WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
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Don Hoch
Acting Director
STATE OF WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
1111 Israel Road S.W. • P.O. Box 42650 • Olympia, WA 98504-2650 • (360) 902-8500
TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf): (800) 833-6388
www.parks.state.wa.us
January 27, 2022
Item E-8: Miller Peninsula Planning Update – Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This item reports to the Washington State Parks and Recreation
Commission (Commission) the progress on the long-range planning effort at Miller Peninsula
State Park Property. This item advances nearly all the Commission’s strategic plan goals and is
most closely aligned with: Customer Experience – Provide exceptional recreation, cultural and
interpretive opportunities that all visitors enjoy and support.
SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Miller Peninsula State Park Property is
located east of the City of Sequim in Clallam County. At over 2,800 acres, Miller Peninsula is
one of the larger land holdings in the state park system. The property was acquired from the State
Department of Natural Resources in three phases between 1992 and 1994. The property includes
three miles of saltwater shoreline along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Discovery Bay and
consists primarily of second-growth forest communities. The property is undeveloped, aside
from a single trailhead facility and a multi-use trail system.
In 2007, the Commission adopted a mission, vision, core values, and development considerations
for the Miller Peninsula property. This effort included the work of a park exploratory committee
and incorporated extensive public participation. The adopted “nature within reach” concept
suggested development of a central village of overnight accommodations and supporting
amenities nestled within an extensive network of trails, interpretive opportunities, and access to
the water. This vision served as the starting point for our current planning efforts. The
Commission also considered naming the property in 2007 but opted to defer the decision until
park development was imminent.
The current planning effort is expected to result in the following products:
• Master Plan
• Classification and Management Plan (CAMP)
• Predesign
• Park name
• Environmental analysis
• Operating Plan
1
Work is underway on the park’s Master Plan, CAMP, naming, and environmental analysis. In
addition to Miller Peninsula State Park Property, the planning process is also considering
changes to Sequim Bay State Park to better compliment what may be developed at Miller
Peninsula, and also to address accessibility and environmental constraints at Sequim Bay.
Public Process
Thus far, there have been two online public workshops to develop the park’s Master Plan and
CAMP:
• The first was October 6, 2020 to hear people’s hopes and concerns for the park.
• The second was June 30, 2021 to review and seek input on three Master Plan and CAMP
alternatives
The public had opportunities to ask questions and provide written input at each of the meetings,
and the meeting recordings were viewable for 90 days after the meetings for those who were
unable to attend real time. Additionally, meeting materials and public input was posted to the
project webpage for the public to review. In addition to the two public workshops, staff attended
a neighborhood meeting in the Diamond Point community on August 12, 2021 to answer
questions and hear input from the park’s neighbors. And on August 16, 2021, staff toured
Sequim Bay State Park and Miller Peninsula State Park Property with several members of the
local environmental community.
Alternatives
Three alternative approaches to achieving the “nature within reach” vision were shared with the
public:
• Village Center. This alternative aimed to centralize park development in order to
minimize the footprint of disturbance and maximize the health of the park’s natural
resources. This alternative included a lodge facility to minimize the footprint needed for
overnight accommodations.
• Immersed in Nature. This alternative aimed to achieve “nature within reach” by
dispersing park facilities into smaller and more widely separated developments so that
park visitors would feel as if they were close to nature wherever they were in the park.
• Traditional. This alternative is similar to how many state parks have been developed,
with large camp loops and day-use areas with some separation between them.
As in other state parks planning efforts, the alternatives were intended to explore a wide range of
possibilities, and not to be taken as a whole. It is anticipated that the preliminary
recommendation will include elements from each of the alternatives.
