CLALLAM BAY — State parks officials say they are ready and willing to transform Cowan Ranch — located next to the Hoko River about two miles west of Sekiu — and other nearby properties into a destination park featuring trails, benches and other visitor amenities.
But before they can lift a finger, they’re going to need money.
For that to happen, the state Legislature has to allocate hundreds of thousands of dollars for the development of the Hoko River State Park in its final 2005-2006 budget.
Peter Herzog, a parks planner with the state Department of Parks and Recreation, said community members who support the development of the park can ensure that happens by lobbying their local state legislators.
“We at state parks would definitely like to do something at the Hoko River State Park,” Herzog said.
“We have a great collection of properties out there, and the community is very anxious to create a kind of anchor destination for tourism.”
Locke allocated $350,000
Herzog said former Gov. Gary Locke allocated $350,000 in his 2005-2006 budget proposal to restore and maintain two buildings on Cowan Ranch, a 522-acre property donated to the state by the late John Cowan in 2000 with the aim that it be turned into a state park.
For the past five years, however, the ranch’s old barn and residence have received no significant investment.
The rest of the ranch property, which borders the Hoko River and features a wide, picturesque pasture, hasn’t received any money for development either.
Herzog said parks officials don’t encourage many visitors to go there since the department doesn’t have operational funds for visitor maintenance.
“We try to keep use as minimal as possible,” Herzog said.
