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County staff to bring Wisteria Island ownership/management back to board after commissioners signal mixed interest
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Summary
After a briefing on recent federal conversations about Wisteria Island, commissioners gave informal direction to return the matter to a future meeting for more information; some members said they are not yet comfortable moving forward because ownership is under appeal.
The county attorney briefed the board on Jan. 15 about renewed federal interest in transferring Wisteria Island to local control and said he would place a next-step item on a future agenda so the board could consider whether to pursue an application to take control of the island. Commissioners expressed mixed views and asked for more information before any formal commitment.
The county attorney said the Department of the Interior’s assistant secretary re-engaged on the issue and that a process exists to seek transfer of federal lands; the county attorney emphasized that any application process can be stopped at any time and that the county is not presently in a position to fund cleanup or improvements. “I made it clear that we were not in a position to fund any type of cleanup or any type of improvements out there,” the county attorney said.
Multiple commissioners cautioned against acting while ownership remains tied up in federal litigation. Commissioner Lincoln recalled prior discussions that the county would only consider taking ownership after the island was cleaned and hazards removed, and Commissioner Gates said he would support moving forward only if the county’s involvement did not prejudice the litigation and if a feasible plan for cleanup and management can be identified. Other commissioners were open to returning the topic for a formal discussion and fact-finding. The board gave informal direction to prepare a future agenda item for more detailed discussion and public notice.
Why it matters: Wisteria Island has been the subject of recurring litigation and local concern about safety, trash and unauthorized uses. Taking formal steps to seek federal transfer could enable local management tools — such as trespass rules — but would also expose the county to cleanup responsibilities and possible litigation risk. Commissioners requested more information before committing to apply for ownership or control.
