acres owned by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Current CAMP Planning Process Following Commission adoption of land classifications and long-term park boundary in 1998, staff entered into management agreements with Avista Corporation and the Department of Natural Resources for a series of properties on Lake Spokane. These lands, along with the Commission-owned Fisk Property, were not evaluated within the scope of the original CAMP process nor have they been formally included in the long-term boundary for Riverside State Park.

As part of the current planning effort, staff is evaluating approximately 2,251 acres to potentially recommend for inclusion in the Riverside long-term boundary. These include:

On Lake Spokane: • 621 acres Knights Lake (DNR owned) • 680 acres Fisk property (State Parks owned) • 92 acres Lake Spokane Campground (DNR owned) • 400 acres McLellan Conservation Area (Spokane County owned) • 2 acre disposal to Nine Mile Falls School District (State Parks owned)

On the Little Spokane River: • 108 acres Waikiki Springs (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife owned) • 199 acres private lands between Waikiki Springs and Riverside State Park

West of the Spokane River: • 98 acres (lands that connect Riverside with Palisades Park) • 51 acres (Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway right of way to link Riverside with the Airway Heights area)

The original Riverside CAMP remains mostly relevant. As a result, the current CAMP will augment rather than replace the original plan—building on the operational direction already established for Riverside.

Next Steps Next steps will include presenting preliminary staff recommendations included in this item to the Commission at its May 17, 2018 meeting in Spokane. This information will also be presented at public meetings scheduled during the week of May 14, 2018. Staff then anticipates incorporating input into final recommended updates to the long-term boundary and land classifications for Riverside State Park for consideration by the Commission at its July 2018 meeting in Vancouver, Washington.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION:

Appendix 1: Riverside Classification and Management Plan 2018 Appendix 2: Riverside State Park Area Description Appendix 3: State Parks Land Classification System Appendix 4: Overall Map of Riverside Appendix 5: Southern area of Riverside Appendix 6: Lake Spokane area Appendix 7: Little Spokane area Appendix 8: Sontag Park Land Transfer and Property Disposal

Author(s)/Contact: Michael Hankinson, Parks Planner [email protected] (360) 902-8671

Reviewer(s): Jessica Logan, SEPA REVIEW: Pursuant to WAC197-11-704 and WAC 352-11-055(2)(c), staff has determined that this Commission agenda item is a report and therefore is not subject to State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review. Chris Leeper, Fiscal Impact Statement: Report only, no fiscal impact at this time. Michael Young, Assistant Attorney General: April 23, 2018 Peter Herzog, Assistant Director

Approved for Transmittal to Commission

______Donald Hoch, Director

1 APPENDIX 1 Riverside State Park Classification and Management Plan – 2018 Update

The following report is based on the original CAMP, which served as a starting point for this update. The original document from the late 1990s acknowledged how the relationship between its own plan, other existing plans, and recommended future plans should be seen as “iterative” explaining:

As new information is derived from more detailed resource-specific planning, existing plans should be reviewed and modified to reflect changed circumstances. No single plan should be vested with ultimate authority, but rather, the on-going process of creating new plans and revising exiting plans should be seen as forming an increasingly comprehensive base of park operational direction.

The purpose of this report is to discuss all the opportunities, what the public thinks about those opportunities, and summarize preliminary staff recommendations. The first portion of this report, however, explains more about the planning process and the contextual issues that must be considered that are specific to Riverside State Park.

Figure 1: Map showing acreages of Riverside as established in the 1998 CAMP.

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Figure 2: Existing management area of Riverside State Park, which is today over 12,000 acres, and far greater in size than envisioned in the late 1990s.

Natural, Historical, and Cultural Context: Riverside State Park encompasses three primary land areas associated with watercourses including the Spokane River, Lake Spokane, and the Little Spokane River. The park is composed of natural areas that provide important wildlife habitat: illustrate geologic formations related to lave flows and ice age flooding events, and show the natural influences of the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers, its tributaries, and springs. In terms of governance, Riverside includes property concentrated in Spokane County. In addition, Riverside also includes the management of DNR lands and Avista Corporation recreational lands in both Stevens and Lincoln counties on Lake Spokane.

The Spokane River flows westward into eastern Washington out of the northern end of Lake Coeur d’Alene in northern Idaho. The banks of this river and its tributaries have played a significant role in Pacific Northwest history. Native American presence dates thousands of years and the settlement at the confluence of the Spokane and Little Spokane ranged around 10,000 people. The Spokane House trading post built in 1810 by the Northwest Fur Trading Company-a precursor to the Hudson’s Bay Company—was one of the earliest English trading houses in the Northwest. The historic social and economic evolution of the larger region plays out in all its aspects along the banks of the Spokane River, as fur trading yielded to agriculture, which in turn transformed toward combinations of industrial, commercial, residential, military, and recreational uses.

Riverside includes a heritage area at the confluence of the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers, which is a land classification that recognizes how this area has been home to the Spokane Tribe of Indians for thousands of years. According to the Spokane Tribe of Indians: A Socioeconomic Profile 2013, their traditional homelands extended along the Spokane River from the present day City of Spokane, east to the Idaho border and west at the confluence of the Spokane and Columbia rivers. The Spokane shared both economic and cultural ties to neighboring groups including the Kalispel to the east, and the Chewelah, to the north. According to Grant et al., 1994, the Spokane lived in autonomous bands that joined together for fishing and trading; however, the majority of their actions were decided at the band level. The Chewelah occupied the Colville Valley, north, and were an offshoot band of the Kalispel that migrated to the Colville Valley and were later absorbed into the Spokane Tribe.

In 1934, the first parcel of land of what would eventually become Riverside State Park was transferred from Spokane County to the State Parks. This was followed closely in the next few years by a variety of donations and small park purchases from private and public parties. Much of the land was acquired as delinquent tax parcels, but Washington Water Power (now Avista Corporation) and other public parties provided key parcels. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed a master plan and constructed many facilities in the park including the Aubrey L. White Parkway and the Bowl and Pitcher area.

