PORT TOWNSEND — Restoring the shoreline and protecting the cultural landscape are the key issues facing Old Fort Townsend State Park, but alternative uses have also been suggested for the park with an uncertain future.
A volunteer-operated nature center and a boat and kayak dock are among the suggestions.
Off-site parking, restoration and facilities for such events as weddings are proposed for the State Parks-owned Rothschild House, which was also discussed Thursday night.
State Parks Planner Peter Herzog revealed the alternatives during a workshop attended by more than 40.
State Parks conducted the workshop at Fort Worden State Park Commons, the second in a series for Old Fort Townsend State Park and the Rothschild House in an effort to explore options for land classification and future management.
But much of the workshop put the spotlight on Port of Port Townsend officials, who have offered to take over Old Fort Townsend State Park should the state choose to transfer its ownership.
State Parks faces a $23 million cut in its 2009-2011 biennial general fund budget to help the state deal with a $9 billion budget deficit.
It has offered the Old Fort Townsend park property to the port.
It is among 36 other state parks proposed for mothballing or transfer to local governments. Parks on the list include Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island, Fort Casey and Fort Ebey on Whidbey Island and Bogachiel State Park on Clallam County’s West End.
Although Port of Port Townsend commissioners are seriously considering taking on the park, port Executive Director Larry Crockett said, “They were very clear that they hope the park stays open under state control.”
Crockett explained that the port was merely extending a hand to county taxpayers who are assessed up to $800,000 a year in tax revenues that help the port run business and recreational facilities.
Asked how the port would approach the park, Crockett said, “Our intent as the commissioners instructed me (Wednesday) is that we would run it as the state would run it.”
Crockett said the Old Fort Townsend RV park improvements the port was interested in making would be no more extensive than those already under State Parks consideration. The port also expressed interest in adding rustic cabins at Old Fort Townsend on the upper level near the park ranger’s residence and not inside the natural forested areas.
While Crockett said the port has the legal authority to run the park, “the funding is going to be the critical thing.”
“It’s going to take a system of partnerships to keep it,” Crockett said. “We’re going to need help, especially on trails.”
Kate Burke, Fort Worden State Park manager who oversees Old Fort Townsend State Park as well, said there would be more public hearings if the state chooses to transfer Old Fort Townsend to port management.
Port Commissioner Herb Beck of Quilcene attended the meeting, saying the port wanted to run the park as a “revenue neutral” operation.
The port will submit a letter of intent to State Parks by Wednesday, explaining what they would hope to do at the park.
The port commissioners agreed Wednesday that they could only manage and operate the core 367 acres of the 614-acre Old Fort Townsend State Park.
The State Parks Commission anticipates deciding on a final group of parks to transfer or mothball at its April 23 meeting in Olympia.
Herzog said the state Senate budget proposes a $28 million cut in State Parks’ budget, assuming that a $5 “opt out” donation through annual auto license tab registration passes the Legislature.
Herzog said a late House amendment has been introduced “to not allow park closures.”
Heidi Eisenhour, executive director of Jefferson Land Trust, urged the audience to contact their lawmakers in Olympia in support of the opt out park revenue legislation.
That legislative hot line number is 1-800-562-6000.
Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
