Local experts gather for public discussion on ecological restoration of Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park June 3

As part of the master planning process for the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park, the Kitsap County Parks Department organized an ecological restoration panel discussion that takes place virtually from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday, June 3. The event features local experts in forestry and restoration ecology who will share information about what defines a healthy, natural forest and how it can coexist with active recreation. Current conditions in the park and plans for its restoration will also be reviewed.

Panelists will include Arno Bergstrom, forester of Kitsap County Parks; Roxanne Miles, director of Pierce County Parks; a representative from the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe; Dr. Jenise Bauman, associate professor and academic program director of Western Washington University’s Huxley College of the Environment; Kirk Hanson, forestry director with the Northwest Natural Resources Group; Nathan Daniel, executive director of the Great Peninsula Conservancy; and Hillary Wilson, program manager of Forterra, a land conservancy organization.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend and there will be time to ask questions. Visit the project site at http://portgambleforestpark.com/ and click on the ‘How to Stay Involved’ tab to register for the event, receive project updates and invitations to future meetings.

An inaugural public open house March 16 kicked off the master plan process and provided an introduction and overview of the vision and goals for the nearly 3,500-acre park. Input was also gathered on other potential uses and opportunities. Stakeholders and partner organizations are actively engaged in helping identify challenges and possibilities within the park. View a recording of the March 16 meeting here.

The vision for the Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park is focused on the quality of its diverse environment, wildlife, user experience and recreational opportunities. The park will be managed to ensure ecological preservation, educational components and sustainability by attracting local and regional visitors and compatible economic benefits to the area.

To learn more, visit http://portgambleforestpark.com/. For information about Kitsap County Parks, facility rentals and volunteer stewardship, go to https://www.kitsapgov.com/parks.