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Conservation director reports shoreline clearing, pond education display and busy park season
Summary
Page County conservation director Michelle Espinagle reported shoreline clearing at Pioneer and RAP, a new educational pond display, a successful algae treatment at Pierce Lake, and upcoming seasonal events including a Halloween bash at Rapp Park.
Michelle Espinagle, Page County conservation director, updated the board on parks and conservation activities: an educational pond display at the office, weeks of shoreline clearing at Pioneer and Rapp (RAP), ordering three benches for Pierce trails, plans for a new septic installation at the Pioneer shower house and a planned building project likely to start next spring.
Espinagle said crews spent several weeks clearing overgrown shoreline trees and brush at Pioneer and RAP and that park mowing is winding down for the season as staff prepare for winter. She said the contractor advised the Pioneer Shower House septic tank location and that septic installation will begin when the contractor has time, with the building project expected in spring.
Espinagle described a lake treatment at Pierce that has reduced algae and muck, saying the method is experimental and reportedly safe for people and animals; she said she will ask the treatment contractor to present to the board on the approach. She also reported the Nautilus campground experience: when nearby road work was under way, Nautilus was fully booked for several days and staff had to turn people away.
On events, Espinagle said the parks' seasonal staff finish the next day and that the Halloween bash at Rapp Park will include donated food and candy from local businesses and games for children. She said the county gun range has 82 memberships and that the parks will continue winter preparations.
Why it matters: Park maintenance affects recreation users, campground revenue and local tourism; the algae treatment and shoreline work speak to efforts to improve water quality and visitor experience.
Looking ahead: Espinagle plans to winterize park equipment, begin water shutdown at parks next week, and pursue further outreach and website updates in the off season.
