NEWS18-023 | Media contacts:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Erik Plunkett, (360) 683-4235 |
Visitors encouraged to plan ahead
OLYMPIA – April 18, 2018 – Washington State Parks today announced that beginning in mid-summer, the boat launch and parking area at Sequim Bay State Park will be closed for at least 18 weeks while contractors replace the park’s bulkhead and boat launch floats and make other necessary improvements.
Work is expected to begin around July 16 and continue through mid-November. During this time, the boat launch and parking area will be closed. Campers can also expect construction traffic and noise in this area of the park. The campground will be open during construction.
“We understand this closure will be a disappointment to our visitors, and we apologize for the inconvenience,” said Erik Plunkett, State Parks Sequim Bay Area manager. “But we are excited about the improvements that will benefit the public and the environment, such as safer and easier access to the beach and the removal of the toxic creosote pilings and bulkhead.”
The timing of the closure occurs during the height of the recreational crabbing season, which typically runs from July 1 through Labor Day weekend. This is also the busiest time of the year at the park. However, construction must coincide with the “in-water work window,” as required by regulating agencies, so that construction occurs during a time of year that minimizes negative effects on salmonids and forage fish species.
The summer construction work includes:
- Replacing the old creosote-treated timber bulkhead with a new, more habitat-friendly bulkhead.
- Replacing old creosote-treated boat launch pilings and installing new floats.
- Installing stairs for easier and safer beach access. Beach access at the ramp area is used largely by recreational oyster harvesters.
Other boat launches available for use in the area:
State Parks expects to send out the advertisement for project bids later this month and hopes to award a contract by mid-June. At that time, the agency will be able to provide a more definitive idea when construction will begin.
Funding
The total budget for the project is $1.6 million, which includes an estimated $1.2 million for construction, and also covers costs for planning, surveying, permitting, mitigation and construction administration. Of that total, $1.08 million comes from State Parks capital funding, and the remaining $547,000 comes from a Boating Facilities Program grant from the Recreation and Conservation Office.
Recreationists advised to plan ahead
Washington State Parks advises crabbers and other boaters to plan ahead for possible crowded conditions at other nearby boat launch facilities. People who made camping reservations for dates during the anticipated construction period have been notified.
Those interested in learning about the closure date this summer can sign up to receive alerts at: http://parks.state.wa.us/AlertCenter.aspx and/or by following State Parks on Facebook and Twitter (@WaStatePks).
About Sequim Bay State Park
Sequim Bay State Park is ideally situated in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains near the town of Sequim in Clallam County. With an average rainfall of 16 inches, the area attracts year-round campers and boating enthusiasts. For more information, visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/582/Sequim-Bay
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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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Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W.
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650