The Spokane House Interpretive Center is located within the heritage area and tells the story of Spokane House, a historic fur trade era trading post fort, the earliest permanent non-Indian settlement in Washington State. It also describes the lives of the Spokane Indians who lived here and the first European people to meet them and live among them.

Growth in the park land base has continued for over 50 years, making it the second largest state park and possibly the most diverse and complex park to manage in the entire system (Appendix 2).

Public Participation Process: State Parks prepares CAMP plans through multi-staged, public participation-based meetings with analysis by staff that culminates with Commission adoption of land classifications and long-term park boundaries. Park management plans are approved by the Director to allow periodic updates as conditions change. For each CAMP 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- both from within and outside the agency. The Riverside planning team includes:

• Michael Hankinson, Parks Planner • Ryan Layton, Region Manager • Steve Brand, Partnerships and Planning Program Manager • Diana Dupuis, Area Manager • Andrew Fielding, Eastern Region Resource Steward • Brian Patnode, Eastern Region Parks Planner

The CAMP process involves four sequential stages:

• Stage One: Identify issues and concerns (Summer 2017) The purpose of this stage is to understand what is important to the park community and identifies issues to address through the planning process.

• Stage Two: Exploring alternative approaches (Winter 2018) At this stage, the planning team suggests potential alternative approaches to address the various issues and concerns raised by people in stage one. No preferred alternative is established; rather this is an opportunity to examine and understand the range of possibilities.

• Stage Three: Preparing preliminary recommendations (May 2018) The ideas from the alternative approaches developed in stage two are combined into a preliminary plan in this stage. The preliminary plan includes recommendations for use and development of park lands, changes to property boundaries, and ways to address issues that were raised during the process.

• Stage Four: Preparing final recommendations (In progress) At stage four, final adjustments are made to staff recommended land classifications and long-term boundary and submitted to the seven-member Parks and Recreation Commission for approval. The public is encouraged to attend the Commission meeting and provide testimony or provide written comment.

In May 2018, staff continued work on the third stage of the planning process (preliminary recommendations) for Riverside State Park. Through this stage, public meetings averaged about 50+ attendees. Staff also met separately with a vast network of stakeholders and park neighbors to hear their concerns and provide additional information about park planning, development, and management.

Statewide Acquisition & Development Strategy: This idea was developed as an evaluation process that aides State Parks decision makers in collecting places and experiences that are distinctly Washingtonian. Potential lands and development projects are evaluated from many perspectives in an effort to understand their full value and purpose. They are prioritized during this process and are either strategically included within the adjusted long-term boundary or ultimately discarded. The foundation for this analysis is built upon five principles, which explore what parks already have and to determine where there may be gaps in the system. Principles include:

1. Places to be: Connecting people with Washington’s iconic landscapes 2. Stories to know: Engaging people in authentic Washington stories 3. Things to do: Providing Washington’s recreational mainstays 4. Ways to grow: Inviting novices to experience Washington’s outdoors 5. Something for everyone: Improving the quality of life for all Washingtonians

The statewide strategy identifies general deficits in the state park system and provides clarity on what types of landscapes could be acquired to eliminate these deficits. Some landscape types specifically apply to Riverside.

Expansion of the long-term boundary and protection of natural and cultural resources, however, may place new management burdens on staff or may be unfeasible in other ways. Options are significantly reduced if funding in the long -erm is unavailable for proper management. Nonetheless, the acquisition of new properties may help State Parks remain relevant and allow the system to grow in response to a certain increase in statewide population, which is projected to see a 20% rise within the next 20 years.

Elements of the Riverside CAMP: As mentioned, the CAMP produces three main products: land classification, long-term boundary, and park management plan. The combination of these deliverables constitutes a land use plan. For some parks, more detailed planning to direct facility development is necessary. A facilities concept plan will be included in the final report for the heritage area located in the Nine Mile region of the park.

Land Classification A central part of CAMP involves zoning or classification of park lands. State Parks has developed a system of six land classifications. 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 (Appendix 3). Park lands 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 are4 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 state-wide 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. Long-term Boundary The purpose of delineating a long-term boundary is to take a big picture look at what lands, independent of ownership, might advance the conservation and recreation mission of a park. It also considers whether agency-owned property should be retained or be considered surplus to park needs. Transactions may range from simple agreements, to recreation and conservation easements, and sometimes to agency purchase of property. Properties included inside the long- term boundary may be either acquired or operated through cooperative management with another public agency, conservation organization, or private landowners.

Including privately owned property in a long-term boundary gives Commission direction to staff to work with nearby landowners on potential land transactions. Transactions with private landowners may range from simple agreements, to recreation and conservation easements, and sometimes agency purchase of property. If a landowner is not interested in participating, State Parks is unlikely to pursue the matter further. However, since land frequently changes hands, the agency uses delineation of a long-term boundary to set its long-term property planning goals.

As mentioned in the agenda item, Riverside has the potential to expand the park-wide long-term boundary by a total of 2,251 acres. On Lake Spokane: • 621 acres Knights Lake (DNR owned) • 680 acres Fisk property (State Parks owned) • 92 acres Lake Spokane Campground (DNR owned) • 400 acres McLellan Conservation Area (Spokane County owned) • 2 acre disposal to Nine Mile Falls School District (State Parks owned)

On the Little Spokane River: • 108 acres Waikiki Springs (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife owned) • 199 acres private lands between Waikiki Springs and Riverside State Park

In vicinity of Spokane’s Palisades Park • 98 acres (lands that connect Riverside with Palisades Park) • 51 acres (Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway right of way to link Riverside with the Airway Heights area)

Figure 3: Locations of potential properties, in bright green, for possible inclusion into the long- term boundary of Riverside State Park.

Park Management Plan Park management plans describe the principal features of a park, set park-wide management objectives, and outline specific approaches and prescriptions in response to issues identified in the planning process. These plans also document the planning process and serve as an informational resource.

In collaboration with the public and stakeholders, staff is addressing the following management concerns that are of concern park-wide:

• Trespass and protection of resources • Vehicular access • Pedestrian/bicycle access • Overnight/Day-use facilities • Administrative facilities • Park staffing numbers

Facilities Concept Plan A facility concept plan provides information on the general location and type of facilities. Future schematic designs, associated with funded construction projects, will reveal more detail. Staff will consider with public input the most logical and cost-effective phasing of park-wide projects in association with a capital project.

