Help protect what’s Natural about our Heritage Parks
The Parks Department is proposing significant changes in the way it manages Heritage Parks. They now emphasize active recreation and sports at the expense of natural recreation, such as walking, hiking, observing native plants and wildlife, and quiet enjoyment.
Kitsap’s Heritage Parks preserve habitats with diverse flora and fauna. This plan jeopardizes natural habitats and wildlife corridors.
In the county’s survey, residents overwhelmingly value Kitsap’s rural look and feel and support policies that protect rural spaces and scenic areas. The proposed plan goes in the opposite direction.
If you agree that the proposed plan should put more emphasis on preserving Kitsap’s natural habitat, you must make your opinion known to the Park’s Planner and the Planning Commission, NOW!
Here’s what you can do – comment on:
- Preserve habitats with pedestrian-only trails throughout Heritage Parks.
- Support and enhance the volunteer Park Stewardship program.
- Maintain Port Gamble Heritage Forest’s status as a Heritage Park, don’t convert to a regional park.
- Do a better job of involving the community in decision-making, and involve Park Stewards in planning.
- Enhance public participation through more informational meetings, Q&A sessions, and extended comment periods.
Send your comments to:
Carmen Smith, Parks Planner (before May 20), and
Planning Commission (before May 20)
Attend and speak up at the Planning Commission meeting (May 20, 5:30 pm, 2-minute limit):
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89566951109 Webinar ID: 895 6695 1109 Passcode: 468983
K.C Administration Bldg, 619 Division Street Port Orchard, WA 98366