Letter: Let’s protect Johnson Park

“One Man’s Dream” (TCH 6-24-18), if fulfilled, could have significant negative impact on W.E. Johnson Park and the Yakima River. W.E. Johnson Park is one of Richland’s precious, rare assets. It is a wonderful natural area located on the Yakima River, enjoyed by many for activities such as nature study, hiking, birding, horseback riding and archery. The RV campground proposed by Brad Rew would be on floodplain property adjoining the Park. I understand that plans are for an initial 25-unit campground, eventually possibly 75 units.

I am greatly concerned by the potential serious negative impact of the campground human activity: (1) loss of the abundant avian and other wildlife in the area, (2) release of toxins to the river from campground septic systems during periodic flooding of the area, (3) increased fire hazard when the land is tinder dry, (4) campground debris ending up in the river.

I hope that the City of Richland, in its deliberations on the Rew proposal, will do what is necessary to protect the Yakima River and the W.E. Johnson Park in its natural state.

One man’s dream, nightmare to many.