Clark County planted about 2,500 seedlings at Camp Bonneville this winter as part of its ongoing program to create a healthy forest ecosystem.
Environmental Services oversaw the planting of Douglas fir and Western red cedar seedlings in an area of the former military base that had been selectively thinned.
Revenue from the small-scale logging was reinvested in Camp Bonneville, a densely forested site about six miles north of Camas. Proceeds were used to purchase needed maintenance equipment, rebuild four dilapidated bridges, and replace aging roofing on several buildings.
All work was done in accordance with the Camp Bonneville Forest Stewardship Plan. In 2012, Clark County became the first local government in Washington to have its forestry plan certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and American Tree Farm System.
“The recent plantings are part of Clark County’s commitment to improve Camp Bonneville’s forests,” said Don Benton, Environmental Services director. “Not much forest management was done at Camp Bonneville in more than 30 years. By following our certified stewardship plan, we are slowly creating a healthier ecosystem.”
Clark County accepted ownership of the 3,840-acre property in 2011 after the U.S. Army agreed to pay cleanup costs at the site.
The property contains munitions of explosive concern and other hazardous materials from 85 years as a military training site. A contractor, working under the county’s direction, is clearing the central valley floor, with the latest phase of the cleanup expected to wrap up in 2017.
Plans call for planting additional seedlings next winter. Forestry stewardship and invasive vegetation control are part of the county’s active management of Camp Bonneville.
For more information on the county’s forestry program at Camp Bonneville, visit www.clark.wa.gov/publicworks/bonneville/forestmanagement.html.
