OLYMPIA Projects to upgrade ball fields, to develop places for people to launch their boats for fishing and recreation, and to conserve large swaths of pristine wildlife habitat were some of the more than 230 projects awarded grants by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board, including several in Pacific and Wahkiakum counties.

The board awarded more than $67.5 million in grants to 234 recreation and conservation projects in 35 of the states 39 counties. This includes $4.1 million in Pacific County and about $500,000 in Wahkiakum County. The grants will be used to build parks and trails and protect important farmland and wildlife habitat. While a few of the grants were awarded in March and May, the majority were awarded in late June.

These grants feed right into local communities that have applied for funds to complete long-sought local projects, said Bill Chapman, chair of the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board. They create jobs both in the construction of new parks and trails, and through tourism. They help ensure that Washington remains a top notch destination for Washington taxpayers and other visitors who want to hike, hunt, bike, fish and just enjoy the great outdoors.

 

In Pacific County, the Chinook Observer previously reported the two largest grants: $2.25 million to buy 30.4 acres including nearly .2 mile of ocean waterfront in the Seaview Dunes area and $1.6 million to construct a .5-mile trail that will link North Head Lighthouse with the Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail.

In addition:

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission was awarded $100,000 to build a nearly half-mile trail extension to link park trails at Leadbetter State Park, creating a larger network that will provide access to Hines Marsh. State Parks will build a boardwalk, a viewing platform accessible to people with disabilities, and interpretive signs. The extension trail will run through a forest, parallel to the marsh. It will have a sand surface and a boardwalk to cross wetlands. 

The 1,300-acre park has shoreline on the Pacific Ocean, Willapa Bay and Hines Marsh. The marsh is one of the largest inter-dunal wetlands in North America. The proximity of upland forest to wetlands provides unique bird and wildlife habitat viewing, most notably white swans. State Parks will contribute $37,443 in donations of labor and materials. This grant is from the Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities program.

The Port of Willapa Harbor was awarded $130,000 to complete the planning, design, environmental assessment, and permitting for improvements at the Tokeland Marina. 

The marina on north Willapa Bay serves a robust and growing salmon and crab sport fishery, as well as the local commercial and tribal fishing fleet. Willapa Bay has the potential for expanded boating; however, marine infrastructure is limited. The Tokeland Marina has a boat launch, moorage floats, fish buying pier, public fishing dock and parking. The restrooms are portable; the moorage is leased annually, which forces most boaters to launch daily; and the marina requires regular dredging. The community and fishing devotees joined the Port, Pacific County, Shoalwater Bay Tribe, and Tokeland Chamber to develop a plan for the marina that includes adding guest moorage, restrooms, a picnic area, breakwater repairs and parking upgrades. The Port will contribute $50,000 in cash and labor. This grant is from the Boating Facilities Program.

  The Washington State Department of Natural Resources was awarded $50,000 to evaluate the feasibility and cost of relocating the Tunerville campground in Pacific County. The campground is used by horse riders, but there is concerns that it might not be the best location for that activity. The department is concerned about damage from user built trails, the need to develop a formal trail system, and the need for a larger campground. The department will look for a new location and develop a site plan and a preliminary facility design. The department will contribute $6,000 in labor and donated labor. This grant is from the Non-highway and Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Activities program. 

 

In Wahkiakum County:

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources was awarded $70,000 to build and install two bridges in the Elochoman area on the Bradley Trail. Two failing ORV bridges need to be replaced. This grant will pay for engineering support, the purchase and installation of new bridges, preparation of the bridge site, on-site construction of concrete footings, and permitting. This project will ensure the safety of trail users and will protect natural resources such as salmon bearing stream habitat. The department will contribute $8,000 in labor and donated labor. This grant is from the Non-highway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities program. 

  The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife was awarded $428,000 to renovate the Oneida boat launch on Deep River in Grays Bay in Wahkiakum County. The department will build a new boat loading float, vault toilet, and parking, and complete ramp repairs. This project will improve the existing site and provide reliable access to the lower Columbia River for hunters, anglers, wildlife watchers and other recreational boaters. This boat launch is an extremely important for waterfowl hunters and anglers on the lower Columbia River with more than 9,000 user days. It is particularly important to the sturgeon anglers and is the main access point for this reach of the lower Columbia River. Currently, the launch is a single boat launch with a much-degraded dock and an open field for parking area. This grant is from the Boating Facilities Program.