2
Public Input
Public input on the Master Plan and CAMP alternatives has been mixed. Some people are
supportive of improving park accessibility and increasing recreational opportunities in the area,
and some have expressed concerns about possible park impacts. Some of the specific concerns
include:
• Water availability. Some park neighbors are concerned that the park’s use of water will
negatively impact their water quantity or quality. Parks has enlisted a consultant to help
with securing a water right. Previous analysis of a well within the park looks promising
for water availability, but it also may be possible to purchase water from the local water
company.
• Traffic. Some park neighbors are concerned that additional park traffic will further
exacerbate the already difficult traffic at the intersection of Highway 101 and Diamond
Point Road. Parks has contracted with a design team that includes a traffic consultant
who did traffic counts over Memorial Day weekend. The level of service at the highway
intersection is indeed poor, and it is anticipated that road improvements will be needed to
accommodate the additional traffic a developed park is expected to attract. There may be
other developments proposed near the intersection that would also require similar traffic
improvements, so whether Parks will need to fund these improvements may depend on
timing.
• Fire. Some park neighbors are concerned about campfires in the park leading to wildfires
in their neighborhood. Staff is considering design solutions that would minimize wildfire
risk.
• Tree removal. Some are concerned about the number of trees that would need to be
removed to develop park facilities. Most park facilities are being considered in areas of
younger forest stands to minimize impacts.
• Wildlife impacts. Some are concerned that park development and use will discourage
wildlife use of the park. Staff have initiated discussions with local tribes and land trusts
about the possibility of developing a wildlife corridor connecting the park to other public
lands to the south. Additionally, most park facilities are being considered away from
wetlands and in areas of younger forest stands in order to minimize wildlife impacts.
• Trespass. Some park neighbors are concerned that park visitors will leave the park and
trespass onto their properties, particularly from the park shorelines. Staff believes that
clear signing and wayfinding information in the park can minimize this potential impact.
Tribal Outreach
The Director sent letters to the Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam, and Lower Elwha
Klallam Tribal Chairpersons to offer government-to-government meetings early in the planning
process. This resulted in a meeting with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, who asked to remain
informed about the project as it progressed.
Parks staff has met several times with staff from the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe to discuss the
planning efforts at Miller Peninsula and Sequim Bay. The Tribe owns quite a bit of land in the
vicinity of the Miller Peninsula property, as well as a casino, a hotel, and other business and
3
cultural facilities west of the property. There may be opportunities to partner with the Tribe on
interpretation or recreational tours.
Staff has also met with the Point No Point Treaty Council, which is a tribal consortium that
provides natural resources support to the Jamestown S’Klallam and Port Gamble S’Klallam
Tribes. Staff is working with the Point No Point Treaty Council and two local land trusts to
explore the possibility of developing a wildlife corridor to connect the Miller Peninsula Property
to other public lands to the south to maintain wildlife connectivity despite anticipated population
growth.
Environmental Implications
Staff is preparing a document to analyze the environmental impacts of the developments being
considered in each of the three master plan alternatives. The document examines how each
proposed facility would be expected to impact ten different elements of the environment. This
document will be used to inform the direction of the master plan’s preliminary recommendation,
and it will also be used to ensure compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
Naming
At each of the online public meetings, there has been a chance to provide naming suggestions for
the park. So far, the suggested names are:
• Salish Sea State Park
• Trails State Park
• Rain Shadow State Park
• Discover State Park
• Forest Discovery State Park
• Dr. Eloise Kailin State Park (Kailin was a physician and an environmental activist from
Sequim who led the opposition to a nuclear power plant on the Miller Peninsula in the
early 1970s.)
Sequim Bay State Park
In addition to planning for the future development of a new park at the Miller Peninsula
Property, the project is also considering alternative approaches for improvements at Sequim Bay
State Park. Sequim Bay is only six miles from Miller Peninsula and is currently the headquarters
for the manager of the Olympic Peninsula Area parks. Sequim Bay opened as a state park in
1923, and was developed in phases, the last major effort being in the mid-1950s. The boat launch
was redeveloped in 2019.
