Vancouver, Wash. – A nonprofit organization proposes developing a short-stay camp for military veterans on about 30 acres of Bratton Canyon Park, north of La Center.

Columbia River Veterans Organization wants to provide a rustic outdoors experience for veterans, a place for “relaxation, quiet camaraderie and healing.” Veterans would stay at Camp Eagle’s Rest for a few days or a week at no charge and participate in outdoor recreation, group discussions and other activities.

Clark County and Columbia River Veterans Organization will host an open house on the proposal from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the La Center Community Center, 1000 E. Fourth St. People can stop by to learn more and ask questions. The veterans organization will make a short presentation at 5:30 p.m.

Bratton Canyon Park, along the north side of Northwest 389th Street west of Northwest Ninth Avenue, was previously known as Woodland Campground. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources transferred the 80-acre property to Clark County in 2011.

The site is largely undeveloped, except for an 18-acre area with tent sites, a picnic shelter, picnic tables, barbecue grills, vault toilets and a paved basketball-volleyball court. Clark County allows parking for day use from April 15 through Oct. 15. Overnight camping is not allowed without a county-issued special use permit.

Camp Eagle’s Rest would be developed east of the existing campground. Columbia River Veterans Organization would be responsible for all aspects of developing and operating the retreat, including fundraising, planning, permitting, clearing and construction.

Preliminary plans call for eight cabins – four veterans per cabin – a restroom-shower-laundry building, an office-kitchen-mess hall and outbuildings for storage. The veterans group set a $3 million fundraising goal, an amount it believes will be sufficient to build and operate the project for the first five years.

Clark County is considering entering into a lease with the group. Be­fore proceeding, the county wants to ensure the community is aware of this proposal and has an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

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CONTACT
Bill Bjerke
Park manager
Public Works
360.397.2285 ext. 1656
bill.bjerke@clark.wa.gov