Olympia, WA - The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has announced a public meeting Feb. 23, to discuss forest-health issues at Schafer State Park and to seek public comment on proposed treatments to deal with tree diseases in specific areas of the park.
The meeting will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, in the Mary M. Knight Elementary School library, 2987 W. Matlock Brady Road, Elma. Forest health issues have been identified in and around the area near the park’s eastern campground, ranger housing, and the office complex.
Park staff have noticed a gradual but growing pattern of trees dying around these areas of the park. In consultation with Department of Natural Resources pathologists, staff identified tree pathogens -- particularly a disease known as laminated root rot -- in portions of these sites and in the adjacent forest. This pathogen can cause trees to fall with little or no warning, potentially posing significant risk to visitors, staff and facilities.
State Parks has identified the need to remove trees on approximately 20 acres within and adjacent to these developed park landscapes and is seeking public comment on the proposed treatments.
Anyone who is unable to attend the meeting may provide comments and receive additional information by contacting the park directly by phone, (360) 482-3852 or by email, Schafer@parks.wa.gov.
Schafer State Park is a 119-acre camping park located at W. 1365 Schafer Park Road, Elma, in southwest Mason County. Abundant fishing for steelhead, trout and salmon on the Satsop River and shallow waters for wading and swimming attract park users. The park also features structures built of native stone. Peter, Hubert and Albert Schafer donated the property to the state in 1924 to honor their parents, John and Anna Schafer. The Schafer family homesteaded along the Satsop River in 1871 and later founded the Schafer Bros. Lumber Company. The logging company became one of the largest lumber operations in the Northwest.
The Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. The 98-year-old park system will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013.
Support state parks by purchasing your Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Washington State Parks is on Twitter at WaStatePks_NEWS and YouTube at WashingtonStateParks.
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