County preparing six-year outdoor management plan, seeks community input
Posted October 4, 2022 at 9:24 pm by San Juan Update
The County sends along news about the future of its Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas Plan.
San Juan County is currently updating its six-year Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas Plan. As part of the update process, the plan has a new name to best reflect its content: the Recreation, Open Space, and Stewardship Plan.
This plan guides action and investment in the County’s wide variety of outdoor spaces and facilities for the next six years. It describes existing parks and facilities, charts community priorities, and defines an action plan. Ultimately, it supports the community’s vision of an interconnected system of parks and natural areas that provides easy access to the water and natural areas; celebrates island culture, character, and a healthy environment; and is delivered through efficient programs and innovative partnerships.
The 2017-2022 plan was made possible by $4.55 million in funding for parks, recreation, and conservation projects. Projects included the acquisition of 1,394 acres of land outright and 130 acres of conservation easement, including over two miles of shoreline, with additional access to 2.3 miles of public tidelands.
In the next six years, we plan to use new funding to support:
- An integrated system of parks and natural areas
- Land acquisition and protection
- Safe public access to shorelines and waterways
- Stewardship and maintenance programs
- Partnerships among recreation and open space providers
- Community resources and engagement opportunities
The ROSS Plan will capture residents’ wants and needs and will build on projects that have been successfully completed. The County is incorporating community feedback received since 2017, including from recent engagement for the 2022 San Juan County Sustainable Tourism Management Plan.
This plan update is designed to maintain the County’s eligibility for state parks, recreation, and conservation grant funding after the current plan expires Nov. 1.
The County invites residents to provide input on the draft plan at a virtual open house via Zoom on Oct. 11 or Oct. 13 from 6-7 p.m., or by submitting comments on the County website from Oct. 10-17. Learn more about these events and the plan on the County website.
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