Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cascadia Marine Trail Site topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board considers Salt Creek site for Cascadia Marine Trail campsite amid neighbor habitat and privacy concerns
Summary
The advisory board discussed adopting a Salt Creek site as a Cascadia Marine Trail campsite, heard neighbor concerns about parking, privacy and potential habitat impacts, and was told the site lies more than 200 feet from ordinary high tide—outside Shoreline Master Program review—while initial improvements were estimated at about $15,000.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board discussed a proposal May 5 to formally adopt a Salt Creek site as a Cascadia Marine Trail campsite and heard opposing concerns from neighbors about parking, privacy and salmon habitat.
Staff (S2) told the board the site had been previously reviewed by Cascadia representatives and county specialists; county habitat biologist Rebecca Mahan had told staff the site is more than 200 feet from ordinary high tide and, according to staff, is not subject to the county’s Shoreline Master Program permitting. Staff proposed basic site improvements—including a small pavilion, a picnic table and split‑rail fencing—priced at roughly $15,000 to formally designate the campsite and its boundaries.
Neighbors and some board members raised concerns. One resident who had earlier sent letters objected to adding amenities at a site where parking has at times produced nuisance behavior; the resident also worried about potential salmon‑habitat impacts despite staff’s distance measurements. A board member asked staff to do direct outreach and invite the concerned neighbor to the June meeting so the person can deliver public comment in person.
Why it matters: designating a Cascadia Marine Trail campsite affects recreational access for paddlers and may change usage patterns at a coastal site with adjacent residences. Staff warned the legal and agreement review required to complete a campsite designation could take months and recommended early engagement with neighbors and legal counsel.
Next steps: the board agreed to place the Salt Creek/Cascadia Marine Trail campsite matter on the June agenda and to ask staff to provide the written correspondence and invite the concerned neighbor for public comment and a fuller presentation.
