Conservation program highlights river properties with public tours

Vancouver, WA – June 30, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Three upcoming events offer opportunities to enjoy river-based conservation properties and celebrate Legacy Lands’ 30th anniversary in Clark County.

Anniversary activities for July include a volunteer effort and tours. They are:

• 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 18 – Visit the Lewis River Ranch on the East Fork Lewis River and work on an oak restoration project. Volunteers will help remove tree tubes protecting oak saplings and weed around the trees. Space is limited; register at www.parkhero.org.

• 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 22 – Join staff for a leisurely stroll along the scenic Washougal River Greenway. It is one of the best river spots to enjoy a summer evening. Meet at the trailhead sign on Northeast Third Loop, east of Lacamas Creek, in Camas.

• 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 25 – Join our partners at the Columbia Land Trust for an all-day kayak tour of Lake River. Learn about the conservation vision for Flume Creek and enjoy a dockside lunch before stopping at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Space is limited; register at www.columbialandtrust.org.

“Protecting river resources, including greenways, is one of the key targets for the Legacy Lands program,” said Don Benton, Environmental Services director. “Healthy rivers are critical for protecting fish, such as salmon and steelhead trout. They also contribute to community livability by providing recreation and offering scenic beauty.”

Environmental Services works with public and private partners to purchase and manage Legacy Lands. They include environmentally significant areas with scenic views, access to rivers and forests and important habitat for fish and wildlife. County funding comes from the Conservation Futures property tax levy. Since 1985, the program has protected 53 properties encompassing more than 5,000 acres.

For more information, call the Legacy Lands program at (360) 397-2121 ext. 4070 or visit the county’s website, www.clark.wa.gov/legacylands.

Contact
Patrick Lee, Legacy Lands
Phone: (360) 397-2121 ext. 4070
Patrick.Lee (at) clark.wa (dot) gov