The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to a second workshop to develop an updated master plan for Kopachuck State Park near Gig Harbor.
The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, in the Commons at Kopachuck Middle School, 10414 56th St. N.W., Gig Harbor.
The planning process under way is intended to result in a master plan based on the park’s current status as a day-use operation and in keeping with land classifications adopted as part of a 2010 park planning process.
In 2010, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission conducted a four-stage Classification and Management Plan (CAMP) process to identify issues and gather public input on the park. State Parks approved land classifications and a long-term boundary for Kopachuck in January, 2011. Since that time, the park was found to be infested with laminated root rot, a disease that affected many of the mature Douglas-fir trees. Subsequently, in 2012, many trees were removed. The park is now day-use only, and the forested campground remains closed to ensure greater public safety.
At the meeting on April 30, staff will present the preliminary plan developed by an ad-hoc planning committee formed before the first planning meeting that occurred on Feb. 11. The public also may view the presentation from the February meeting online at http://www.parks.wa.gov/858/Kopachuck-Master-Plan. Public comment may be shared at the meeting or sent via e-mail to planning@parks.wa.gov.
Kopachuck is a 109-acre marine park with 5,600 feet of saltwater shoreline on Henderson Bay. The park includes Cutts Island, a half mile from shore and reachable only by boat. Kopachuck is known for its scenic views of the Olympic Mountains and sunsets over Puget Sound.
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