A new private-public partnership wants to help preserve the ridges and rivers of the Tri-Cities.
"I'm a lifelong resident. There's great urgency. Just look around and see what's left," said Scott Woodward, who helped found the Ridges to Rivers Open Space Network six months ago.
The group's vision is to have a network of natural features and open spaces that complement residential and commercial development, he said.
"We need common ideas, maps and vision," said Woodward, whose passion about saving natural features also led to the creation of the nonprofit Tapteal Greenway Association a decade ago and the recent preservation of the Amon Creek Natural Basin in Richland.
"We need a regional plan," Woodward said.
That might not mean a continuous trail system looping around the through the Tri-Cities to include major features such as Badger Mountain, the Chamna Natural Preserve and bike and walking trails that loop out to Sacagawea Park. But it does mean creating public awareness about the importance of open space, he said.
"We want people to see a lot of things in a natural state," Woodward said.
The group is a partnership of private and government agencies involving the cities of Pasco, Richland, West Richland, Benton and Franklin counties, the National Park Service, Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau, Tapteal Greenway Association, Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society and Friends of Badger Mountain. Other entities include the Community Health Alliance, Fun Fit and over Fifty, Open Space Coalition of Benton and Franklin counties and the Columbia Basin chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society.
Woodward hopes to add Kennewick and the Benton Franklin Council of Governments by the end of September after making presentations to those governing bodies.
"We want to make this a regionwide idea. This is the time to ask the questions," Woodward said.
Woodward also said the Ridges to Rivers group will present its vision and goals at a joint meeting of Benton and Franklin counties and parks staffs from Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and West Richland on Sept. 11.
Once all of the public agencies and government officials have been informed about what the Ridges to Rivers group wants, the next step will be a series of meetings to obtain public input. No dates have been set for those meetings.
Woodward said the public comments will help shape the comprehensive plan for open spaces in the Tri-Cities.
"This is pretty ambitious. It's the biggest thing we've ever attempted," Woodward said.
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Candy Mountain trail proposed
Candy Mountain trail proposed
Thousands of hikers who trek up Badger Mountain might have a new, nearby hill to climb.
Two private property owners plan to create a public trail for hikers and horseback riders on the peak next to Badger Mountain.
Mark L. Ufkes of Seattle and Robert Margulies of Richland say they are interested in developing some of their property while still protecting the environment and the contour of Candy Mountain.
Richland has plans for 'inclusive' playground
Richland has plans for 'inclusive' playground
Tri-City children with disabilities soon could be frolicking at a new Richland playground designed with them in mind.
Richland's Parks and Recreation Department is planning the area's first "inclusive" playground incorporating play equipment specifically designed for children with physical and developmental disabilities -- but that children of all abilities will have fun using.
"It will be the Mid-Columbia's first all-accessible playground," said Dave Bryant, Richland senior park planner.
Diversification softens hit of Hanford layoffs
Diversification softens hit of Hanford layoffs
Hanford always has been an integral part of the Tri-City economy but officials say the region never has been better prepared for another round of job cuts.
Residents are in the process of being weaned off Hanford jobs, thanks in part to the growth of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, food processing, health care and other services.
Tri-City leaders say this diversified economy will help the area weather the layoffs of 2,000 people at Hanford so far this year and up to another 1,060 more by next fall.
Community copes with 2,000 Hanford layoffs
Community copes with 2,000 Hanford layoffs
Editor's note: Hanford started this year with 12,000 workers and nine months later about 2,000 positions have been cut. Herald reporters and photographers take a closer look at what this means to Tri-Citians and our economy with a daily series of stories that begins today.
The day after the last of almost 2,000 workers were told they were losing their jobs at Hanford, Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar opened at the Columbia Center mall in Kennewick.
Business has been excellent, said general manager Will Willingham. Customers have been filling its 267 seats, with waits of up to 30 minutes on some nights.
Simple no-strings process for Hanford land transfers
Simple no-strings process for Hanford land transfers
Land transfers from Hanford to the community should be made without a lot of conditions attached.
The simpler the process, the easier it will be to entice new industry to the Mid-Columbia. But already there's talk of how to spend whatever money might be made once the land is sold.
Let's focus on attracting new industry first and worry about the details of divvying up any money later. Getting too prescriptive now is unnecessary and could make selling the land a lot more difficult.
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