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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4 PROS & Historic 2025_1219Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–1 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 4 Open Space, Parks & Recreation, Historical & Cultural Preservation Jefferson County OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–2 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 While the GMA does not require comprehensive plans to include a parks and recreation element absent state funding, the goals of the GMA include retention of open space, enhancement of recreational opportunities, development of parks and recreation facilities, and preservation of significant historical and cultural sites. Further, the County has a Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan (2022) that sets forth the County’s system plan and helps the County’s eligibility for funding. The Jefferson County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan is adopted by reference. This element draws from the system plan and connects land use and parks planning together to support healthy active lifestyles for county residents, supports the County’s tourism and recreation economic sector, and maintains the county’s rich cultural heritage. 4.1 PURPOSE Parks and recreational opportunities are important to quality of life in Jefferson County, and a key goal of this Comprehensive Plan is to classify, protect, and enhance parks and open space lands. The purpose of this element is to link them to a county-wide network, develop goals and policies to meet the demand for these facilities and services consistent with GMA, and to incorporate by reference and integrate the Jefferson County Parks, Recreation & Open Space (PROS) Plan Update (2022) with the County’s overall comprehensive planning framework. The purpose of the Historical and Cultural Preservation component of this element is to encourage the preservation of historical and pre- European contact sites, structures and artifacts through designation criteria and review processes. 4.2 TRENDS & OPPORTUNITIES Conditions & Trends The overall system of parks and recreation located in Jefferson County includes a variety of lands and facilities under the management of County, City of Port Townsend, school district, State, and Federal agencies. Approximately three-fourths of all land in Jefferson County is publicly owned, most notably the Olympic National Park and the Olympic National Forest. Combined, these two areas cover nearly 2 million acres This element supports the Vision Statement by promoting active recreation, and networks of trails, bikes lanes, and paths that support the agri-tourism economy and empower residents to make healthy choices. Additional concepts encourage collaboration with Tribes and appropriate agencies to identify and preserve cultural resources and character within the County. Policies are in place to ensure that government-to-government collaboration and consultation with local tribes is regular and ongoing. Connection to the Vision Statement OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–3 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 in central Jefferson County. Land owned by Washington State Parks, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the DNR comprises an additional 5,000 acres of public recreational areas and 10 miles of shoreline. Parks owned and managed by Jefferson County are summarized in Exhibit 4-1. A detailed inventory of parks and recreation facilities, including parks, trails, community centers, and open space is contained in the Jefferson County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan (PROS Plan), which was updated in 2022. OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–4 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Exhibit 4-1 Jefferson County Parks and Trails (2022) Parks Acres Location Neighborhood Parks 7.0 County Courthouse Park 2.0 Port Townsend Irondale Community Park 3.0 Port Hadlock Quilcene River & Bay Park East 2.0 Quilcene County/Community Parks 115.5 Bob Bates Field 12.0 Port Hadlock Cape George Trailhead 43.0 Port Townsend Chimacum County Park 14.0 Chimacum East Beach County Park 1.0 Marrowstone Island Hicks County Park in Shine 1.0 Port Ludlow Irondale Beach County Park 12.5 Port Hadlock Lake Leland County Park 9.0 Quilcene North Beach County Park 1.0 Port Townsend Quilcene County Park 8.0 Quilcene Quilcene Sports Park/Smackman Field 14.0 Quilcene Regional Parks 723.0 Beausite Lake County Park & NW Kiwanis Camp 30.0 Chimacum Gibbs Lake County Park & Trails 601.0 Chimacum H.J. Carroll County Park & Trail 50.0 Chimacum Larry Scott Trail & Olympic Discovery Trail 7.1 (9.0 mi) Port Townsend Oak Bay County Park Lower 30.0 Port Ludlow Oak Bay County Park Upper 5.0 Port Ludlow Natural Open Space 183.8 Indian Island County Park & Trail 140.0 Port Hadlock Broad Spit County Park 43.8 Quilcene Recreation Facilities 122.842.8 