Public invited to learn more and comment Feb. 8
OLYMPIA – Jan. 20, 2017 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to a workshop to view and comment on preliminary recommendations for several state park properties on South Whidbey Island.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Freeland Hall, 1515 Shoreview Dr., Freeland. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/9KNTuufQuit)
“We’re continuing to work with the public to help us plan for the future of these properties, especially how we might transition South Whidbey State Park into a day-use oriented park offering diverse opportunities, including hiking, interpretive programs and fun and educational events.” said Randy Kline, State Parks planner and project manager.
This workshop is the fourth in a series of meetings that involved the public to develop a long-term comprehensive recreation plan for South Whidbey State Park, Possession Point State Park Property and Useless Bay. The plan will guide park use and development. At the workshop, the public can ask questions of staff and provide input on the preliminary recommendations report, which can be found here: http://bit.ly/SWprelim.
Final recommendations are scheduled to be presented to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration at its March 30 meeting in Auburn.
Background
In spring 2015, Parks staff, who were preparing for the upcoming season, noted that several large Douglas-fir trees in the campground had snapped and fallen across campsites. A forest pathologist found advanced heart rot in the stems of large old-growth trees in the park—a condition that can result in falling trees and limbs. As a public safety precaution, State Parks management closed the park to overnight camping. The park remains open for day use.
The condition of the trees and the closure of the campground prompted State Parks to begin a public planning process to determine the future of South Whidbey State Park. The process is intended to determine recreational uses and stewardship of the resources within the park. Two other South Whidbey State Park properties—Possession Point and Useless Bay—are also included in the planning process.
Opportunities for public comment will be available at the meeting, as well as online. Written public comments are due March 8. More information about the planning process and information about how to comment are available here: http://bit.ly/sowhidbeyparkplan For more information, contact Randy Kline, Parks Planner, at (360) 902-8632 or randy.kline@parks.wa.gov.
State Parks CAMP planning
South Whidbey parks planning is part of State Parks’ Classification and Management Plan (CAMP) land-use planning. The agency has completed more than 100 land-use plans for parks around the state through its CAMP public process. The CAMP process addresses day-use and camping opportunities, overall visitor experiences, natural resources, recreation areas and trails and other topics of interest to citizens.
Previous CAMP meetings for South Whidbey:
- Oct. 21, 2015 — Initial public meeting
- Jan. 7, 2016 — Second public planning meeting to present information and gather comments from the public to help develop long-term plans for South Whidbey State Park and nearby properties.
- April 26, 2016 — Question-and-answer session
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
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Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W.
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Washington Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
parks.state.wa.us