Sequim Bay has a completed CAMP from 2008, and it anticipated a need for parkwide
redevelopment due to its aging facilities and the anticipated development of the Olympic
Discovery Trail and the Miller Peninsula Property. It did not, however, anticipate that land
movement would endanger facilities near the water. The alternatives currently under
consideration include relocating the park’s moorage facilities and reducing the number of
campsites to provide more day-use parking and recreational facilities.
4
Next Steps
Staff is working to finalize the Environmental Implications document and use it to inform
development of a preliminary recommendation that will be shared with the public. The initial
direction under consideration is to base the preliminary recommendation on the centralized
development in the Village Center alternative, but to have fewer campsites and a more compact
footprint than shown in that alternative. The goal is to locate development in areas of younger
forest and to avoid developing new trails through rare or high-quality plant communities.
Public input on the preliminary recommendation will be used to develop a staff recommendation
that will go through SEPA review and be brought to the Commission for consideration at a later
meeting. The Commission will also be asked to consider formally naming the park at that
meeting.
As the master planning portion of the project is being wrapped up, work on a predesign report for
the first phases of development will begin. The predesign report will serve as the basis for future
capital requests to begin park development.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION:
Appendix 1: Miller Peninsula State Park Property Alternatives
Appendix 2: Sequim Bay State Park Alternatives
Appendix 3: State Parks Land Classification System
______________________________________________________________________________
Author/Contact(s): Nikki Fields, Planning Lead
nikki.fields@parks.wa.gov, (360) 902-9658
Reviewer(s):
Jessica Logan, SEPA REVIEW: Pursuant to WAC 197-11-704, staff has determined that this
Commission agenda item is a report and therefore is not subject to State Environmental Policy
Act (SEPA) review.
Van Church, Fiscal Review: Report only, no fiscal impact. Future decisions regarding Miller
Peninsula State Park Property could have a fiscal impact and if needed may be included in future
operating and capital budget requests.
Andy Woo, Assistant Attorney General: Reviewed January 6, 2022
Peter Herzog, Assistant Director
Approved for Transmittal to Commission
____________________________________
Don Hoch, Acting Director
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APPENDIX 1
Miller Peninsula State Park Property Alternatives
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7
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9
10
11
12
13
14
APPENDIX 2
Sequim Bay State Park Alternatives
Alternative 1: Small-Scale Changes
15Alternative 2: Rehabilitate Entrance
16Alternative 3: Comprehensive Improvements
17APPENDIX 3
Washington State Parks Land Classification System
WAC 352-16-020 Land classification system. State park areas are of statewide natural, cultural,
and/or recreational significance and/or outstanding scenic beauty. They provide varied facilities
serving low-intensity, medium intensity, and high intensity outdoor recreation activities, areas
reserved for preservation, scientific research, education, public assembly, and/or environmental
interpretation, and support facilities. They may be classified in whole or part as follows:
(1) Recreational areas are suited and/or developed for high-intensity outdoor recreational use,
conference, cultural and/or educational centers, or other uses serving large numbers of
people.
(2) Resource recreation areas are suited and/or developed for natural and/or cultural resource-
based medium-intensity and low-intensity outdoor recreational use.
(3) Natural areas are designated for preservation, restoration, and interpretation of natural
processes and/or features of significant ecological, geological or paleontological value while
providing for low-intensity outdoor recreation activities as subordinate uses.
(4) Heritage areas are designated for preservation, restoration, and interpretation of unique or
unusual archaeological, historical, scientific, and/or cultural features, and traditional cultural
properties, which are of statewide or national significance.
(5) Natural forest areas are designated for preservation, restoration, and interpretation of natural
forest processes while providing for low-intensity outdoor recreation activities as
subordinate uses, and which contain:
(a) Old-growth forest communities that have developed for one hundred fifty years or
longer and have the following structural characteristics: Large old-growth trees, large
snags, large logs on land, and large logs in streams; or
(b) Mature forest communities that have developed for ninety years or longer; or
(c) Unusual forest communities and/or interrelated vegetative communities of significant
ecological value.