Special Use Areas Jefferson County Memorial Athletic Field 5.0 Port Townsend Jefferson County Fairgrounds 27.7 Port Townsend Jefferson County Equestrian Park [to confirm] 80.0 Quimper Jefferson Co. Sportsman Assn. Shooting Range 43.0 Quimper Community Centers Port Townsend Community Center 1.0 Port Townsend Brinnon Community Center NA Brinnon Coyle Community Center (Laurel B. Johnson) 1.0 South Toandos Gardiner Community Center 2.0 Gardner Tri-Area Community Center 2.0 Port Hadlock Quilcene Community Center 4.1 Quilcene Total Jefferson County Parks 1,152.2072.1 Sources: Jefferson County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan, 2022; Jefferson County, 20254, BERK 2025. Commented [ME1]: Internal note: Sportsman Assn Shooting Range is not included in the PROS Plan or in the CFP TA. Remove? Commented [JH2R1]: Erroneously left from the 2018 CP, no longer in the 2022 PROS Plan Commented [EC3]: PC 6/4/2025 Why N/A instead of listing acreage? Commented [JH4R3]: This is how it’s listed in the 2022 PROS Plan. Leaving for consistency. OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–5 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Challenges & Opportunities The 2022 Jefferson County Parks, Open Space, and Recreation (PROS) Plan includes a detailed needs assessment for each category of park and recreation facility and establishes guidance for future recreation system planning, including gaps and major service challenges, as well as opportunities for partnerships and other means of expanding and improving the facilities available to county residents. Challenges and opportunities identified in the 2015 PROS plan include the following: ▶ The County and City of Port Townsend have sufficient acreage in neighborhood and community parks to meet projected demand, but additional funding and/or partnerships will be necessary to ensure ongoing maintenance. ▶ The County has a large amount of regional park acreage, but due to the large and complex nature of such facilities, additional funding sources may be necessary to make future operations sustainable. ▶ Regional trails are a highly valued park amenity greatly desired by the public, and the development of additional trails to meet demand is a high priority for parks and recreation capital planning. ▶ Special Use facilities, such as athletic fields and recreation centers, require significant commitments and funding for maintenance and continued operation. Additional programming at recreation centers, specifically programs for children, are in high demand. In addition, the County is no longer meeting the PROS Plan’s adopted level of service (LOS) standard for special use facilities based on the current population and updated facility inventory (see Appendix D). ▶ The parks system, while clean and in serviceable condition, has a large backlog of maintenance projects including small, medium, and large projects. ▶ County beach parks are suffering from periodic flooding due to sea level rise, as well as erosion by storms made worse by climate change. ▶ There are not enough campsites in the park system, and existing campsites are small and primitive. ▶ There is a Sshortage of athletic fields for youth and adult sports. ▶ There is a Sshortage of specialized recreation facilities such as pickleball courts, bicycle pump–track, mountain bike park, picnic shelters, accessible outdoor facilities, wildlife viewing areas, and outdoor gathering space for large groups such as families or organizations ▶ There is a Llack of mobility accessibility throughout parks. OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–6 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 In addition, Jefferson County faces a fundamental challenge common to many counties in the necessity to provide recreation services to a decentralized population over a large area with limited resources, particularly regarding western Jefferson County, which contains a relatively isolated population with few County facilities. Refer to the Transportation Element for additional information at the heading Non-motorized Trails & Standards. The importance in providing these opportunities for physical activity and recreation is reflected in data cited in the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) and other healthy living programs. Policies in this element help to provide recreation opportunities and facilitates the CHIP goal for Jefferson County residents to get the appropriate levels of physical activity and create positive health outcomes regarding chronic disease prevention. 