Evaluating Public Opinion on Land Transfers: Opinions reveal support for expansion at Riverside. All available properties such as Fisk, Knights Lake, Lake Spokane campground, McLellan Conservation Area, Waikiki Springs, and the Palisades Park connection are serious candidates that would work to make Riverside a better park.

The following summarizes public opinion and provides preliminary staff recommendations grouped by park area. All long-term boundary, land classifications, and management issues associated with a particular area of Riverside are described. For example, under the Lake Spokane Area, discussion includes Avista Corporation, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Spokane County lands in addition to the Fisk property. Similarly, the Little Spokane River area covers Waikiki Springs and its associated private lands.

It is likely that some recommendations may be refined or changed as the planning process is on- going. Staff anticipates asking the Commission to consider adoption of final recommendations at the July 12, 2018 Commission meeting in Vancouver.

LAKE SPOKANE AREA Avista Corporation Lands Managed by State Parks: The current agreement between State Parks and Avista Corporation includes co-management of nearly two thousand acres situated on Lake Spokane. The land is mostly water frontage with recreational features such as the Nine Mile Falls 11

campground, several boat-in sites, picnic area, and overlook at Long Lake Dam. The agreement, which expires June 2018, describes how State Parks is paid to manage these lands for recreation, but acknowledges how these lands would make a “logical addition” to Riverside, which is the primary reason the concept was presented to the public during winter 2018 (Appendix 4).

Avista lands, however, are open for hunting by reservation. This limits State Parks’ management options because hunting is statutorily prohibited on State Parks land (RCW 79A.05.165), so no land classification allows for this activity. As a result, two alternatives were presented to the public in February: • Natural Alternative: Avista lands are included in the long-term boundary. Hunting is not allowed. State Parks to operate Avista lands through an agreement. The land is classified as Resource Recreation. • Recreation Alternative: Avista lands are not included into the long-term boundary. This allows State Parks to operate Avista lands through an agreement. Avista retains option to allow for hunting or for other more intensive recreational uses.

In the second stage, staff described possible consequences if either alternative were to play out, prompting the public to express their thoughts, which focused primarily on hunting. Staff explained how both options were consistent with the agreement. Although the Natural alternative is consistent with the agreement, there was no public process when the agreement was signed. The agreement specifically “acknowledges that the general public users shall be subject to the statutory and regulatory restrictions applicable to State Parks once State Parks takes over management of the area as part of Riverside State Park.” The public was not consulted at the time of the agreement, but today public comments received did not support the natural alternative.

By contrast, the second alternative, Recreation did not include Avista lands in the long-term boundary. This alternative seemed the most desirable by the public, as it would not restrict hunting—which is consistent with how the current agreement works today. It must be noted that public comments taken in 2017 -18 indicate strong public support for retention of hunting on Avista-owned lands.

Preliminary Staff Recommendation: Consideration should be given to excluding Avista owned lands from the long-term boundary of the park. Key reasons include: • Management through an agreement is more flexible for State Parks, allowing the agency to operate and maintain recreational resources for citizens without the economic burden of land ownership; Avista Corporation as landowner is legally responsible for noxious weed control instead of parks. This arrangement maximizes public benefit at a reduced cost to State Parks and taxpayers. • Support from public for retention of hunting • Statute prevents State Parks from allowing hunting (RCW 79A.05.165)

Fisk Property owned/managed by State Parks Fisk is a 600-acre State Parks property operated by Riverside State Park on the south shores of Lake Spokane. It is accessed primarily from the east entrance on South Bank Road and is currently undergoing a road and parking lot improvement project to address emergency and general access. Although the land was never developed, logging activities created a network of roads on the property that intersect with the undeveloped Spokane County right-of-way, South Bank Road, which makes the potential for future trail development in the near term possible. Today, trees, rocky shoreline known as the Cove, and towering rock outcroppings characterize the rugged landscape and attract visitors despite its limited access. Although Fisk is largely undeveloped, it includes a single vault toilet and primitive parking lot. The overall condition of the property’s road system and its associated parking lot is poor. During the summer, the road is narrow, full of potholes with water, and sometimes impassible. Road conditions are far worse in wetter times of the year and are essentially impassible for the average park visitor.

There is a Capital project currently underway on South Bank Road to alleviate this condition. The construction project is scheduled for construction summer 2018 and includes restoration of the entrance road and a 40-stall parking lot with two Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parking stalls (Appendix 6).

McLellan Conservation Area managed my Spokane County This 410-acre property of ponderosa pine forest juts out into Lake Spokane, which surrounds the land on three sides. The property is also contiguous with over 640 acres of Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land also known as the Knight Lake property, south. One of the first properties acquired by the Conservation Futures fund, McLellan was purchased in 1995 for $1.1 million, helping to preserve public access to 1.5 miles of shoreline.

The property is accessed by Spokane County’s South Bank Road, with a circulation system originally created by logging roads that today provide a horseshoe-like trail system for passive recreation users. The trails traverse second growth ponderosa pine forest, a large, “dog hair” stand of younger trees that was established after a forest fire, and Douglas-fir along Lake Spokane. Access to Lake Spokane is provided, west, where the trail descends gradually to low bank shoreline and to the east, where the trail maintains grade and terminates at high bank shoreline.

McLellan Conservation Area has been identified by Spokane County, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Avista as one of the most important wildlife habitat sites on Lake Spokane. Deer, black bear, moose, osprey, and a diversity of bird species use the property and its riparian habitat. The property’s connection with DNR land, south, helps to preserve a wildlife corridor from the Columbia Plateau to the Spokane River.

Spokane County wishes to transfer the McLellan Conservation Area to State Parks, whom they consider as being better positioned to monitor and steward the land with an established presence on Lake Spokane. Today, the McLellan Conservation Area is located outside the long-term boundary of Riverside. Because the property was originally acquired using Conservation Futures 13

funding, however, the property will have limitations regarding the intensity of recreational use. The most appropriate land classifications are likely Resource Recreation (Appendix 6).

