Ahead of the Game

Lacamas Lake project in Camas, WA will protect 100 acres of land and brings a future of trails and recreational opportunities.

In the Northwest, it’s easy to take green spaces close to our metro regions for granted, assuming the fields, forests, rivers, and lakes we’ve come to know will always be there. But in Southwest Washington, a quickening rate of development poses immediate threats to cherished natural areas. Clark County clocked in as the fifth-most populous county in Washington during a 2010 census, with more growth to come. Columbia Land Trust and local partners are working together on the unique challenge of protecting habitat and public amenities like parks and trails, while considering urban growth demands.

With this challenge in mind, the Land Trust is looking to conserve 100 acres of land north of Lacamas Lake located in Camas, Washington. Clark County, the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, and the Land Trust are planning ahead of the projected growth in Southwest Washington to protect a valuable resource for the region, its people and wildlife.

Our Conservation Director Dan Roix spoke with The Columbian about the importance of forethought when it comes to land management decisions. The project could bring a hub of recreational opportunities, including a 7-mile loop trail, new biking and pedestrian paths, and an additional boat launch at Lacamas Lake.

The county will pay $19.7 million for the land acquisition, which is one of 12 projects to receive funds from Clark County’s Legacy Lands Program funded by Conservation Futures.

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