Public meeting scheduled for April 1 on Harstine Island
OLYMPIA – March 16, 2015 – Staff from the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a third public meeting to present preliminary planning recommendations for the agency’s Fudge Point State Park property on Harstine Island.
The public is invited to learn more about the recommendations and to provide comments at a meeting scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 1 at the Harstine Island Community Club, 2271 East Harstine Island Rd. N., Harstine Island. (Directions to the meeting: www.harstinecc.org/hicc/Home/HallLocation.aspx>). The public will have until April 6 to comment online at www.parks.wa.gov/896/Fudge-Point-Planning
During the meeting, State Parks staff will present recommendations for the long-term boundary, land classification and the management and facilities concept plans of the Fudge Point property. Staff will consider additional public input as they develop the preliminary plan, which will be presented to the Commission for consideration at its July 23 regular meeting in Poulsbo.
Background on the Fudge Point planning process:
In October 2014, State Parks staff kicked off the Fudge Point planning process with an initial public meeting to present background and give the public an opportunity to provide input on a vision for recreation possibilities at the property. On January 28 of this year, State Parks held a second meeting to present several alternatives, based on comments provided during the initial October meeting and on the agency’s website. Comments provided during this phase guided planners to develop and further refine the alternatives with the goal of forging a vision for the property.
Public comments from both these meetings can be downloaded from the planning page: www.parks.wa.gov/896/Fudge-Point-Planning
About the Fudge Point Property
Fudge Point is located on the east side of Harstine Island, 3/4 miles south of McMicken Island State Park. Washington State Parks acquired the 136-acre property in 2013 and 2014, for public access and recreation. It includes 3,300 acres of natural shoreline; Buffington’s Lagoon; a flat, sandy beach; and adjacent uplands. The location is recognized as having high-quality habitat, including undisturbed nearshore habitat for salmon. For a map of Fudge Point visit: http://j.mp/1t6UOKp
For more information about the Fudge Point planning process, visit www.parks.wa.gov/896/Fudge-Point-Planning or contact Michael Hankinson, Parks Planner, 360-902-8671, ,a href="mailto:michael.hankinson@parks.wa.gov">michael.hankinson@parks.wa.gov
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.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
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.
Media contacts:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Michael Hankinson, (360) 902-8671
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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