4.3 OPEN SPACE, PARKS & RECREATION, HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION PLAN Jefferson County Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan The 2022 Jefferson County Parks, Open Space, and Recreation (PROS) Plan establishes a framework to guide the acquisition, development and improvement of park areas and facilities and the provision of recreational services throughout Jefferson County. It is designed to meet the County’s recreational, social, and cultural needs now and into the future. Parks and recreation facilities must be recognized as valuable not only to county residents, but also visitors. As Jefferson County grows in population, demands on parks and recreational facilities increase. Recreational opportunities are one important measurement of community livability in that they help to build strong neighborhoods and promote a high quality of life. Parks and recreation planning should be flexible enough to meet the ever-changing demands of the community, yet comprehensive enough to assure that the needs of the community are consistently met. This Related to western Jefferson County The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is addressed in the following Elements: Land Use Land Use & Public Health Natural Resources Open Space, Parks & Rec. Challenges & Opportunities Environment Environmentally Friendly Development Techniques Transportation Active Living Community Health Improvement Plan OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–7 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 plan examines and addresses current needs, desires, and opportunities with an eye toward historical information relevant to parks and recreation development. Population factors, land use, and general geographic features of the county are also vital considerations within the plan. The 2022 PROS Plan (as amended) is adopted by reference as a part of this Comprehensive Plan. This document provides an inventory of park and recreation facilities and programs under Jefferson County jurisdiction. It also establishes standards, goals, objectives and programs for parks, open space, recreation facilities, wildlife resources and special historical and cultural resources and presents a strategy for providing facilities and programs to meet the needs of the county’s residents and visitors. The 2022 PROS Plan is consistent with the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) and the GMA Comprehensive Plan Guidelines. Open Space As defined under the Washington State Open Space Taxation Act (RCW 84.34.020), "Open space land" means: ▶ any land area so designated by an official comprehensive land use plan adopted by any city or county and zoned accordingly, or ▶ any land area, the preservation of which in its present use would — conserve and enhance natural or scenic resources, or — protect streams or water supply, or — promote conservation of soils, wetlands, beaches, or tidal marshes, or — enhance the value to the public of abutting or neighboring parks, forests, wildlife preserves, nature reservations or sanctuaries or other open space, or — enhance recreation opportunities, or — preserve historical sites, or — preserve visual quality along highway, road, and street corridors or scenic vistas, or — retain in its natural state tracts of land not less than one acre situated in an urban area and open to public use on such conditions as may be reasonably required by the legislative body granting the open space classification, or; ▶ any land meeting the definition of farm and agricultural conservation land. In addition to the goals and objectives for open spaces in this element, and the 2022 PROS Plan, residents can participate in an Open Space Tax Program – current use assessment offered by the County, that Commented [JP5]: PC Review: PC wonders where accounting for Jefferson Land Trust properties, and other conservation easements would be? Commented [JH6R5]: See additions below. OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–8 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 evaluates lands using a rating system based on the criteria above to identify potential public benefit and provide a reduction in property tax. Jefferson Land Trust, an accredited, nonprofit, grassroots land conservation organization, works to protect open space, working lands, and wildlife habitat in Jefferson County. Founded in 1989, Jefferson Land Trust has helped protect nearly 18,500 acres throughout Jefferson County, including farmland, fish and wildlife habitat, working forest, and urban open space.1 Key properties include Quimper Wildlife Corridor, Chai-yahk-wh Preserve on Marrowstone Island, the Tarboo Wildlife Preserve, the Illahee Preserve in the Chimacum Creek Watershed, and Valley View Forest, a 75-acre forest near Chimacum Corner. Other organizations that are active in land conservation in Jefferson County include the Jefferson County Conservation District, a district that helps land users conserve natural resources and collaborate with partner organizations to support conservation and restoration projects throughout the community.2 Jefferson County Public Health also has a local grant program, the Jefferson County Conservation Future Fund, a local property-tax funded grant program that supports the purchase of development rights, land, and operations to preserve open space, farmland, forests, and