The November 2 grand opening ribbon cutting marked the opening of the new Gordy Jolma Family Natural Area, formerly parts of the Cedars on Salmon Creek golf course, to the public. Clark County park rules apply at natural areas, including hours of 7 am to dusk (a half hour after sunset). Visitors are asked to stay on gravel trails and paved paths. Golf carts and motorized vehicles are not permitted.
The new 118-acre natural area is adjacent to the Salmon-Morgan Creeks Natural area and supports open spaces, regional water quality and salmon recovery goals. The property also provides increased recreational opportunities in the local area.
Visitors can park along public roads (except in areas designated “no parking”) to access the natural area. In the future, there will be a master planning effort to create a trailhead. A common access point for the natural area is at the intersection of Southeast 19th Avenue and Northeast 181st Street. The property can also be accessed from trailheads for the adjacent Salmon-Morgan Creeks Natural Area at Northeast 183rd Street and Northeast 161st Avenue.
Gordy Jolma, the owner of the Cedars Golf Course, approached Parks and Lands in 2019 about selling the property. The property is identified as a high-value conservation area in the Natural Areas Acquisition Plan and property acquisition was approved as part of the 2022-2027 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan. After gathering input from the community, the Clark County Council approved the purchase of the property on Aug. 16, 2022 using Legacy Lands and Clean Water funds. The final purchase includes over 130 max acre feet of water rights along Salmon Creek, property along the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad and naming rights for the Gordy Jolma family.
September 2022 Ribbon Cutting Invitation (PDF)
Cedars Acquisition (PDF)
Cedars Golf Course Feedback
Clark County Public Works
P.O. Box 9810
Vancouver, WA 98666
September 2022 Ribbon Cutting (PDF)
September 2021 Heads Up (PDF)