NEWS: Trail extension environmental permit available for review & comments Oct. 6-20
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) determination for a planned trail extension project at Vancouver Lake is now available for public review and comment on this Web page: www.clark.wa.gov/environment/permits.html. Comments will be accepted through October 20, 2011.
The proposed project will construct a 1-mile, soft-surface trail extension along the western shore of Vancouver Lake. The shared-use, 8-foot-wide trail will parallel Buckmire Slough and connect to a county-owned open space along Lake River. Once completed, trail users will have significant views of the Vancouver Lake lowlands and forested bottomlands, which provide spectacular wildlife viewing and study opportunities. Future phases of this trail development plan will create a loop through the nearby Shillapoo Wildlife Area and provide connections to Frenchman’s Bar Park, Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway Trail and the Salmon Creek Greenway Trail.The trail will be constructed by volunteers. A start date has not yet been determined.
This 234-acre regional park stretches for 2.5 miles along the west shore of Vancouver Lake. With 35 developed acres of parkland, visitors can enjoy picnicking, windsurfing, and sand volleyball. Swimming is allowed inside a roped off area of the lake next to a sandy beach, but there are no lifeguards on duty.
Vancouver Lake is great for beginning windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing, and hosts many college and professional rowing (sculling) competitions during the year.
The park also serves as a haven for wildlife and migratory waterfowl. Visitors to the park can also enjoy views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens on clear days. A 2.5-mile multi-use trail connects Vancouver Lake Park to Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park.
