10/25/2006: "Ranker Expresses Concerns, & Support On State Parks Proposal"

Councilman Ranker informed the County Council on Monday that he would be sending written comments regarding the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission's Centennial 2013 plan, and encouraged his fellow Councilmen to do the same, or that the Council could send an official County response; or do both.

Ranker reports that "The Centennial Plan contains some exciting proposals for SJ County from historic restoration work at Moran and Lime Kiln State Parks, to boating facility improvements at Jones, Sucia and James Marine Parks. The plan also proposes building rental cabins in Moran State Park on Orcas Island and renovation of the old Coast Guard barracks (currently employee housing) into "higher-end" rental units at Lime Kiln State Park on San Juan Island."

It is the latter that caused some concerns for Ranker that the State not enter into competition with local businesses, and questioned the appropriateness of some of the proposals with respect to the surround environment on Orcas and San Juan island. Once the Monday (10-23-06) staff meeting got under way ( See related Editorial ), Ranker told Myhr and Lichter that he -and others- had particular concerns about the proposal by the State to have some rentals made available to the public, and how this may have negative impacts on both the natural and the business environment in the county.

Following are the comments made to the Commission:

"Welcome to San Juan County and thank you for taking the time to meet here in this beautiful place. San Juan County cherishes the State Parks here in our region, from Moran to Lime Kiln, from Sucia Island to Turn Island; the State Parks here in the San Juan's are as much of a treasure to those of us who live here, as they are for our thousands of visitors.

As a member of the San Juan County Council I am pleased to endorse the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission's Centennial 2013 plan to prepare our state park system for its 100th birthday celebration. I support the plan's approach, which focuses on restoring our existing parks and creating new facilities, and services for a growing population.

The Council was recently briefed on the Centennial 2013 plan, including the proposed capital projects for six state parks in San Juan County. We are particularly enthused about the historic restoration work at Lime Kiln and Moran State Parks, and the boating facility improvements to James, Jones, and Sucia State Marine Parks.

While we recognize the budget constraints the State Parks System faces, and are fully supportive of the 2013 plan budget request, there are concerns regarding the proposed rental units in Moran and Lime Kiln State Parks. There is a question as to whether these new units could end up being in competition with some of our local proprietors. San Juan County's economy relies upon tourism in addition to other key factors. Further, some questions have been raised by members of our community as to whether this type of use "fits" with the beautiful natural environment surrounding Mountain Lake and Lime Kiln. While we support your 2013 Plan, we have questions regarding the potential community and environmental impact of these uses.

We look forward to working with you to address these questions and stand ready to support your Plan and your associated budget requests in Olympia in the coming year.

Thank you again for taking the time to meet here in San Juan County and for this opportunity to address you this morning."