habitat.3 Historical & Cultural Resource Preservation Prior to the arrival of European settlers and explorers, the area that is now Jefferson County was home to several Native American groups (First People), including the Chemakum, Hoh, Klallam, Suquamish, Makah, Quileute, Quinault, and Twana Tribes. Permanent village sites and activity areas were concentrated near ocean and riparian resources for food access and mobility. The First People were hunters and gatherers, using canoes to fish, hunt whales and seals, and collect shellfish. They also hunted land mammals and birds, collected food and medicinal plants, and extensively used forest resources, creating most of their material culture from wood, other botanical material, and bone. Evidence of the First People’s activities can be found throughout Jefferson County, especially archaeological sites along the coasts and rivers. Specialized activity sites, such as work camps and cedar cutting areas can be found inland. Sites of religious importance are known through oral traditions and early documents. The primacy of these First People to Jefferson County is preserved in place names throughout the 1 Jefferson Land Trust 2023-24 Report to Our Community, 2024 2 Jefferson County Conservation District, 2025 3 Jefferson County Public Health Conservation Futures Fund Program, 2025 Commented [EC7]: PC 6/4/2025 Should we talk about Land Trust properties? And other organizations that conserve land for their programs Commented [ME8R7]: Thank you, added. OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–9 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 county. The Hoh and Quinault tribal nations still occupy land in West Jefferson County. Successors of the Klallam Tribe have sovereign lands in adjoining Clallam County (Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe) and adjoining Kitsap County (Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe). A successor to the Twana Tribe, the Skokomish Tribe, has its tribal nation in adjoining Mason County. The preservation of Jefferson County’s cultural resources is important for many reasons. These resources help us retain community values; provide for continuity over time; represent an enduring link to tribal cultural traditions; and contribute to a sense of place. This link is also important for Jefferson County because of the often forward-looking tribal perspective that is provided on many current issues. To protect cultural resources for future generations, it is important to set goals and policies designed to identify, designate, preserve, and reuse irreplaceable remnants of the past in a way that honors their history and cultural significance. In addition to the goals and policies in this element, the Jefferson County Open Space, and Recreation (PROS) Plan Update 2022 (as amended), contains goals and policies in Chapter 2 on Special Historical and Cultural Resources and Use Areas, and the County maintains a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) mapping sites of significance and establishing discovery protocols. Significant archaeological and historical sites are also considered high priority resources in the Open Space Tax Program. From the Collection of the Jefferson County Historical Society OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–10 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 4.4 GOALS & POLICIES The goals outlined below provide a general direction for the maintenance and enhancement of Jefferson County’s open space lands, parks and recreation facilities, and historical and cultural resources. These goals are based on the requirements of the GMA, consistent with the 2022 Jefferson County Parks, Open Space, and Recreation PROS Plan, and on the issues and opportunities identified by county residents. As with all elements of this Comprehensive Plan, goals state the general growth management intentions of the County while policies are the guidelines for implementation and provide the basis for the development standards contained in the UDC. Also see Chapter 2 of the 2022 PROS Plan (as amended) Chapter 2 for Goals and Objectives. Goal OS-G-1 Preserve and improve the quality, value, and extent of open space lands. Policy OS-P-1.1 Work collaboratively with public and private groups, residents, and tribes to develop a financially sustainable, high quality, diversified open space system, including campgrounds and trail network linkages, that preserves and enhances significant environmental resources and features. Continue to look at feasibility of expanding campground parks as a revenue generator. Policy OS-P-1.2 Establish and conserve a sustainable system of open space corridors or separators to provide definition between natural areas and urban land uses. Policy OS-P-1.3 Encourage public enrollment in the current-use or open space tax program (Chapter 84.34 RCW) for open space lands. Policy OS-P-1.4 Identify and conserve critical wildlife habitat, including nesting