State Parks to host second round of public planning meetings for John Wayne Pioneer Trail
The Columbia Plateau Trail crosses over John Wayne Pioneer Trail in eastern WA.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to help plan for the future of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail in eastern Washington through a second round of public meetings.
Because the trail spans such a distance, State Parks has scheduled two meetings that will cover the same topics. The first meeting is 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, at the Preston Community Center, 8625 310th Ave., Preston. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/yuDgjmYSFzH2). The second meeting is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, 109 E. First, Ritzville. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/dWS6sXBJpYF2).
These meetings are the second of two rounds of public meetings in which State Parks staff will provide information on the planning process and gather information and comments from the public that will help lead to a long-term plan for the John Wayne Pioneer Trail. At these meetings, State Park staff will have a presentation followed by a breakout session to collect public comments on preliminary recommendations for a range of trail-related issues, including noxious weed and vegetation management, trailhead and camping opportunities, fencing and trail-use permits.
To view a map and get more information about the John Wayne Pioneer Trail planning project, visit http://parks.state.wa.us/979/John-Wayne-Pioneer-Trail-Planning. The public may provide written comments at the meeting, online or by contacting Randy Kline, Parks Planner, (360) 902-8632 orrandy.kline@parks.wa.gov.
Washington Bikes Senior Director of Policy Blake Trask serves on the advisory committee appointed to produce a plan to address management and recreational use issues on this section of the trail. The advisory committee members represent an array of trail interests, including:
- Adjacent landowners
- Tekoa Trestle and Trails Association
- Agriculture
- Tourism and economic development
- Natural resources
- Historic and cultural resources
- Hikers/walkers
- Cyclists
- Equestrians
- Utility provider
Our round-up of bike travel posts about the John Wayne Pioneer Trail gives you a sense of what an incredible asset this is for the state and how important it is to preserve, manage, and promote the trail in a way that creates success for all interests and grows the economic benefits of bike tourism.
A longer version of this post first appeared on the Washington State Parks site.