(6) Natural area preserves are designated for preservation of rare or vanishing flora, fauna,
geological, natural historical or similar features of scientific or educational value and which
are registered and committed as a natural area preserve through a cooperative agreement
with an appropriate natural resource agency pursuant to chapter 79.70 RCW and chapter
332-60 WAC.
WAC 352-16-030 Management within land classifications. (1) The director shall develop
management guidelines for each land classification listed in WAC 352-16-020. The guidelines
shall provide specific direction for each classification, outlining the philosophy of each
classification, its appropriate physical features, location, allowed and prohibited activities, and
allowed and prohibited developments. (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow
uses that are otherwise prohibited, nor prohibit uses that are otherwise expressly allowed, by the
commission, this code, or by statute.
18Land Classification Management Guidelines
Recreation Areas
TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS
FEATURES
Washington State Parks State Parks State Parks State Parks State Parks Recreation Areas State Parks Recreation
State Parks Recreation Areas Recreation Areas are Recreation Recreation Areas may allow and provide for a Areas shall provide
Recreation are suited and/or to respond to the Areas generally are wide variety of indoor and appropriate facilities and
Areas developed for human needs for physiographic made, not found. outdoor day, weekend and services for the
high-intensity readily available areas features such as They shall be vacation activities. Provision participation and enjoyment
outdoor for outdoor recreation topography, soil located throughout may be made for high intensity of high concentrations of
recreational use, and facilities to type, drainage, the state with participation in camping, outdoor recreationists
conference, congregate for etc., shall be primary emphasis picnicking, trail use, water and/or participants in
cultural and/or education, artistic adaptable to to service major sports, winter sports, group field indoor educational, cultural
educational expression and other varied types of centers of urban games, and other activities for and artistic activities. A
centers, or other ennobling pursuits. intensive uses populations and/or many people Off-trail high degree of development
uses serving large They are to provide a and outstanding equestrian and/or bicycle use is anticipated. Facilities
numbers of variety of outdoor development. recreational tourist may be appropriate in selected may include road and
people. recreational, An attractive attractions. areas if approved by the parking networks,
educational, artistic, natural setting is Scenic and commission. Activities swimming beaches, full
and cultural desirable; inspirational requiring high levels of social service marinas, trails,
opportunities to large however, values shall be interaction are encouraged. bathhouses, artificial lakes
numbers of human-made considered but are and pools, play fields, large
participants. Primary settings are secondary to the sanitary and eating
emphasis is on the acceptable. site adaptability facilities; standard and
provision of quality There are no and population utility campgrounds, stores,
recreational services specific size criteria. When picnic grounds, group
and facilities with criteria. part of a large shelters, conference
secondary recognition diverse park, centers, environmental
given to protection of recreation areas learning centers, hostels,
the areas natural should be sited in and administrative support
qualities. proximity to facilities.
public roads and
utilities.
19Land Classification Management Guidelines
Resource Recreation Areas
TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS
FEATURES
Washington State Parks State Parks Resource State Parks State Parks Resource State Parks Resource State Parks Resource
State Parks Resource Recreation Areas are Resource Recreation Areas may Recreation Areas provide Recreation Areas
Resource Recreation Areas sites where the high Recreation Areas be located anywhere opportunities for low- and development shall be
Recreation are suited and/or quality of a have a variety of in the state where medium-intensity recreational permitted to the extent
Areas developed for particular natural or physiographic natural or cultural experiences including, but not necessary to serve
natural and/or cultural resource or features. While factors produce land limited to, picnicking, allowed activities.