sites, foraging areas, and migration corridors within or adjacent to natural areas, open spaces, and developed urban areas. Preserve especially sensitive habitat sites that support threatened species and wildlife habitat in developed areas. Policy OS-P-1.5 Promote open space network linkages throughout the county that connect Urban Areas, Rural Centers, schools, parks, or recreation sites, and supports active transportation and tourism by bicycle, horse, or foot. Physical activity is key to a healthy lifestyle, and the Parks, Recreation, Historical, and Cultural Preservation Element plays a central role in promoting public health in Jefferson County. The Plan’s Vision recognizes that the natural environment and open spaces are integral to healthy lifestyles and offer residents many benefits, including clean air, clean water, and healthy food. Framework Goal VIII of the Plan Foundation calls for the promotion of community safety and well-being by creating access to “active recreation that empowers residents to make healthy choices.” Awareness of the benefits and importance of healthy environments is reflected in the Community Health Improvement Plan. This Element and the 202215 PROS Plan provide a framework for increasing access to recreational amenities for Jefferson County residents and making it easier for them to make those healthy choices. Active & Healthy Living OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–11 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Policy OS-P-1.6 Preserve and protect significant environmental features including unique wetlands, open spaces, mature trees, woodlands, shorelines, waterfronts and other characteristics that support wildlife and reflect Jefferson County’s resource heritage. Improve public access to environmentally sensitive areas and sites that are especially unique to the Jefferson County area in a sustainable manner. Policy OS-P-1.7 Promote the inclusion of open space in development proposals by encouraging and promoting residential clustering and design. Policy OS-P-1.8 Ensure that the development of new parks adequately addresses the open space objectives of both the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and the Jefferson County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan. Goal OS-G-2 Develop a high-quality, accessible system of multipurpose park trails and corridors that access significant environmental features, public facilities, and developed local neighborhoods and business districts. Policy OS-P-2.1 Create a comprehensive system of accessible multipurpose off-road trails using public as well as cooperating private properties where appropriate. Policy OS-P-2.2 Create a comprehensive system of on-road bicycle routes for commuter, recreational, and touring enthusiasts using scenic, collector, and local road rights-of-way that link residential neighborhoods to County facilities. Consider separated bike lanes when possible to promote safety and more accessible ridership. Policy OS-P-2.3 Work with other public agencies and appropriate parties to link, extend, and maintain trails along the Puget Sound, Hood Canal, and Strait of Juan de Fuca shorelines with elementary, middle, and high schools, downtown business districts and other commercial and retail activity centers, as well as extend trails through natural area corridors and campground areas, to provide diverse and sustainable environmental experiences. Policy OS-P-2.4 Pursue and encourage public involvement in open space, parks, and recreation planning through a variety of methods including advisory boards, workshops, and news releases. Policy OS-P-2.5 When developing or upgrading park facilities and infrastructure, consider maintenance and operation cost, and utilize sustainable development and green building practices to lessen the impact on the environment and increase climate resilience. Refer to Transportation Element, Goal TR-G-5 Irondale Park Waterfront, Carolyn Gallaway Steps to Ludlow Falls, Carolyn Gallaway OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–12 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Policy OS-P-2.6 Minimize impacts on wildlife and cultural resources as new trails are developed. Policy OS-P-2.7 Minimize park system maintenance activities that contribute to air and noise pollution or disturb humans and wildlife. Goal OS-G-3 Encourage the multiple use of open spaces and wildlife corridors. Policy OS-P-3.1 Encourage appropriate recreational uses within critical areas, such as floodplains, to also preserve open spaces. Policy OS-P-3.2 Review development proposals to evaluate opportunities for multiple use of proposed open space. The open space should be of a quality, quantity, and configuration which ensures that a suitable portion of the site is designated for conservation, food plants and trees, passive recreation, and, where appropriate, active recreation. Policy OS-P-3.3 Encourage appropriate opportunities to add regional stormwater