An uptick of visitation to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest’s Lewis River Recreation Area in recent years has prompted officials to plan for its growth.
The U.S. Forest Service reported that the landscape has experienced an increase in traffic, prohibited parking, the buildup of trash and human waste, as well as environmental damage.
As a result, the agency is seeking public input on the development of its Lewis River Recreation Area Management Plan, which includes 14 recreation sites and portions of nine trails. The planning boundary encompasses locations within a half mile of Forest Road 90 and the Lewis River Trail, both of which weave closely to the titular river. This also includes locations within a half mile of portions of Forest Roads 9039, 93 and 9075.
Comments can be mailed to Gifford Pinchot National Forest Headquarters, 987 McClellan Road, Vancouver, or emailed to sm.fs.gpllra@usda.gov.
For more information regarding the Lewis River Recreation Area, visit the Forest Service’s website.