cultural resource- set of such resources they may contain and water sites primitive camping, a variety Parking, sanitary
based medium- and is the lure for human areas of particularly suited for of recreational trail facilities, and other
low-intensity recreation. Thus, the environmental recreation in a natural experiences, interpretive ancillary developments
recreational use. rationale for sensitivity, most setting. Access to facilities, historic/cultural and support facilities
recreation is based portions of each these sites should be exhibits, nature observation, should be constructed in
on the value of area will be able to reasonably proximate photography, orienteering, a manner that is
attractive natural or withstand low- to to major urban kayaking, canoeing, floating, consistent with the site's
cultural resources. medium-intensity centers, but some and fishing. Off-trail ability to manage
Management of recreation use access restriction may equestrian and/or bicycle use environmental change.
these areas must without significant be necessary to avoid may be appropriate in
stress the centrality environmental overuse of resources. selected areas if approved by
of preserving the degradation. Within large diverse the commission. Basketball,
quality of the natural parks, these areas tennis, organized group
and cultural should be located at sporting activities requiring
resources while least a moderate formal sports fields,
allowing appropriate distance from public commercial-sized piers and
and sustainable roads and high use docks, standard and utility
levels of human use intensity areas, while camping, indoor
and enjoyment. still maintaining accommodations and centers,
reasonable public developed swimming areas,
access for their and other similarly intense
intended use. uses are not appropriate.
Scientific research is
permitted.
20Land Classification Management Guidelines
Natural Areas
TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOP
FEATURES MENTS
Washington State Parks Natural State Parks Natural Areas State Parks Natural State Parks Natural Areas State Parks Natural Areas provide State Parks
State Parks Areas are designated are to respond to the Areas have a variety are not "made", but rather opportunities for outdoor recreation on Natural Area
Natural for preservation, human need for readily of topography and currently exist due to designated trails. Those trails may be development shall
Areas restoration, and available "conservatories" features to provide a historical circumstances developed and used only to the extent be limited to
interpretation of of nature and open diversified natural that have resulted in little that they do not significantly degrade the facilities required
natural processes spaces. Emphasis is environment with or no human interference system of natural processes in a for health, safety
and/or features of directed toward nature interesting but not in the natural classified area. Hiking, non-groomed and protection of
significant ecological, and the conservation of necessarily unique environment. Those cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or users and features
geological or native flora and fauna, flora and fauna, or areas most desirable in other trail uses of similar impact to consistent with
paleontological value special geologic or geologic or terms of physical features natural systems and providing a allowed activities.
while providing for paleontologic resources, paleontologic and size usually are compatible recreational opportunity, Facilities to
low-intensity outdoor and the natural amenities features. Where "found" and "held" may be permitted, after consultation with enhance public
recreation activities as of the area. Human wants classification is against creeping appropriate local, state, federal and tribal enjoyment shall be
subordinate uses. for other than naturally based on biological encroachments and resource management agencies, and limited to
existing educational and considerations, sites raising land values. They upon a finding by the agency that such primitive items
recreational opportunities should consist of often become over used trails are not likely to significantly such as trails, trail
are considered secondary land areas large and "lost" as populations degrade natural processes. Relocation of structures and
to nature's requirement enough to maintain spread around them. As existing equestrian, bicycle, nordic track minor interpretive
for the sustained natural biological a part of the overall or other similar trails into a natural area exhibits. All
maintenance of its natural processes in a nearly system, these areas may be permitted upon a finding by the improvements
balances, or the undeveloped state should be geographically director that such relocation is for the shall harmonize
preservation of special and provide users spread throughout the purpose of reducing overall resource with, and not
geologic or paleontologic with a feeling of state. When classifying impacts. All trails may be moved, detract from, the
features. solitude and specific park areas, redesigned, closed and/or removed upon natural setting.
tranquility, and an consideration must be a finding that their use is causing Parking and other
opportunity to view given to the ability to significant degradation to the system of trailhead facilities
nature in its adequately manage the natural processes. Technical rock should be located
"uncontrolled" form. areas against undesirable climbing requires authorization by the outside of a
They may be human encroachment. commission. Off-trail use for nature classified area.
partially or wholly observation, photography, cross-country
on land, skiing, harvesting of mushrooms and
subterranean, or part berries and similar uses are permitted to
of the marine the degree that they do not significantly
environment. degrade natural processes. Scientific
research is permitted.
