Carbon River Corridor Cooperative Action Plan

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Project Update

Historic Coke Ovens in Wilkeson, WA

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In 2020-21, Pierce County Parks worked with property owners, community members, and recreational groups interested in the future of the Carbon River Corridor to develop the Carbon River Corridor Cooperative Action Plan. The planning area includes the area between the Town of Wilkeson and the Carbon River entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. 


Thank you for everyone who responded to our survey in Summer 2020 to inform the plan. A Steering Committee of major landowners in the Corridor and stakeholders worked together to develop a draft plan, which is available for public comment September 10 - October 1, 2021. Visit our online open house to download the plan, answer survey questions, and submit comments: 


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If you would like a hard copy of the plan, you can pick one up at Wilkeson City Hall or Buckley Public Library during their regular business hours. 


If you are unable to submit comments through the online open house, you may email them to [email protected] or mail them to Tiffany Odell, Pierce County Parks, Environmental Services Building, 9850 - 64th St. W, University Place, WA 98467. 


If you would like to receive plan updates via email, click the link below to subscribe to our email list: 


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About the Project

Project Background

Pierce County Parks manages approximately 1,700 acres in the Carbon River Corridor (Carbon River Valley, Fairfax Properties, and Fairfax Town Site). These properties are currently undeveloped, but may provide opportunities for future recreation and visitor services in the area. 

Pierce County is co-managing the development of the Cooperative Action Plan with the National Park Service, Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program. 


The Cooperative Action Plan will build on the 2003 Carbon River Corridor Charette with a focus on developing visitor services in the area that meet demand while protecting important environmental and cultural resources, as well as balancing the character desired by local residents.

Project Schedule

In 2020, Pierce County began discussions with property owners and the community, interviewed stakeholders and surveyed the public. A Steering Committee of landowners and public agencies was formed to develop a draft plan. The draft plan will be available for public review in Fall 2021.

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Wilkeson Info Kiosk

Carbon River Area Recreation Kiosk

A new kiosk and signage installed in the town of Wilkeson mark early milestones for Pierce County Parks’ Carbon River Valley cooperative action plan. The project’s purpose is to develop a plan adopted by major landowners that outlines current and future recreational opportunities in the Carbon River Valley, between Wilkeson and the Carbon River Ranger Station at Mount Rainier. The plan seeks to provide more public access to recreation while balancing conservation of the environment and cultural resources.


The new Carbon River area informational kiosk is just one step toward an organized approach to visitor support facilities and programs. The kiosk is the product of a collaboration between multiple partners who want to help visitors safely recreate in the area. This is especially important due to the limited food, water, gas, and cellphone services beyond the town of Wilkeson.  

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Project Contact

Tiffany Odell                              

Senior Planner                                  
253-798-4254 | email