National Parks plans for Mitchell Hill, Westcott Bay up for review, comment
Published 7:08 pm Friday, April 17, 2015
The National Parks Service is seeking comment on plans for its latest additions to San Juan Island National Historical Park, the Mitchell Hill and Westcott Bay properties.
Mitchell Hill and Westcott Bay, acquired by the Parks Service and added to English Camp in 2010 and 2013, respectively, together feature more than 382 acres of uplands, forest and shoreline.
Known as the Mitchell Hill and Westcott Bay Development Concept Plan/Environmental Assessment, the prospective management plan provided a blueprint for future facilities and recreational activities the each area. The plan can be viewed and commented upon online via the NPS planning, environment and public comment website, or PEPC: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/sajh.
“We have received a lot of input from the community in the development of the plan and I believe it reflects those ideas,” San Juan Island National Historical Park Superintendent Lee Taylor said. “Our goal is to provide multiple use trails, enhance accessibility, protect park resources, and foster cooperation with neighboring landowners and trail users.”
Comments on the plan can also delivered at back-to-back meetings at San Juan Island Grange, Tuesday, April 28, noon to 2 p.m., and 5-7 p.m.
Taylor said one of several alternatives provided in the plan or a combination of ideas embodied in them may be selected in the decision-making process. Comments also will be accepted during the 30-day formal public comment period, April 15 to May 15.