21Land Classification Management Guidelines
Heritage Areas
TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS
FEATURES
Washingto State Parks State Parks State Parks State Parks State Parks Heritage Area State Parks Heritage Area
n State Heritage Areas Heritage Areas Heritage Areas Heritage Areas activities shall generally be development shall
Parks are designated are designated to vary in size usually are limited to those directly generally be limited to
Heritage for preservation, preserve and/or and located where associated with the that necessary for the
Areas restoration, and interpret selected physiographic they are found, interpretation of the area or protection and
interpretation of areas or features makeup or the feature feature, and the education of the interpretation of the area
outstanding, for the education according to exists. patrons. Picnicking, or feature, and the
unique or and enjoyment of their location However, in recreational trails, and other education and safety of
unusual the public, an and reason for some instances low- to medium-intensity the patrons. Sanitary
archaeological, area's intrinsic existence. relocation or re- recreation uses may be allowed facilities, recreation trails,
historical, cultural value, Historic creation of if they do not detract from the and picnicking facilities
scientific, and/or and/or for landscapes artifacts, principal purpose of the area, its may be provided in a
cultural features, scientific may require resources or setting, structures, sites and manner which does not
and traditional research. relatively large facilities is objects. detract from the aesthetic,
cultural acreage while possible. In educational or
properties, which archaeological these situations environmental quality of
are of statewide sites may be they may be the area, its setting,
or national measured in located in structures, sites or objects,
significance. square feet. appropriate or, if applicable, its value
settings and for scientific research.
concentrated
near major
population
centers and
along primary
travel routes.
22Land Classification Management Guidelines
Natural Forest Areas
TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS
FEATURES
Washingto State Parks Natural State Parks Natural Forest State Parks Natural State Parks Natural State Parks Natural Forest Areas provide State Parks Natural Forest
n State Forest Areas are Areas are places where Forest Areas have a Forest Areas may be opportunities for outdoor recreation on Areas development shall be
Parks designated for human access to and variety of located anywhere in the designated recreation trails. Those trails limited to facilities required
Natural preservation, interpretation and topographic and state where natural may be developed and used only to the for health, safety and
Forest restoration, and enjoyment of natural forest vegetative factors produce forest extent that they do not significantly degrade protection of users and
Areas interpretation of processes are limited to conditions. They vegetative cover. These the system of natural forest processes in a features consistent with
natural forest those activities and are generally large areas are not "made", classified area. Careful design of recreation allowed activities. Facilities
processes while facilities that do not enough (300 or but rather currently trails should match intended uses, to to enhance public enjoyment
providing for low- significantly degrade more acres) to exist due to historical maintain consistency with the purpose and shall be limited to trails, trail
intensity outdoor natural forest processes. contain one or circumstances that philosophy of the classification. Hiking, structures, and minor
recreation activities as Public access into these more distinct and have resulted in little or non-groomed cross-country skiing, interpretive exhibits. All
subordinate uses, and areas emphasizes relatively intact no human interference snowshoeing, or other trail uses of similar improvements shall
which contain: appreciation of nature vegetative in natural forest impact to natural systems and providing a harmonize with, and not
(a) Old-growth forest through experiencing communities. progression. As a part compatible recreational opportunity, may be detract from, the natural
communities that nature. The principal Smaller areas may of an overall system, permitted, after consultation with setting. Parking and other
have developed for function of these areas is to be appropriate if these areas should be appropriate local, state, federal and tribal trailhead facilities should be
150 years or longer assist in maintaining the representative of a geographically spread resource management agencies, and upon a located outside of a classified
and have the state's bio-diversity while unique or unusual throughout the state, finding by the agency that such trails are not area.