Knight Lake (640-acre DNR property) managed by DNR This property is owned by DNR and is located adjacent to the McClellan Conservation Area. By contrast with McLellan, this area is appropriate for more intensity of use and ultimately for classification as Recreation. Together, the assemblage of the three properties (Fisk, McLellan, and Knight Lake) provides an overall balance of conservation and recreation on the south shores of Lake Spokane. On one hand, McLellan is one of the most important habitat areas on the lake, with Fisk also serving as a key link in the same north/south ecological corridor associated with McLellan Conservation Area. On the other, development of the DNR property makes sense as it includes flat, open, upland areas with easy county road access. It is economically feasible and appropriate to build in this location as a trust land transfer would provide State Parks with potential to build a developed campground on lands that have been previously disturbed. It is ideal for improvements and would work to limit development at Fisk.

Although physically possible to develop Fisk for a mix of day-use and overnight experiences, the landscape is unique and vulnerable to overdevelopment. Fisk includes a more undeveloped landscape, featuring rock outcroppings popular with beginning rock climbers, the intensively used Cove swimming area, and in-tact second growth forest land that retains important habitat value (Appendix 6).

Lake Spokane Campground (DNR property) managed by State Parks This 92-acre DNR property on the north side of Lake Spokane is operated as a campground and boat launch by State Parks. The campground is centrally positioned and easily accessed from State Route 291. It has 11 primitive campsites that are available between May and September. Over the past several years, State Parks and Avista Corporation have invested in the expansion of the campground and improvements to the vehicular circulation system. The campground features a new flush restroom and shower building. A new drain field, electrical, and water system will be constructed along with a new camp loop and campsites in 2018-19. The property is relatively flat above the water where the existing campground is located. The boat launch, which includes a 55-stall parking lot, picnic shelters and swim beach, provides the only motorized boating access on the west end of Lake Spokane (Appendix 6).

Public Opinion on Lake Spokane Alternatives The Fisk property generated a mix of comments that varied between “do not develop the property” as it possesses important habitat to “develop the property” for boating and camping. It is recognized that the Fisk property is winter range for deer and moose and the property not an ecological island, but rather is a key migration pathway that links natural lands south of the lake with the north. According to a wildlife biologist who works in this region, it is noted that the Fisk property is a key water crossing point for many animals such as deer and moose. On the other hand, Fisk includes low bank water access and is already popular for swimmers and boaters. Comments encourage more places for swimming and some people want Parks to consider development of new camp sites. Some suggest that Fisk is ideal for boat-in camping near to the shoreline. 14

Other locations on the lake such as McLellan Conservation Area are discussed. Known for its pristine habitat, the property is unavailable for intensive recreational development as it was originally acquired with Conservation Futures funding by Spokane County, the current land owner. Comments regarding the adjacent DNR Knight Lake property mostly show support for developing this property for camping and large gathering spaces. These comments are also bolstered by Spokane County, in conversation with State Parks, who has noted a dearth of existing camp sites park-wide and in the county and hope State Parks will identify more locations for possible development. A few public comments warn that new camping at the Knight Lake Property could be harmful for habitat at the McLellan Conservation Area.

Preliminary Staff Recommendation: • Fisk: Include property in long-term boundary. Classify the “Cove” swimming area, rocky outcroppings popular with climbers, and a portion of the shoreline as Recreation to allow for the possibility of boat-in and primitive camping opportunities. Classify the reminder of the property as Resource recreation and consider allowing conditional use of mountain biking on select trails. • McLellan: Include the property in the long-term boundary. Classify the land as Resource Recreation for consistency with original Conservation Futures acquisition funding. Promote passive use of the land and emphasize habitat conservation. Consider conditional use mountain biking. • DNR Lake Spokane Campground: Acquire Lake Spokane Campground as a trust land transfer. Classify the land as Recreation to support widest variety of activities and overnight facilities. • DNR Knight Lake: Through trust land transfer, acquire the property. Classify key portions of the land as Recreation to allow development of the widest variety of activities. Consideration, however, should be given to focusing intensive development to also preserve areas of the land that support the migration of animals moving north/south through the DNR Knight Lake and McLellan properties.

LITTLE SPOKANE RIVER AREA Waikiki Springs and Little Spokane River miles 8.5-11 owned by WDFW and private owners Located on the Little Spokane, Waikiki Springs attracts moose, beaver, bald eagles, blue herons, as well as visitors from the Fairwood neighborhood and region. Since the early 1970s, visitors have grown accustomed to fishing, hiking, running, biking, and wildlife viewing in this area. The 112-acre property acquired by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) with a mix of federal funding (Land Water Conservation Fund and Dingle-Johnson) was originally envisioned as a fish hatchery. The plan was abandoned by WDFW, which now manages the land for preservation, enhancement of habitat, and recreation. WDFW is determining if the property continues to meet their mission. They are considering disposal but recognize growing community support for retaining public access and protecting Waikiki Spring’s natural resources. The central question regards which state agency is best positioned to operate it in the future.

In the summer of 2017, the community organization “Save Our Switchbacks” (SOS) asked State Parks to consider expansion of the long-term boundary on the middle reaches of the Little 15

Spokane River by adding the WDFW Waikiki Springs’ property and eight private parcels located on the Little Spokane between the public lands to create a habitat and recreational extension in the vicinity of the unincorporated neighborhood of Fairwood. Acquisition of these parcels would add nearly 329 acres and approximately 12, 000 feet of shoreline to Riverside.

According to SOS, the expansion prevents the possibility of private development near the shoreline, promotes community stewardship, and retains quality recreational opportunities. SOS also believes this segment of river possesses a unique regional hydrology and ecology, especially Waikiki Springs. Sourced by the Rathdrum Aquifer with its headwaters at Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, SOS believes the springs supply 50% of the Little Spokane River summer flow. In this segment of river, the proposed expansion is anchored by Waikiki Springs, east, and Riverside State Park about two miles west. Private lands are located in-between the park and Waikiki Springs are targeted for inclusion into the long-term boundary of Riverside State Park (Appendix 7).