facilities to parks, recreation to stormwater facilities, or support stormwater parks, which can provide recreation and stormwater treatment. Policy OS-P-3.4 Protect and encourage forest canopy cover in open spaces for climate resilience in the form of cool refuges for residents and increased carbon sinks. Goal OS-G-4 Develop and maintain public park and recreational facilities that are inclusive, youth-friendly, physically accessible, and responsive to the diverse needs and interests of Jefferson County residents and visitors. Policy OS-P-4.1 Investigate innovative available methods for the financing of facility development, maintenance, and operations to reduce costs, retain financial flexibility, match user benefits and interests, and increase facility services, while including joint ventures with other public and private agencies when feasible. Policy OS-P-4.2 Develop recreational opportunities and programs that enhance, support, and utilize the existing facilities to the highest degree possible. Policy OS-P-4.3 Maintain and improve resources and facilities currently in the system. When financially feasible and sustainable, develop a high quality, diversified recreation system that provides accessibility for all age, abilities, and interest groups. Lower Oak Bay County Park Commented [JH9]: Joel, I suggest leaving this tree canopy coverage policy considering the GMA requirements for tree canopy coverage analysis in the UGA and climate resilience - this policy isn’t directly responding to a requirement (so you don’t have to keep it) but I think it’s related/supportive. Can also cross reference to Policy CE-P-8.1. Commented [JH10]: Revised per EJC’s youth informed discussions OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–13 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Policy OS-P-4.4 Define existing and proposed levels of service for recreation lands and facilities that address both increased requirements due to population growth and improved facility standards. Levels of Service should address neighborhood versus county nexus of benefit and differentiate between County, City, and other provider agency efforts. Policy OS-P-4.5 Establish a funding source within the County or within other organizations, to develop parks programs; and seek funding for recreational programming and facilities that is responsive to geographic equity and provides a low threshold of entry for all to participate. Policy OS-P-4.6 Ensure that parks and recreation facilities along marine shores, lakes and streams are compatible with the goals, policies, and performance standards of the Jefferson County Shoreline Master Program. Policy OS-P-4.7 Require developers of new residential subdivisions to provide land, facilities, or in-lieu-of payments for neighborhood parks and recreation, when appropriate. Policy OS-P-4.8 Encourage the provision of public parks and private parks concurrent with development. Policy OS-P-4.9 Promote cooperative efforts, joint project development, and long-range planning with other public agencies, Tribes, the private sector, and community groups and volunteers to create and maintain open space, parks, and recreational areas. Policy OS-P-4.9Policy OS-P-4.10 Prioritize spaces that promote safety, social connection, recreation, and creative expression for young people of all backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, rural, and low- income individuals. Policy OS-P-4.10 Prioritize providing equitable access to recreational programming to underserved and historically marginalized communities. Policy OS-P-4.11 Provide recreation programs for teens and offer programming for the entire community focused on mental health. Provide recreation programs that complement services already provided by other agencies so that unfulfilled needs are met in as self- sustaining a way as possible. Policy OS-P-4.12Policy OS-P-4.11 Support and promote the stewardship of open space and parks facilities by community volunteer groups and educational institutions. Mt. Walker Trail Sign, Carolyn Gallaway Commented [JH11]: Added per EJC’s youth informed discussions Commented [JH12]: Suggest retaining based on community feedback and priorities, though ok to remove and still be compliant with GMA. Commented [MT13]: Mental and physical health benefits are implicit in all recreation programs Commented [JH14R13]: Thanks, ok to remove and still be compliant with GMA Commented [MT15]: Recreation programs are not self -sustaining, they require large subsidies. Commented [JH16R15]: Thanks, ok to remove and still be compliant with GMA OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–14 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Policy OS-P-4.13 Consult with tribes in a meaningful way when developing recreation that impacts their ancestral lands within the county. Policy OS-P-4.14 Encourage respectful recreation that honors the place and recognizes the ancestral significance of the area for local