October 28, 2002	Contact: Linda Turner (360) 891-5008 Roger Peterson (360) 891-5007

Canyon Creek Campground Reopens

VANCOUVER, WA – Canyon Creek Campground on the southwest portion of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest has reopened. The campground was closed in late summer after five Forest Service workers detected strong odors in one of the eight campsites.

Investigators from the Washington Department of Ecology took soil samples from the campsite. Lab results show that the odors were the result of a gasoline spill in the campground and not residue from methamphetamine drug production, as first suspected.

The campground has been cleaned up, and recent lab results show that no contamination remains.

The campground is on Forest Road 54, approximately 8 miles east of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters at Chelatchie Prairie.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest
28 October 2002