State Parks presents renewed Miller Peninsula master plan; EIS paused pending funding

State Parks staff told the Parks and Recreation Commission that planning for Miller Peninsula has resumed with a smaller development footprint, but that the environmental impact statement needed to move into construction remains on hold until funding is secured.

The commission heard that the Miller Peninsula concept originated in the agency's centennial planning work in the early 2000s and that public workshops beginning in 2006 refined a "nature within reach" theme that concentrates development in a small footprint. State Parks staff said earlier planning was paused after the 2008 recession and again because of funding, and that work restarted in 2023 when the commission directed staff to complete a master plan.

The master plan presented to the commission shows roughly 73 acres—about 2.5% of the total park land—proposed for built development. Staff said the planned amenities do not include a lodge, shopping or swimming pools but would include a visitor center, nature playground, interpretive elements, additional trails, picnic shelters, a multipurpose open space for community events, RV and tent camping, standard state park cabins, equestrian and group campgrounds, two bunkhouses for youth field trips and an initial set of tree houses or freestanding structures among the trees. The plan also proposes trail realignments and an equestrian campground in the southern portion of the park to retain the site's strong equestrian use.

Staff told commissioners the agency completed a hydrogeologic study this year that found groundwater at the site to be of high quality and sufficient to meet development demand, and that the Department of Ecology granted a water-right permit in June of the prior year. Staff also said they have begun work to refine land classifications, long-term boundaries and a potential park name.

Commissioners pressed staff on timing and the impact of the state budget. Commissioner Williams asked whether the project remains a priority given deep cuts in the governor's capital budget proposal; Director DuPuy and staff answered that the project’s next regulatory step—the EIS—requires separate funding and that State Parks will reassess priorities depending on final state appropriations. Staff estimated an EIS would cost in the range of $250,000 to $300,000 and said no development could proceed until the EIS is complete. They added that the EIS would analyze a range of development levels, from a minimal tent-site-only alternative to a full-service park with phased construction possibly taking 10 to 20 years.

Public and partner engagement to date includes a statewide survey (about 800 responses), outreach at a Spokane outdoor recreation show and consultation with the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, Clallam County and local stakeholders. Staff reported productive tribal communications and noted the tribe has a separate, nearby development proposal north of Highway 101. The Backcountry Horsemen have been engaged and currently help maintain the existing 17-mile trail system; staff said all current trails are intended to remain open to equestrian use, though some new trails in sensitive areas may be pedestrian-only.

Traffic impacts, emergency response and water availability were among public concerns staff said would be addressed in the master plan and analyzed in the EIS. Staff said they will begin a traffic study in the coming months to assess impacts on Diamond Point Road, Highway 101 and nearby intersections.

For now, staff said additional public meetings will be scheduled to review maps and proposals and that the agency will continue tribal collaboration on park naming and boundary refinement while the EIS stays on hold pending funding.