following structural expanding human forest community. recognizing that likely to significantly degrade natural forest
characteristics: Large understanding and Desirably, they are maintenance of bio- processes. Relocation of existing equestrian,
old-growth trees, appreciation of natural part of a large diversity is one of the bicycle, nordic track or other similar trails
large snags, large logs values. system of open primary functions of into a natural forest area may be permitted
on land, and large space, wildlife their classification. upon a finding by the director that such
logs in streams; or (b) habitat, and When classifying relocation is for the purpose of reducing
Mature forest vegetative specific park areas, overall resource impacts. All trails may be
communities that communities that consideration must be moved, redesigned, closed and/or removed
have developed for 90 provide a good given to the ability to upon a finding that they are causing
years or longer; or opportunity for adequately manage the significant degradation to the system of
Unusual forest long-term areas against natural forest processes. Technical rock
communities and/or ecosystem undesirable human climbing requires authorization by the
interrelated vegetative sustainability. encroachment. commission. Off-trail use for nature
communities of observation, cross-country skiing,
significant ecological photography, harvesting of mushrooms and
value. berries and similar uses are permitted to the
degree that they do not significantly degrade
natural forest processes. Scientific research
is permitted.
23Land Classification Management Guidelines
Natural Area Preserves
TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS
FEATURES
Washingto State Parks State Parks Natural State Parks Natural Area State Parks Natural State Parks Natural State Parks Natural Area
n State Natural Area Area Preserves are Preserves have a variety of Area Preserves may Area Preserves Preserves development
Parks Preserves are sites where human topographic and vegetative be located provide opportunities shall be limited to access
Natural designated for access is limited to conditions. They are anywhere in the for scientific research facilities for permitted
Area preservation of educational and generally large enough (300 state where natural and education about activities and structures
Preserves rare or vanishing scientific purposes. or more acres) to contain one ecological systems natural systems, to inhibit general public
flora, fauna, The principal or more distinct and intact or significant geologic features, access. No other
geological, natural function of these ecological communities. geologic features sensitive, rare, facilities or structures are
historical or areas is to preserve Smaller areas may be exist. These areas threatened or permitted.
similar features of natural ecosystems appropriate if representative are not "made", but endangered species or
scientific or or geologic features of a unique or unusual rather exist due to communities.
educational value of statewide ecological community or historical Recreational use of
and which are significance. Public geologic feature. They may circumstances that existing or relocated
registered and access for recreation be partially or wholly on have resulted in trails may be
committed as a must be subordinate land, subterranean, or part of little or no human permitted, provided
natural area to the principal the marine environment. interference in the that it can be clearly
preserve through a function of the Desirably, they are part of a natural system. As demonstrated that
cooperative classification. large system of open space, a part of an overall such use does not
agreement with an wildlife habitat, and system, these areas degrade the system of
appropriate natural vegetative communities that should be natural processes
resource agency provide a good opportunity geographically occurring in the
pursuant to for long-term ecosystem spread throughout preserve. Otherwise,
chapter 79.70 sustainability. the state. trails are limited to
RCW and chapter administrative,
332-60 WAC. scientific and
organized educational
activities and uses.
No other activities are
permitted.
