King County, state agencies working together to improve safety along popular Green River

Concerned that a trend of vandalism and misuse will continue this summer on park and conservation lands, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) is teaming up with the Sheriff's Office to get a handle on what has in the past become an ugly scene along the Green River east of Auburn.

DNRP Director Pam Bissonnette said the county will take a number of proactive steps to protect Flaming Geyser Natural Area and Whitney Bridge Park.

"We will be installing fencing and parking signs along Southeast Green Valley Road to improve safety at the natural area access, and to improve motorists' safety along the road," Bissonnette said. "We will also install trash cans and portable restrooms at the entrance to the natural area. And we'll be patrolling both the park and natural area to check for unsafe conditions and to keep these areas safe and enjoyable."

Bissonnette said King County staff will also coordinate with the Sheriff's office to immediately respond to unsafe conditions.

King County manages the Flaming Geyser Natural Area, a 75-acre parcel that's adjacent to the popular Flaming Geyser State Park. The natural area, which was set aside for its value as fish and wildlife habitat, has had a sharp increase in vandalism from groups using the land to stage large parties.

Last year, access to the natural area was closed for two days while work crews cleaned up the mess. More than five dozen large garbage bags of trash were hauled out of the site - and that was before crews took on the job of removing an estimated 250 beer bottles from a single deep hole in the Green River.

King County also manages Whitney Bridge Park, a 30-acre property that's also adjacent to Flaming Geyser State Park and features river access, a boat launch and picnic area.

"The tens of thousands of dollars that we are forced to spend every year repairing vandalized property and picking up garbage are funds that we can't use to improve our parks and trails," Bissonnette said.

King County will coordinate with both the Sheriff's Office and Washington State Parks staff to make sure that the entire Flaming Geyser area remains safe this summer.

King County acquired Flaming Geyser Natural Area with funds from the 1989 Open Space Bond, which was used to preserve wildlife, enhance scenic vistas and provide access to water, open space and trail connections. Passive use of natural areas, including hiking, birdwatching and swimming are allowed, while active recreation such as motorcycle riding is prohibited.

To help combat vandalism and illegal dumping, citizens can call 206-296-4452 to get in touch with staff from the Park Watch Patrol. An extension of the successful Neighborhood Watch program, the Park Watch Patrol needs timely and relevant information to catch vandals, including times, dates and locations where vandalism and illegal dumping has occurred. Vehicle license plate numbers of those suspected of illegal activities are also valuable in the fight against vandalism.

King County Parks - Your Big Backyard - offers more than 25,000 acres of parks and natural lands, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, plus pools and a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs. Learn more at http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/.