SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A state park is being planned for land along the John Day River between Wasco and Condon.

The state Parks and Recreation Department paid $2.2 million to buy more than 2,400 acres from Western Rivers Conservancy, a nonprofit that acquires land to preserve critical habitat. The river hosts the largest remaining wild spring and fall Chinook runs in northeast Oregon.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski's office said planning for the park will begin soon and it could open in 2013.

It's part of the governor's park-a-year initiative that began in 2004. The sixth park is scheduled to open in less than two weeks between Joseph and Wallowa Lake.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.