Public Opinion on Little Spokane River Area Alternatives Land Classification Perhaps the statement “public but protected” best summarizes shared thinking regarding the property. Statements suggest visitors enjoy a wide variety of passive recreational activities such as hiking, biking, running, nature viewing, dog walking, non-motorized boating, and fishing and very strongly wish these activities to continue. But equally important is the conservation and enhancement of natural resources. Waikiki Springs are highly valued for its volume and high- water quality. The native vegetation also attracts much wildlife. It is widely believed that conservation along the Little Spokane will further protect regional habitat corridors and the region’s native flora and fauna between Riverside State Park and the WDFW Waikiki Springs property. Resource Recreation is viewed favorably as a classification that most appropriately balances public access and conservation of natural resources.

Long-Term Boundary As a citizen stated in the alternatives phase: “The ability to establish a natural area corridor in an increasingly urban area is a unique opportunity that should be seized.” Comments suggest urgency by the community to protect the Little Spokane River’s middle reaches through expansion of its long-term boundary. Others noted that linking private lands in between the eastern boundary of Riverside with Waikiki Springs would enhance recreation by creating legal water access for non-motorized boating.

Management Issues The public highly values active management. Key issues include trash, visitors after dark, public access, weed control, forest health, and fire management. Public comments revealed concern about what “efforts will be made to monitor” the property in the future and expressed desire for improvement.

Currently, trash is left behind, but removed by members of the community who volunteer their time. Comments describe Waikiki Springs as an area sometimes overrun by some disrespectful people. Visitors after dark are a problem especially for the small community of homeowners who 16

live in the valley, adjacent to the WDFW property. Historically, people who have entered the Waikiki Springs lands in the night are often noisy and careless, especially when smoking during the summertime when the land is vulnerable to fire.

Today, public access is limited to a small Discover Pass parking lot linked with an old single lane road known as the “Switchbacks.” Most visitors arrive by foot and come here to walk, run, dog walk, bicycle, fish, and view nature. Access remains an area of concern. Are there opportunities to build a new parking lot? Are other areas appropriate for access?

Wayfinding into and through the property is ambiguous. There is a lack of orientation and trails are not formalized. This condition creates conflict between private land owners and the general public. Neighbors are distressed by people randomly entering their back yards and unwittingly trespassing, assuming they are on public lands. There is a need to remedy the problem with development of distinct trails, signs, and fencing. Addressing the problem will require more work with neighbors to better understand where conflicts regularly occur and determine next steps.

Other comments on public access describe opportunities for trail development along the Little Spokane. These lands, however, are currently privately owned. Apparently, some members of the public know of an existing, informal trail that runs east/west on the north side of river. Questions on weed management, fire events, and flooding consistently concern the public. What are the ways noxious weeds are mitigated? Is there a fire management plan or a plan that addresses flooding on the Little Spokane River? How would Waikiki Springs be protected into the future? And finally, are threatened, endangered or sensitive species and their management addressed in a plan?

Preliminary Staff Recommendation: Consider inclusion of the WDFW Waikiki Springs lands into the long-term boundary of the park, in addition to key private parcels that would serve to link Waikiki Springs with the eastern boundary of Riverside. • Classify WDFW Waikiki Springs lands as Resource Recreation. • Allow for the conditional use bicycling on the Waikiki Springs property as these are activities currently allowed for and requested by the public • Classify private parcels in-between Waikiki Springs and Riverside as Natural Area for consistency of management (the majority of the Little Spokane on the river is classified as Natural Area) on the Little Spokane River. • Retain Waikiki Springs as a public asset. There is overwhelming support from public to conserve precious habitat and recreational opportunities on the middle reaches of the Little Spokane River. • Consider co-management of Waikiki Springs with WDFW. Collaborate to determine if conservation and recreation goals can be met through a partnership. • Consider development of conservation easements, rather than ownership of private lands in between the public properties. Determine if easements can meet goals for conservation and recreational opportunities can be met otherwise.

Edburg Bass property (Spokane County Lands operated as Riverside): On December 1, 1999 the Commission adopted a revised long-term boundary at Riverside and specifically mentioned an area of land north of the Little Spokane River, referring to it as “Section 33.” At the time, the Commission classified half of this land, 257 acres, as Natural Area, but left 392 acres unclassified. The purpose of this was explained:

This would allow State Parks and Spokane County to negotiate appropriate recreational uses in the future under the terms of our inter- agency agreement with Spokane County. It would be the staff’s intent to manage the area consistent with a Natural Area classification prior to any such negotiation.

Today, Spokane County refers to this area not as Section 33, but rather as the Edburg Bass property, based on the previous land owner. Several years ago, this area was damaged by fire, and as a result, State Parks conducted a comprehensive vegetation survey. The work revealed that this area was very different in its vegetation composition as compared to the bottom of the Little Spokane River valley, which is characterized by wetland and riparian plants and soils. By contrast, the upper portion of Edburg Bass is characterized by dry land populated with pine trees and knapweed. Over the years, visitors have used the property for hiking, mountain biking, and dog walking; mountain biking is inconsistent with a Natural Area land classification.

In 1999, it made sense for State Parks and Spokane County to keep this arrangement as State Parks was not the underlying land owner. But circumstances have changed as Spokane County has communicated their desire to transfer their lands inside Riverside to State Parks. As a result, State Parks should consider classifying the land.

Today, staff has more information on which to base a recommended land classification. Resource Recreation is considered the most appropriate because this area does not meet the definition of a natural area and is effectively managed by State Parks as Resource Recreation. 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. In summary, classifying the land Resource Recreation will be more consistent with State Parks land management policies and goals (Appendix 7).

Public Opinion: Comments supported the Resource Recreation classification, as many who live around this area wish to have more intensity of use in this area of the Little Spokane River.

