Staff to provide report at March Commission meeting in Chelan

OLYMPIA – Feb. 19, 2020 – Last week, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission received the U.S. Navy’s application to conduct special operations training exercises in 29 western Washington state parks.

Parks staff is reviewing the application and will provide a report to the Commission at its upcoming meeting on March 12, in Chelan. The report presentation will be broadcast online to accommodate those who can’t attend the meeting in person.

Public comment will be taken at the Chelan meeting. Anyone who cannot attend the meeting in person can provide comment through Parks’ comment form online or by mail to: c/o Becki Ellison, P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650. 

The public also will have an opportunity to provide comment at a special public meeting on Wednesday, May 6, at Fort Worden Historical State Park in Port Townsend.

All comments received on this topic will be provided to the Commission for consideration.

The Commission is expected to make a decision on the application at a regularly scheduled meeting this spring or summer.

Parks has developed a website (parks.state.wa.us/navyproposal) to provide the public with up-to-date information on this proposal. The web page includes the Navy’s application and other relevant documents, a public comment form and a link to the staff report broadcast. The page will be updated with new information as it becomes available.

The Navy currently has a Right of Entry permit that allows it to conduct similar trainings in five Puget Sound area state parks. That five-year permit expires May 1.

News media contacts:

Anna Gill, Communications Director (360) 902-8562

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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: 20-010