Master plan development in progress

Thanks to partnerships with the County, State and Columbia Land Trust, over the past decade, the City of Camas was able to acquire165 acres along the north shore of Lacamas Lake; we call this acreage “Legacy Lands.”

Project Area (Click the image to enlarge in a new tab)

The Camas Parks and Recreation Department has started the process of drafting a master plan for our Legacy Lands, which will frame how this area will be developed into a regional park.

The Legacy Lands Master Plan will include how to conserve natural features such as riparian zones, wetlands and forests — and also how to enhance the site for recreation and public access, such as trails for biking and walking.

Help us draft the master plan

Beginning this winter and moving into next year, the City will ask Camas residents what services, activities and amenities they would like to see in this future park space. Your input is essential, as it will help us draft the master plan. You can learn more about this process by periodically visiting this page, and by signing up for email updates to keep informed about open houses, surveys and more!

Project Schedule

Public meetings

City Council, the Parks and Recreation Commission and an advisory committee of community members will meet at key points in the plan’s development. You can find meeting dates and agendas under Key Dates on the right side of this page. Ultimately, City Council, after being advised by the Parks and Recreation Commission, will make the final decision of whether to adopt the Legacy Lands Master Plan.

Background

The Legacy Lands Master Plan builds on past efforts, including:

• North Shore Lacamas Lake: Vision for Conservation and Recreation (2017).
• The Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan (2022).
• The North Shore Subarea Plan (2022).

These past efforts helped define guiding principles for the Legacy Lands Master Plan, which include:

• Install equitable access to and throughout the site, via pathways that connect to key site features and the regional network.
• Support recreational uses and public education that align with the natural character of the place.
• Retain and restore the ecosystem’s function and quality both on the site and beyond the site (such as downstream).
• Preserve and enhance the site’s natural and historical character and features.
• Add amenities and features that support, encourage, and provide value to nearby development in the North Shore subarea and beyond.

The Legacy Lands Master Plan also will be informed by the Parks and Open Space Management Plan (currently in development).