Preliminary Staff Recommendation: 1) Classify 500 acres of the upper portion of the Edburg Bass area as Resource Recreation 2) Allow for the conditional uses: mountain biking, and equestrian on select trails

SPOKANE RIVER AREA Palisades Park Connection: Inland Northwest Land Conservancy held a series of meetings to facilitate coordination with State Parks, City of Spokane, and Spokane County. Inland Northwest advocated for a 98-acre extension of the Riverside long-term boundary on the southern border. The goal is to link Riverside with the City of Spokane’s Palisades Park. This action would protect an important migration route between public lands and also create the possibility of a recreational corridor (Appendix 5 and 6).

Public Opinion: This addition is supported by Spokane County, City of Spokane, and Inland Northwest Land Conservancy. This opportunity will be presented to the public during the upcoming preliminary recommendations meetings.

Preliminary Staff Recommendation: 1) Include 98 acres in the long-term boundary 2) Classify the majority of land as Resource Recreation but include a Recreation classification for a multiuse trail corridor.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway: State Parks owns a portion of the abandoned BNSF right-of-way in the vicinity of Indian Bluff in the southwest region of Riverside. The western half of this line remains owned by the BNSF and is actually a component of the Spokane County Regional Trail Plan for acquisition and preservation. The line would serve as a segment to link Riverside with the City of Airway Heights. According to Spokane County, “It would make sense for State Parks to be the sole owner of this ROW and potentially improvement in through some sort of agreement with the City of Spokane, Spokane County and / or City of Airway Heights. It would be an amazing trail.” This concept will be presented to the public in May 2018.

Sontag Park-Property Transfer and Disposal of Sports Field: Sontag Park is a State Parks property, but currently operated by Spokane County Parks. It is located on Charles Road, northwest of the Nine-Mile Dam and bridge. Sontag Park is encompassed by Riverside and bordered by the Spokane River, east, the Nine Mile Elementary School, west and also serves as a trailhead for the Centennial Trail. Sontag Park includes 46 parking spaces, a ball field, BBQ amenities, hiking trails, picnic shelter, play equipment, and a tennis court. The shelter, measuring 37 x 17 feet, is large enough to accommodate larger groups and is today a rental managed by Spokane County Parks.

Faced with on-going budgetary constraints, Spokane County requested that State Parks manage the park and requested that a potential transfer be included as an alternative in the CAMP. The purpose of this alternative was to reduce the burden of land management for Spokane County, provide the elementary school with the much-used ballfield, and allow State Parks to use the existing parking lot as the Centennial Trail trailhead (Appendix 7).

Public Opinion on Alternatives: Disposal of the Sontag Park property, specifically the ballfield and tennis courts, was welcomed by the Nine Miles Falls School District. For ten years, the school district has worked under an agreement with Spokane County to water and monitor the ball field and help maintain the children’s toy structure located near to the school. The field and open area are used daily for the children. Public opinion on the opportunity was favorable, but there were questions about how much of a cost this would be for the school district to operate. The school district explained in public meetings that they already care for this area and would not place a new burden on them.

Today, the property is used for a number of community events including dog shows, car shows, Easter egg hunts, and baseball in addition to passive uses such as picnicking. There were mixed opinions on the potential for State Parks to charge the Discover Pass at the parking lot, which is now free under Spokane County’s management. In general, it was important that any land transaction between State Parks and the school district would require deed restrictions built into the land transaction that would protect and promote continued public use of the property. Preliminary discussions with the school district revealed openness in maintaining public use of the property.

Preliminary Recommendations Consideration should be given to disposal of a portion of Sontag Park. The ballfield and tennis courts would be optimized by Nine Mile Elementary School, which already uses the ballfields extensively, and according to Spokane County, even water the field regularly. If the other portion of Sontag Park is given back to State Parks, it would be possible to charge the Discover Pass at the 46-vehicle stall parking lot as this is the western terminus of the Centennial Trail.

1. Transfer parkland management responsibilities from Spokane County Parks to State Parks. 2. Divide the property between State Parks and school district; surplus the ballfield and tennis court (adjust long-term boundary). 3. Transfer ballfield and tennis court to school district if disposal is approved by the Commission. 4. Retain picnic shelter and parking lot as Centennial trailhead for State Parks management.

PARK-WIDE MANAGEMENT ISSUES Heritage Area/Nine Mile Facility Development and Preservation: Although the physical places and topics for discussion listed above appear diverse in nature, in reality they share commonalities making it necessary to discuss them together to solve several management challenges that have arisen since 1999. The central question is what to do with the Spokane House Interpretive Center and Clark Barns on land with significant cultural resources. How can the interpretive center be better utilized? What should future generations of citizens know about the heritage area? Where can a new welcome center with administrative facilities be best located?

Spokane House Interpretive Center Today, the interpretive center is used infrequently. It is a building that includes a single space but has the potential for use as an educational setting in addition to interpretive use as a museum. Many people want a name change in their effort to make the building more relevant, but this could not happen unless the building program is determined.

Clark Barns The Clark Barns are historic resources that may be historically significant. Public opinion favors their preservation. The buildings could be preserved and serve as shelters for educational purposes given their proximity to the Little Spokane River. There is an opportunity to connect children and adults with nature using these buildings as a portal.

Park Headquarters A new Headquarters building complex should be located in an ideal area of the park. It should meet certain criteria, centrally located within the park, and strategically located near a highway and in a beautiful location. This building could also serve many different kinds of functions including spaces for a more formal education/interpretation classroom.

Camping: The public and Spokane County support additional camping park-wide. The CAMP presented several options that were explored including specific areas of Riverside: the DNR Knight Lake property, Lake Spokane campground, and Fisk. Comments described how more camping was a good idea and that there are not enough camping opportunities in Spokane County in general. Caution about overdevelopment, especially at Fisk and McLellan Conservation Area, advised that these areas hold habitat value and that too much development could damage the wild character of these places. There were no specific comments by the public regarding the Lake Spokane campground. This may be a shortcoming in how this topic was presented. In the public meetings, the presenter asked participants to consider the issue of camping park-wide and think about camping as a system—which resulted in comments that thought about the mix of opportunities rather than the merit of one location in a vacuum.

Trail Master Plan: Riverside offers an intricate trail network with a wide range of uses such as hiking, biking, ADA experiences, equestrian, off road vehicle (ORV), and the potential for the further development of a water trail system.