24Land Use and Land Classification Compatibility Matrix – Facilities
Recreation Resource Heritage Natural/Natural Natural Area
Recreation Forest Area Preserve*
Amphitheater P C C N N
Archery/Target Range C C N N N
Camping - Std and Utility P N C N N
Camping – Primitive P P C N N
Camping - Adirondack P C N N N
Camping - Horse-oriented C C N N N
Camping - Water Trail P P C N N
Children's Play Area P C C N N
Day Use Picnic – Tables P P C N N
Day Use Picnic - Group Shelter P N C N N
Day Use Lodges/Centers P N C N N
Environmental Learning Centers C N C N N
Equestrian Facilities C C C N N
Fields - Informal Play/Mowed P C C N N
Indoor Accommodations P N C N N
Interpretive - Centers P N P N N
Interpretive – Kiosks P P P C N
Interpretive Trail P P P P C
Interpretive – Signs P P P P C
Parking – Vehicles P P C N N
Roads P P C N N
25Land Use and Land Classification Compatibility Matrix – Facilities (Continued)
Recreation Resource Heritage Natural/Natural Natural Area Preserve*
Recreation Forest Area
Sanitary: Comfort Stations P N C N N
Sanitary: Composting/Vault P P C C N
Sports Fields C N N N N
Skiing - Alpine Facilities C C N N N
Swimming Facilities P N C N N
Trails - Hiking P P P P C
Trails - Mountain Biking P C C N** N
Trails - Equestrian C C C N** N
Trails - Nordic Track Skiing P P C N** N
Trails - C-C skiing P P P P C
Trails - Snowmobile P C C N** N
Trails - Paved non-motor P C C C N
Water: Docks/Piers > 10 boats P N C N N
Water: Docks/Piers - < 10 boats P P C C N
Water: Launch Ramps P C N N N
Water: Hand Launch Areas P P C C N
Water: Mooring Buoys P P C C N
P (Permitted) - Use permitted with normal agency design review
C (Conditional) - Use may be permitted, but conditioned to assure design is compatible w/purpose of land classification and abutting classification objectives.
N (Not Permitted)- Use not permitted.
NA - Not Applicable
* All uses in a Natural Area Preserve must be specifically approved by the Park and Recreation Commission as part of a management plan.
**Relocation of existing trails into a natural or natural forest area is permitted per WAC 352-32-070(4) and WAC 352-32-075(5)(a).
26Land Use and Land Classification Compatibility Matrix – Activities
Recreation Resource Heritage Natural/Natural Natural Area
Recreation Forest Area Preserve*
Farming/Orchards C C C N N
Filming/Special Events P P P C N
Grazing C C C N N
Harvesting - Edible Fruiting Bodies P P P P N
Harvesting - Mushrooms P P P P N
Harvesting - Shellfish P P P P N
Harvesting - Fish P P P P N
Harvesting - Algae, etc. P P P P N
Haying P P P N N
Metal Detecting P P C N N
Orienteering P P C N N
Ocean Beach Driving P C N N N
Off-Trail: Equestrian C C C N N
Off-Trail: Hiking P P P P N
Off-trail biking C C C N N
Paragliding P P C N N
Recreation Concession Areas C C C N N
Technical Rock Climbing P P C C N
27Land Use and Land Classification Compatibility Matrix – Activities (Continued)
Recreation Resource Heritage Natural/Natural Natural Area
Recreation Forest Area Preserve*
Water: Jet Skiing P C N N N
Water: Kayak/Canoeing P P P C N
Water: Power Boating P C N C N
Water: White Water Boating P P C C N
Water: Sailing P P P C N
Water: Skiing P C N N N
Water: Swimming P P P P N
Water: Wind Surfing P C C N N
Winter: Alpine Skiing C C N N N
Winter: C-C Skiing (off-trail) P P P P C
Winter: Mushing/Sled Dogs C C C N N
Winter: Snowshoeing P P P P C
Winter: Snowmobiling (off-trail) P P C N N
Wood Debris Collection P P P N N
P (Permitted) - Use permitted with normal agency design review
C (Conditional) - Use may be permitted with Commission concurrence, but conditioned to assure compatibility w/purpose of land classification and abutting classifications.
N (Not Permitted)- Use not permitted.
NA - Not Applicable
* All uses in a Natural Area Preserve must be specifically approved by the Park and Recreation Commission as part of a management plan.
**Relocation of existing trails into a natural or natural forest area is permitted per WAC 352-32-070(4) and WAC 352-32-075(5)(a).
Revised July 2019
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