Clark County and The Cowlitz Indian Tribe are working to restore habitat and provide nature-based recreational opportunities at the Gordy Jolma Family Natural Area in Battle Ground. The property, a former golf course, was purchased in 2022 by the county’s Legacy Lands program. Preliminary planning is underway to improve this public open space by restoring fish habitat in Salmon Creek and improving nature-based recreational opportunities like walking, birdwatching, fishing, picnicking and cultural and environmental education.

The Tribe has prepared preliminary designs for restoring salmon and steelhead habitat and removing fish passage barriers along the two miles of Salmon Creek running through the property. Salmon Creek provides critical spawning and rearing habitat for populations of fall chinook, coho, and chum salmon, and winter steelhead. The Tribe secured grant funding from the Salmon Recovery Funding Board to complete this preliminary design work. The county worked closely with the Tribe to incorporate restoration into the county’s long-term plan for developing Gordy Jolma Family Natural Area. 

In April, Clark County and the Tribe presented draft concepts to the community and collected feedback. A preferred concept has been developed, incorporating community feedback, elements to restore the creek to a more natural state, and features to improve public access, trails, and wildlife viewing. Community members are invited to view and learn more at the upcoming open house on Oct. 29. 

Community members can attend the open house in person at the Battle Ground Event Center, 912 E Main St. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for attendees to view displays and meet with staff. Coffee and cookies will be provided. 

County staff will give a presentation at 6:30 with a Q&A (question-and-answer) session immediately following. The presentation and Q&A session will also be streamed online via Webex. Online attendees can ask questions during the Q&A via the chat feature. Information about participating via Webex can be found on the project webpage.

Presentation slides, visuals, and a recording of the presentation and Q&A session will be posted on the project webpage within five to ten business days after the open house. Materials are available in Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian, and additional languages upon request. To request interpretation, translation or accommodations to participate in the open house, please contact the project manager, Evelyn Ives, at evelyn.ives@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.5885.

Project information and updates are available at clark.wa.gov/public-works/gordy-jolma-family-natural-area.