Riverside also enjoys the support of many organized trail user groups including Washington Trails Association (WTA), Backcountry Horseman, and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. Although initial meetings among these groups indicated that the existing trail system is working with minimal conflicts, there was consensus that development of a trail master plan would benefit all park visitors.

A master plan would augment existing data and work to establish priorities based on trail use and popularity; in turn, it would be possible to use priorities to methodically address shortcomings or to create enhanced trail experiences. Prioritization of trail projects would provide better guidance for operational staff and also serve the public better with up to date trail condition information. There is a great deal of support from the public for this effort.

Centennial Trail Connection to Mount Spokane: Consideration should be given to further development of an alternative non-motorized multi-use trail that would link Riverside, Centennial Trail, and Mount Spokane State Parks together with a recreational connection. Initial plans for this connection were established in the Spokane County transportation plan, but never examined closely by our agency. This CAMP recommends development of this potential connection as it would represent more ways to enter and experience these parks as an alternative to the car. This concept has a great deal of support from the public.

APPENDIX 2 Riverside State Park Description

Physical, political, and regulatory factors affecting Riverside

Location: Within Spokane County, Riverside State Park includes property concentrated along the Spokane and the Little Spokane rivers, but a small portion of the park actually falls within the city limits of Spokane. Riverside is also responsible for the management of state parks lands, Department of Natural Resources lands, and Avista Corporation recreational lands within Spokane, Stevens, and Lincoln counties on Lake Spokane.

Land Area: Currently, State Parks owns/manages about 14,000-acres including lands owned by State Parks, Avista Corporation, Department of Natural Resources, and Spokane County.

Regional Geology and Soil Characteristics: Riverside State Park encompasses three primarily areas including a five-mile segment of the Spokane River, Lake Spokane, and the Little Spokane River. The park is composed of different natural areas that provide important wildlife habitat, illustrate geologic formations related to lave flows and ice age flooding events, and show the natural influences of the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers (and their tributaries).

The Spokane River flows westward into eastern Washington out of the northern end of Lake Coeur d’Alene in northern Idaho. The major geologic units of the Spokane region include glacial flood gravels and sands, Columbia River basalts, Missoula flood deposits including unconsolidated Pleistocene-aged gravel and sand deposits, and Precambrian metamorphic rock. The Spokane River and lake lie downstream of the Coeur d’Alene mining district, where over 56 million metric tons of metal-enriched tailings were disposed into the Coeur d’Alene River between 1886 and 1968. Geochemical analyses of riverine sediments in the Spokane River by the Washington Department of Ecology, the US Geological Survey, and Environmental Protection Agency have indicated that Spokane River sediments are variably enriched in metals derived from those tailings.

Talus slopes are a common feature of the Riverside landscape. Some slopes are very extensive, while others are small patches below cliffs or on steep hillsides. The talus may be partially vegetated or completely absent of vegetation. There are also dramatic views that consist of exposed rock outcrops and steep basalt and granite cliffs with moss and other sparse vegetation. Jurisdiction: Land managed within Riverside State Park is located within Spokane, Stevens, and Lincoln Counties as well as the City of Spokane.

Historical Background: The banks of the Spokane River and its tributaries have played a significant role in Pacific Northwest history. Native American presence dates thousands of years and the settlement at the confluence of the Spokane and Little Spokane ranged around 10,000 people. The Spokane House trading post built in 1810 by the Northwest Fur Trading Company-a precursor to the Hudson’s Bay Company—was one of the earliest English trading houses in the Northwest. The historic social and economic evolution of the larger region plays out in all its aspects along the banks of the Spokane River, as fur trading yielded to agriculture, which in turn 23

transformed toward combinations of industrial, commercial, residential, military, and recreational uses. In 1934, the first parcel of land of what would eventually become Riverside State Park was transferred to State Parks from Spokane County. This was followed closely in the next few years by a variety of donations and small park purchases from private and public parties. Much of the land was acquired as delinquent tax parcels, but Washington Water Power (now Avista Corporation) and other public parties provided key parcels to State Parks. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed a master plan and constructed many facilities in the park including the Aubrey L. White Parkway and the Bowl and Pitcher area.

Growth in the park land base has continued for over 50 years making it the second largest state park and possibly the most diverse and complex park to manage in the state park system.

Facilities: Picnic sites, kitchen shelters, interpretive center at Spokane House, comfort stations, vault toilets, vehicle and tent sites, group camping areas with trailer/RV spaces, park staff residences, storage buildings, shop, administrative office at Nine Mile, historical buildings, ranger station, foot and horse trails, pedestrian suspension bridge, paved road, non-motorized boat launches on the Little Spokane River and Spokane River. A segment of the Aubrey L. White Parkway is located within the park and the park operates a boat launch near the Spokane House. A 700-acre outdoor recreation vehicle or ORV area includes a restroom, picnic shelter, shop, fencing, signing, parking lot and telephone. The equestrian campground includes 10 campsites with corrals and provides access to miles of trails for riding. In winter, Riverside is also a prime recreation hub, boasting some of the best snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling east of the Cascades.

Activities: Trails: 55 miles of hiking and bike trails; 25 miles of horse trails; 1 mile of ADA accessible hiking trail Water Activities and Features: 120 feet of dock; motorized and non-motorized boating; three boat ramps; fishing; water skiing; and kayaking. Winter Recreation: Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling; snowshoeing; and snow play Other Activities: Amphitheater, all-terrain vehicles, wildlife viewing, fire circles, interpretive activities, mountain biking, museum, rock climbing, fishing, and swimming.

Water: Riverside State Park is characterized by the Spokane River, the Little Spokane River, Lake Spokane, and their associated tributaries.

Environmental Health: The Washington State Department of Ecology’s strategy for reducing and removing toxic contamination in water, water sediments and soil in the Spokane River watershed was developed in 2012. The Spokane River Toxics Reduction Strategy published by Department of Ecology is the primary resource to review for more information. The document recounts the major actions that have taken place to address the issues spanning across multiple Ecology programs. Addressing toxic pollution in the watershed is an on-going effort as they are difficult to find and remove because they persist in the environment and are found everywhere.

