Miller Peninsula State Park Expansion
Plans for development of MPSP began in 2006. Lack of funding and citizen opposition at that time placed the plans on hold. Currently, state park planners are moving forward with their plans to develop MPSP as a "destination park" using three proposed options that were originated in 2006.
Significant environmental changes since 2006 have taken place in our world and our state, not to mention Parks' policy guidelines. We believe Parks should incorporate current scientific data in their plans for development that would address the climate crisis. Parks should incorporate new, forward thinking options such as day use and education in development planning. Thorough surveys and environmental reviews of wetland habitat, forest and coastal environments, wildlife, fire, water, traffic, and infrastructure must be conducted throughout the park, not in a piecemeal fashion. Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge that the shoreline area along MPSP is an integral part of the Salish Sea coastal ecosystem that includes Protection Island and the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.
Partial or outdated surveys of park lands and lack of public access to the data and planning processes are not acceptable. A SEPA (State of Washington's Environmental Policy Act) document must be produced before the development plan is approved and must be presented at a local meeting accessible to the public.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has outlined their goals for operating state parks in their Strategic Plans for 2021 - 2031 Commission Document. We believe that according to their specifications, MPSP represents an "...unspoiled coastline and forest community with inherent wildlife populations..." “...that can support healthy communities...” and “...educate people about the benefits of natural resources like clean air, clean water, native habitat, carbon sequestration, water filtration, storage and flood protection." The MPSP ecosystem is an intact, mature forest. Local schools, organizations, and individuals already use the site for education and enjoyment. It should be allowed to exist as it is.
Developing this parkland into a destination park is a waste of taxpayer money, with initial estimates of $25 million (plus the $600k allocated for the 2023-2025 budget cycle). This proposition for development directly contradicts the State Parks Commission's own guidelines for the preservation of state parks, including their Climate Commitment goals, Stewardship goals, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies.
Development of MPSP is also in direct opposition to our state and local elected representatives' statements and pledges, enacted laws, and promises to pursue government actions which mitigate climate change.
The plan for development at MPSP will needlessly destroy a beautiful, intact, mature forest and coastal ecosystem for no reason other than continued development of all park lands. The $25 million taxpayer dollars will never be recouped. Parks already has a backlog of over $45 million in needed repairs at parks across the state.
Parks Director Dupuis recently stated that Parks must review the effects of their policies on state parks and must remain "...true to their climate commitment goals." Their Department of Climate and Sustainability director stated "...planners must look at and understand the park environments and keep them viable so they don't have to add them to restoration lists later on."
Although Parks asserts they must continue to create park lands for "all Washingtonians", only 17% of parks are classified as day use and only 15% of parks allow equestrian use. These numbers are far below the 100% mark.
We have petitioned Parks to include a fourth development option in addition to the three plans they have proposed. We are calling for MPSP to be classified as a Natural Forest Area - Day Use, and Education park.
We will continue to advocate for this option and hope you will join us.