Public invited to workshop to learn more, provide input
OLYMPIA – June 12, 2019 – Washington State Parks is considering an update to its long-range master plan for Lake Sammamish State Park and will begin a scoping process for a voluntary Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The scoping period will start with a public workshop scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, at Pickering Barn, 1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah (driving directions)
During the workshop, staff will ask the public to:
- Consider possible changes to the 2007 Redevelopment and Restoration Concept Plan (master plan).
- Help identify potential significant adverse environmental impacts that could result from the updated plan.
- Suggest alternatives or mitigation measures.
The workshop will be an open house format where participants can provide input on each development and restoration option under consideration. The scoping period will continue through July 16. The opportunity to learn more and provide comments online is available at: bit.ly/LakeSammPlan.
Why update the master plan?
Since State Parks developed the master plan for Lake Sammamish State Park, potential partners have proposed other facilities for the park. Due to the park’s limited developable space, not all suggestions can be included in the plan update. Lake Sammamish is rich with cultural, recreational and environmental resources, and several of the facilities proposed would be likely to significantly and adversely affect these resources. The EIS will include a range of alternatives for both the original facilities and some of the more recently proposed facilities. The purpose of an EIS is to analyze the environmental impacts that the projects may have and provide a range of alternatives and mitigation measures to reduce those effects.
Next steps
Following the initial scoping, Parks staff will explore alternatives in a draft EIS for public review and will schedule another public workshop to present the draft.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will use the EIS to understand the environmental implications of their decisions on the long-range plan update. The EIS will identify the elements of the environment likely to be affected if the plan is carried out. In addition, the EIS will provide a range of alternatives that have fewer impacts.
For more information about the planning process, contact Nikki Fields, planning lead, nikki.fields@parks.wa.gov, (360) 902-8658.
About Lake Sammamish State Park
Lake Sammamish State Park is a 510-acre day-use park with nearly 7,000 feet of waterfront on the lake. The area around the lake carries cultural significance as a gathering place for at least four Native American tribes. The park’s numerous recreation opportunities are bound to keep the whole family busy. A salmon-bearing creek and a great blue heronry provide birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. For more information visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/533/Lake-Sammamish.
News media contacts:
Nikki Fields, State Parks planner, (360) 902-8658
Toni Droscher, Communications Office, (360) 902-8604
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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.
News release number: 19-042