No. 08-086
May 14, 2008
Contact: Princess Jackson-Smith, 360-902-1066
Proposed Boundary Expansion for Dabob Bay Natural Area Preserve in Jefferson County Will be Discussed at May 27 Public Meeting
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to participate in an informational meeting to discuss a proposed boundary expansion and natural area designation for the Dabob Bay Natural Area Preserve (NAP) in Jefferson County. The meeting will be held in Quilcene from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, at the Quilcene High School multi-purpose room, 294715 Highway 101.
There will be displays of the project area, and the department will offer a summary of the proposal. Public comments will be solicited on the proposed boundary expansion, as well as designation of the expansion area as a natural area preserve, natural resources conservation area or combination of both.
The area within the proposed boundary includes coastal bluffs and shorelines that provide sediment and woody debris for continued ecological function of the coastal spits. The proposed expansion could add up to 3,200 acres of shoreline and upland forests to the current 195-acre preserve.
An expanded boundary designation does not impose any additional regulatory or restrictive requirements on privately owned land that may be within the new boundary. The department is authorized to negotiate with willing sellers interested in selling their property at market value. Other options, such as conservation easements, are also possible.
A formal boundary hearing will be scheduled in the next few months, and notice of that hearing will be mailed to area property owners and other interested parties. For questions about specific properties, contact Janet Kearsley, Olympic Region Natural Area Manager, 360-374-2800, janet.kearsley@dnr.wa.gov.
Washington’s Natural Areas Program
DNR’s Natural Areas Program protects outstanding examples of the state's extraordinary diversity. These lands represent the finest natural, undisturbed ecosystems in state ownership, often protecting features unique to this region of the country. DNR manages two types of natural areas – Natural Resources Conservation Areas (NRCA) and Natural Area Preserves (NAP). These special sites offer opportunities for research and education. Some have interpretive trails, and many provide low-impact recreation opportunities. Others require permission to visit, because features are sensitive to human disturbance. Currently, there are 52 NAPs on 32,211 acres and 29 NRCAs on 93,393 acres.
Please note: Map available for download at http://sharepointcms/SiteCollectionImages/Places/em_dabob_bay_map.pdf
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