Growth threatens parks, open space in Washington state
Population growth and development is outstripping state efforts to preserve natural areas, park space and working farms in this state.
That's the conclusion of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, a nonprofit citizens group of farmers, hikers, hunters, conservationists and businesses that has lobbied the Legislature since 1989 to set aside funds for everything from open space and wildlife habitat to boat launches and urban trails and parks.
The coalition, co-chaired by former Govs. Dan Evans and Mike Lowry, has had considerable success, securing more than $450 million for more than 775 projects encompassing 160,000 acres statewide.
Among the $21 million of funded projects enjoyed by thousands of Thurston County residents are the Chehalis Western Trail, the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area, Camp Kenneydell Park on Black Lake and Rainier Vista and Wonderwood community parks in Lacey.
Population growth
But in that same time, the state's population has grown by 25 percent and is projected to grow another 2 million people in the next 25 years. Meanwhile, program funding has stayed relatively stable at about $50 million every two years.
"With population growth and development, the need is getting ahead of what we're able to provide," said Karen Munro, a Mud Bay resident and member of the coalition board.
"We won't have the opportunity to set these special places aside if we wait another 20 or 30 years," said Eric Erler, executive director of the Capitol Land Trust.
Project funding
In the latest funding go-around, the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program administered by the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation received 200 applications totalling $150 million.
Among South Sound projects likely to receive funding at the $100 million level, but not the $50 million mark, is one to build a stream-viewing platform and covered area for visitors at the McLane Creek Nature Trail.
The IAC's eight-member committee also is on record in support of the $100 million funding level from the state capital budget in the 2007-09 biennium.
"The $100 million recommendation is unprecedented, but with overwhelmed state parks and loss of wildlife habitat, it's absolutely essential that we support the funding of so many important projects that benefit all of us," said Val Ogden, chair of the IAC and a former state senator from Vancouver, Wash.
The funds for the program come from the capital budget. Sen. Karen Fraser, D-Thurston County, presides over the Senate Capital Budget Committee.
"I agree, more is better," Fraser said of the need to invest in recreational opportunities and open space. However, she said, it's too early to predict what will happen to the request in the 2007 session.
Continue reading this article from The Olympian:
Grants protect parks, develop open spaces