tribes. Policy OS-P-4.15Policy OS-P-4.12 Expand equitable access to culturally relevant programming in parks and recreation spaces. Goal OS-G-5 Work with tribes and other appropriate agencies and community groups to identify, preserve, and celebrate significant cultural and historical resources that reflect the heritage of Jefferson County’s diverse community. Policy OS-P-5.1 Support the efforts of the Jefferson County Historical Society, local Tribes, and other interested groups, to: ▶ Assist in identifying, evaluating, and designating historical and pre-contact sites, structures, districts, practices, and artifacts of cultural significance for inclusion on appropriate national, state, and/or local registers; ▶ Help develop methods to link cultural resource preservation with tourism and local and tribal economic development strategies. ▶ Partner with Tribes and other agencies in implementing protocols for inadvertent discovery of archaeological resources and human remains. Policy OS-P-5.2 Address the historic context in which a cultural resource may exist—especially with regard to scale, bulk, and compatibility—if development applications contain or are adjacent to cultural resources. Policy OS-P-5.3 Support cultural spaces, places, and areas of significance for the tribes and local BIPOC communities. Policy OS-P-5.4 Protect culturally modified trees (CMTs) in coordination with local tribes, and through development regulations and forest management. Policy OS-P-5.5 Ensure that local tribes are involved early in planning processes to reflect the importance of tribal communities to the County and its future in the region. Policy OS-P-5.6 Ensure that tribal sovereignty and treaty rights are recognized and respected throughout the planning process. Policy OS-P-5.7 Ensure tribes have access to critical areas for harvesting and gathering. From the Collection of the Jefferson County Historical Society Commented [MT17]: Consultation with tribes is already required by state law. Commented [JH18R17]: See note to Joel below, suggest keeping these three policies. Commented [JH19]: Added per EJC equity analysis. Commented [JH20]: Joel - I suggest keeping all three of these. Many things in the CP are required by State law but the County is emphasizing meaningful consultation, continued relationship building, and respectful recreation. I also think these respond somewhat to the amended Tribal participation requirements in HB 1717. Commented [MT21]: The term “historical” in this goal. Commented [JH22R21]: Added OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–15 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Policy OS-P-5.8 Identify opportunities for cultural placemaking through arts and local events. Policy OS-P-5.9 Support and encourage cultural and arts programs that facilitate involvement, engagement, communication, understanding, and respect among the county’s diverse population. Policy OS-P-5.10Policy OS-P-5.8 Partner with the tribes and local BIPOC groups to document and preserve the county’s diverse histories. Policy OS-P-5.11 Encourage and support grants or funding opportunities for cultural preservation initiatives led by historically marginalized groups Commented [JH23]: Suggest retaining based on community feedback and priorities, though ok to remove and still be compliant with GMA. Commented [MT24]: My general comment to all of the new policies added to this section is that while I agree with most of them, new policies should be added through a public process that includes the Parks and Recreation Advisory board as well as outreach to the general public, rather than added by one individual. That is the purpose of the PROS/Trails Plan. Commented [JH25R24]: Thanks. It’s normal for the CP policies to not 100% match the PROS Plan, especially as they get updated on different cycles. Most of the policy updates in this element were related to equity and climate consistent with broader updates made throughout the CP (and consistent with new GMA guidance and what we’ve been hearing from the community). The CP updates have gone through a robust public process and continue to have additional opportunity for public comment as we work through the PC public hearing and BOCC review. Joel’s previous email is correct that the CP does not intend to rewrite or revise the functional plans, but incorporates the facts of the functional plans as they currently are, until they’re updated on their own schedule. The CP element and PROS Plan should work in tandem to guide County decision making on parks and rec. Commented [JH26]: Suggest retaining based on community feedback and priorities, though ok to remove and still be compliant with GMA. OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–16 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 4.5 ACTION PLAN [Limited draft revisions to the action plan are shown below based on early public input and discussion with County staff. The action plan will continue to be refined