State Parks is asking for water usage of about 6.5 million gallons per year, 200 million draws per day.

• The Washington Department of Ecology has declared a drought emergency for watersheds in 12 counties throughout Washington, including Clallam and Jefferson County (July, 2023). This is the fourth consecutive year.

• “This drought is already harming Washington communities, businesses and farms, and it’s another sign of the damage that climate change is causing to our state,” said Laura Watson, Ecology’s director. May and June of this year ranked as the fourth warmest and eleventh driest such period since 1895. “Climate change is making warm, dry summers more frequent, and droughts more severe,” said Ria Berns, manager of Ecology’s Water Resources program. “What we’re seeing this year is likely a sign of things to come.” (July, 2023)

• What are the projections for future aquifer viability on Miller Peninsula due to climate change models?

• Are there studies that show the current rate of water use on both sides of the MP?

• What is the estimated capacity of the aquifer for future residential development?

• What is the estimated capacity of the aquifer for future commercial development?

• Have the requirements for all the planned septic systems been included in the water use planning?

There are currently several large-scale, private development proposals on tap for the Miller Peninsula.

MPSP has a diverse ecosystem of mature and second growth forests.

• Will current surveys of the entire 2800 acres of park land be conducted? Extrapolation of data due to time and funding constraints are unacceptable.

• Will current surveys of all wildlife species inhabiting the entire forest and coastal systems be conducted--including birds (pileated woodpeckers, owls, etc.) and their nesting sites, mammals (bear, cougar, coyote), and wetland/amphibian species? 

• The western toad is found in MPSP’s forest. This species is listed as a Priority Species under WDFW’s Priority Habitat and Species Program. Priority species require protective measures for their survival due to their population status, sensitivity to habitat alteration, and/or recreational, commercial, or tribal importance.

• Will up-to-date surveys of all plant species from canopy to below soil be conducted?

• Will extensive surveys of wetland areas throughout the park area be conducted?

• Will protected plants and animal species and their habitats be surveyed? Will required state and EPA regulations be addressed? 

• Will assessments be conducted to align  MPSP development with Parks Commission pledges to protect ecosystems and habitats with long term stewardship and climate commitment policies?

• Will Parks specifically address the inconsistencies between their climate commitment/stewardship policies and their "destination development" plans at MPSP?

Habitat and species data cited by Parks in their planning documents thus far are from the 1990's.

• Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission recently updated their Strategic Plans for 2021-2031 (commission@parks.wa.gov).  Within their stated objectives, goals, and strategies, they stress the necessity of "...planning and implementing diverse park areas to 'preserve and protect park resources for the future..." and to "...protect ecosystems and habitat for long term sustainability." Does establishing a "destination park"  at MPSP align with their stated objectives?

• Will Parks specifically address how MPSP development plans align with other state and county policies requiring climate commitment and stewardship accountability?

• Two private RV parks already exist on the Miller Peninsula.The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe has announced plans to build a luxury RV resort along the southern border of MPSP.  Is it necessary, feasible, or responsible for Parks to build additional camping/RV sites?

• What are the ramifications for the entire Miller Peninsula regarding fire, aquifer, traffic, and habitat destruction if Tribal and State RV resorts are built side by side? 

• Only 17% of state parks are designated for day use; only 15% allow equestrian use.

Access to MPSP is from Highway 101/Diamond Point Road or on East Sequim Bay Road

• What are the specific interchange plans and associated costs of development for both roads?

• How will increased traffic loads affect Diamond Point Road and East Sequim Bay Road, as they are both narrow, two-lane roads?

• What are the specific evacuation plans for residents?

Recent details show Parks' plans are for entrance roads off of Cat Lake Road (east) and Burling/Fireweed Roads (west).

Studies must be conducted to address concerns for potential fire outbreaks including:

• Water availability for residential areas on the east and west sides of MPSP

• Water supply for fire suppression within the park

• Timeline constraints for fire fighters arriving at MPSP to extinguish wildfires, which must include both east and west sides of the park

• Alternate plans for fighting fires within the park that cannot be controlled otherwise

• Specific evacuation plans for residences adjacent to MPSP

Please note that these issues have not been addressed by park planners.

• WA State Parks recently purchased 20 acres of land on the northwestern park border atop the high bank cliffs for $310k. They plan to create a new trail for beach access in this area. Will they be subject, as residents are, to all Clallam County regulations regarding use of and development on high bank cliffs? 

• What comprehensive surveys have been completed addressing the feasibility of creating and maintaining a trail to coastal area through the high bank cliff area?

• Will Parks conduct an environmental assessment for the trail proposed for the ravine and high bank cliff?

• What assessments have been done regarding the feasibility of plans to build overlook sites along the high bank cliff area?

• Have issues and projections relating to continued and accelerating erosion of the high bank cliffs been addressed?

• What comprehensive studies have been completed on plant, animal, and bird species inhabiting the coastal and cliff areas? 

• Known species of birds with nesting sites include peregrine falcons (there is an established nesting site less than 30 feet from the proposed trail), bald eagles, swallows, pigeon guillemots, marbled murrelets, tufted puffins, and blue herons. These species frequent the coastal waters. Will their nesting sites along the high banks be documented?

• Has any survey been conducted for SEPA regulations concerning the ecosystem that connects MPSP coastal area with Protection Island and the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge?

• Have surveys of river otters and other species living along this coastline been conducted?

• How does this planned development align with long-term sustainability goals as outlined by State Parks Commissioners' policy on sustainability, climate commitments, and stewardship? Will Parks directly address the inconsistencies?

Habitat and species data currently cited in the Interim Memo by Parks are from the 1990's.