Stewardship of Heritage Parks

Heritage Parks are diverse ecosystems requiring sensitive and appropriate planning and care, best provided by engaged, experienced, and knowledgeable local Stewardship groups. Such people are needed to support the reduced Parks Department staff. The 2025 PROS Plan should explicitly include formal Stewardship groups for Heritage/Nature Parks, and the Parks Administration should intentionally support Stewardship groups.

Supporting Information

The care and maintenance of natural areas requires special knowledge of native plants, habitat, ecological forestry, wildlife, and critical ecological areas such as watersheds.
Community-based citizen Stewardship groups have operated for decades to maintain and enhance the natural beauty of Kitsap Heritage/Nature parks. The knowledge, skills, and dedication of these Stewards are irreplaceable.
Stewards often acted independently, identifying and planning needed improvement and restoration projects with concurrence from Parks Natural Resources Volunteer coordinators.
This system worked well with little expense or staff time from Parks and was recognized in the 2018 PROS Plan. Park visitors have consistently expressed appreciation for the stewards’ efforts.
Over the last four years, this system has been gutted, leaving Stewardship groups without a role in planning and accomplishing projects in Heritage Parks. As a result, many park Stewards have left to pursue more productive and rewarding roles.
Now, the 2025 draft PROS plan formalizes a new system in which park Stewards are limited to volunteer status and perform menial tasks under supervision by Park Maintenance and Operations employees.
To replace the thousands of volunteer hours given annually by volunteer Stewards, the Parks department will need to drastically increase staffing levels and use of tax dollars, something that is very unlikely to happen given budget limitations.
The 2025 PROS Plan should retain formal Stewardship groups for Heritage/Nature Parks, and the Parks Administration should adhere to intentionally supporting Stewardship groups

Why this is important to Kitsap County

Stewardship groups improve the standard of maintenance while lowering costs. Park Stewards provide consistent leadership while supporting County Parks staff. Park Stewards exemplify the depth of caring the public is willing and able to give to their parks. They are a model for park visitors of what it means to care for our public spaces.

Return to Speak Up for Heritage Parks!