following the release of the public draft and additional input from the public and Planning Commission on community priorities.] The 2022 Jefferson County PROS Plan includes a detailed implementation plan, based on the needs assessment and capital improvement plan contained in that document. The action plan in Exhibit 4-2 highlights a combination of implementation measures based on the policies of the 2022 PROS plan and this element. Exhibit 4-2 Open Space, Parks & Recreation, Historical & Cultural Resources Action Plan Action Description County Park and Recreational Resources Continue implementation of the 2022 PROS Plan. Maintain and optimize services at existing recreational facilities. Implement facility improvements, expansions, and acquisitions according to the 2022 PROS Plan Capital Improvement Plan. Continue developing partnerships and volunteerism to ensure adequate staffing and increase available programming at County recreation facilities. Continue funding and development of trails projects to create community linkages. Partner with the City of Port Townsend and the State of Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to plan future corridors and identify feasible funding opportunities. Bring parks and recreational programming to underserved populations Identify underserved populations, whether by geography or by other barriers to participation, and implement strategies to serve those populations with updated parks programming and facilities accessible to a wide range of ages and abilities. Seek to establish a consistent funding source for parks programs, recreational programming, and facilities. Review service standards and inventory in the next PROS Plan update. Address any existing deficiencies (e.g., special use facilities) and consider location of parks relative to historically marginalized and underserved populations in the next PROS Plan update. Consider revisions to park LOS standards as needed. Historical and Cultural Preservation Develop internal inventory of historical and culturally sensitive sites to aid development permit review. Partner with tribes, community groups, and other agencies to identify culturally significant sites that could be adversely impacted by development and establish development permit review procedures to protect culturally significant locations. Incorporate information from DAHP, such as the WISAARD database, to supplement local knowledge of culturally significant sites. Continue to develop collaborative relationships and consult with area tribes. Identify Jefferson County’s historical sites and seek ways to preserve high-priority historical elements. Source: Jefferson County, 2025. Commented [JH27]: Added to address the special use facility deficit and incorporate equitable distribution in the next PROS Plan update OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–17 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 [ This page intentionally blank ] OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–18 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Remove prior intentionally blank page from PDF if needed—formatted as a placeholder to ensure each element starts on a right hand spread. Do not publish from this point forward. Remove pages from consolidated PDF. These sections should be updated and copied into their appropriate chapters (TOC, References) as needed. References Jefferson County Conservation District. (2025). Jefferson County Conservation District Homepage. Retrieved from https://www.jeffersoncd.org/ Jefferson County Parks and Recreation. (2022). Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan 2022. Retrieved from https://jeffersoncountywa.myrec.com/forms/7581_jefferson_county_parks_recreation_open_spa ce_and_trails_comprehensive_plan_october_10_2022.pdf Jefferson County Public Health. (2025). Conservation Futures Fund Program. Retrieved from Boards and Commissions A-E: https://www.jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/560/Conservation-Futures- Program Jefferson Land Trust. (2024, September). 2023-24 Report to Our Community. Retrieved from Jefferson Land Trust: https://s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/cdn.saveland.org/wp- content/uploads/2024/09/11174113/2023-2024_R2C-Final.pdf OPEN SPACE, PARKS, & REC., HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan 4–19 Public Hearing Draft March 2026 Contents 4 OPEN SPACE, PARKS & RECREATION, HISTORICAL & CULTURAL PRESERVATION 4–1 4.1 Purpose 4–2 4.2 Trends & Opportunities 4–2 Conditions & Trends 4–2 Challenges & Opportunities 4–5 4.3 Open Space, Parks & Recreation, Historical & Cultural Preservation Plan 4–6 Jefferson County Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan 4–6 Open Space 4–7 Historical & Cultural Resource Preservation 4–8 4.4 Goals & Policies 4–10 4.5 Action Plan 4–16 Exhibit 4-1 Jefferson County Parks and Trails (2022) 4–4 Exhibit 4-2 Open Space, Parks & Recreation, Historical & Cultural Resources Action Plan 4–16