They pollute the Spokane watershed as they are in wastewater, stormwater and much more diffuse sources.

Shoreline Master Program Designation: On January 8, 2013 the Washington State Department of Ecology approved Spokane County’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP) comprehensive update. Within the park, the Spokane and Little Spokane river shorelines are designated as High- Quality Areas. Beyond Nine Mile on the south shores of Lake Spokane, the shoreline is designated as Rural Conservancy.

The Stevens County Shoreline Master Program is in draft form and is projected for adoption by summer 2018. The current draft designates the north shoreline a mix of Recreation Conservancy, Rural, Shoreline Residential, Urban Growth Area, with a High Intensity designation at Long Lake Dam.

Lincoln County shoreline is a mix of High Intensity—Public Facility and Rural Conservancy.

Historical and Cultural Preservation: Riverside includes a heritage area at the confluence of the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers, which has been home to the Spokane Tribe of Indians for thousands of years. According to the Spokane Tribe of Indians: A Socioeconomic Profile 2013, their traditional homelands extended along the Spokane River from the present-day City of Spokane, east to the Idaho border and west at the confluence of the Spokane and Columbia rivers. The Spokane shared both economic and cultural ties to neighboring groups including the Kalispel, east, and the Chewelah, north. According to Grant et al., 1994, the Spokane lived in autonomous bands that joined together for fishing and trading, however, the majority of their actions were decided at the band level. The Chewelah occupied the Colville Valley, north, and were an offshoot band of the Kalispel that migrated to the Colville Valley and were later absorbed into the Spokane Tribe.

Legislative Districts: District 3 represented by State Senator Andy Billig (D) and Representatives Marcus Riccelli (D-pos.1) and Timm Ormsby (D-pos.2); District 6 represented by State Senator Michael Baumgartner (R) and Representatives Mike Volz (R-pos. 1) and Jeff Holy (R-pos. 2); and District 7 represented by State Senator Shelly Short (R) and Representatives Jacquelin Maycumber (R-pos. 1) and Joel Kretz (R-pos. 2).

Transportation: Riverside State Park includes a sprawling area and is accessed by many roads. State Route 291 (North Nine Mile Road) is the primary means to access the Spokane River and Lake Spokane areas of the park from Spokane, while a secondary, historical route, North Aubrey L. White Parkway, is aligned on the east side the Spokane River. West 7 Mile Road provides access to the west side of the park linking the ORV area, Pine Bluff Trail Head and Deep Creek 25

Canyon to the east with points along the Spokane River including Bowl and Pitcher. The Little Spokane Natural Area is accessed by West Rutter Parkway. West Charles Road at Nine Mile provides access to the south shore of Lake Spokane. The park is primarily accessed by car; however, the Centennial Trail also provides recreational access linking the City of Spokane to the park.

APPENDIX 3 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 Recreation State Parks State Parks State Parks Recreation State Parks Recreation Areas may allow and State Parks Recreation State Parks Areas are suited and/or Recreation Areas are Recreation Areas Areas generally are provide for a wide variety of indoor and Areas shall provide Recreation developed for high- to respond to the physiographic made, not found. They outdoor day, weekend and vacation activities. appropriate facilities and Areas intensity outdoor human needs for features such as shall be located Provision may be made for high intensity services for the recreational use, readily available areas topography, soil throughout the state participation in camping, picnicking, trail use, participation and enjoyment conference, cultural for outdoor recreation type, drainage, etc., with primary emphasis water sports, winter sports, group field games, of high concentrations of and/or educational and facilities to shall be adaptable to to service major centers and other activities for many people Off-trail outdoor recreationists centers, or other uses congregate for varied types of of urban populations equestrian and/or bicycle use may be and/or participants in serving large numbers of education, artistic intensive uses and and/or outstanding appropriate in selected areas if approved by indoor educational, people. expression and other development. An recreational tourist the commission. Activities requiring high cultural, and artistic ennobling pursuits. attractive natural attractions. Scenic and levels of social interaction are encouraged. activities. A high degree of They are to provide a setting is desirable, inspirational values development is anticipated. variety of outdoor however, human- shall be considered but Facilities may include road recreational, made settings are are secondary to the and parking networks, educational, artistic, acceptable. There site adaptability and swimming beaches, full and cultural are no specific size population criteria. service marinas, trails, opportunities to large criteria. When part of a large bathhouses, artificial lakes, numbers of diverse park, recreation and pools, play fields, large participants. Primary areas should be sited in sanitary and eating emphasis is on the proximity to public facilities; standard and provision of quality roads and utilities. utility campgrounds, stores, recreational services picnic grounds, group and facilities with shelters, conference secondary recognition centers, environmental given to protection of learning centers, hostels, the areas natural and administrative support qualities. facilities.

Land Classification Management Guidelines Resource Recreation Areas

TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS FEATURES

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

Land Classification Management Guidelines Natural Areas

TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS FEATURES

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

Land Classification Management Guidelines Heritage Areas

TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS FEATURES

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

Natural Forest Areas

TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS FEATURES

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

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

Land Use and Land Classification Compatibility Matrix – Facilities

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

Amphitheater P C C N N

Archery/Target Range C C N N N

Camping - Std and Util 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 Recreation Heritage Natural/Natural Forest Area Natural Area Preserve*

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(3) and WAC 352-32-075(2)(b).

Land Use and Land Classification Compatibility Matrix – Activities

Recreation Resource Recreation Heritage Natural/Natural Forest Area Natural 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

Technical Rock Climbing P P C C N

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

Recreation Resource Recreation Heritage Natural/Natural Forest Area Natural 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(3) and WAC 352-32-075(2)(b).

APPENDIX 4 OVERALL MAP OF RIVERSIDE

APPENDIX 5 SOUTHERN AREA OF RIVERSIDE

APPENDIX 6 LAKE SPOKANE AREA

APPENDIX 7 LITTLE SPOKANE AREA

APPENDIX 8 SONTAG PARK LAND TRANSFER AND PROPERTY DISPOSAL