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HomeMy WebLinkAbout50-05 - Res. Adopting Mason County Master Trails Plan Resolution No . S 0 _ 0 S
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MASON COUNTY,
ADOPTING THE MASON COUNTY MASTER TRAILS PLAN.
WHEREAS , Mason County is responsible for the development, maintenance, and improvement
of park facilities throughout the County; and
WHEREAS , trails are a critical element of park facilities that provide access to community
amenities , natural resources , and enhance the mobility of County residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS , trails are also an integral component in the economic development and quality of
life in Mason County; and
WHEREAS , the Board of County Commissioners believe that it is necessary to plan for the
development of trails to ensure continuity, address future demands , and maximize the use of public
resources ; and
WHEREAS , the Mason County Master Trails Plan has been developed under the direction of the
Board of County Commissioners, with the aide and advice of interested citizens appointed to the Trails
Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS , a Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners is the appropriate mechanism
to formalize this plan for implementation;
NOW THEREFORE, the Board of County Commissioners does hereby resolve as follows :
SECTION 1 :
The Mason County Master Trails Plan (Exhibit A) as transmitted to the Board of County Commissioners
by the Trails Advisory Committee on April 12 , 2005 , is hereby adopted .
SECTION 2 :
Mason County Parks Department is directed to implement the Master Trails Plan consistent with
available funding and Commission priorities .
ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Mason County, this 7 t h day of
j, n F, , 2005 .
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MASON_ COUNTY, WASHINGTON
ATTEST:
Ja L. k amin, Chairperson
Rebecca Rogers, Clerk of the Board
IIlk /�t
�4
APP OV D AS TO FORM : a Ring Erickso , Commissioner
fA
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tim Sheldon, Commissioner
EXHIBIT A
Mason County Master Trails Plan
A Framework for Countywide Trail
Development
Recommended by
Mason County Trails Committee
Qlq?"
Prepared by
Mason County Department of Community Development
Mason County Department of Parks and Waste Management
March 2005
Mason Countv Commissioners
Jayni L . Kamin , Chair
Tim Sheldon
Lynda Ring Erickson
Mason County Trails Committee Members
Dave O ' Connell , Chairman
Jeff Carey , Vice Chairman
Frank Benavente
Maureen MacCracken
Joetta Anderson
Jean Bonzer
Janet Shonk
Carleen Coker
Walt Hitchcock
Paul Eveleth
Bob Barnes
Cheryl Weston
Dana Tilton
Steven Anderson
Brad Carey
John Johnson
Tom Moran
Mason County Planning Support Staff
Robert Fink , AICP , Planning Manager, Dept of Community Development
Allan Borden , Long Range Planner, Dept of Community Development
Barbara A . Adkins , AICP , Planner III , Dept of Community Development
Doug Micheau , Director, Dept of Parks and Waste Management
Bill Bullock , Transportation Planning Engineer, Dept of Public Works
2
.11,T ABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
VisionStatement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1 . I ntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1 . 1 General Policy Statements . 0 a soasswo 0 a 9 9 0 a a a a R a a a a 0 a 0 a a a a N a a a a 0 a 9 a a a 0 a a 0 a a a a a 0 0 5
2 . Plan Development Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3 . Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3 . 1 Destinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3 . 2 Population Center Linkages/Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 7
3 . 3 Local Circulation . . a a a a D 0 a a 0 & a 0 U a a 0 4 a 0 a 0 0 4 9 a a a 0 0 0 0 a a a a 0 P a 5 0 a a Dam a ft a a a a V a a a 0 a 0 0 6 9 a 2 a a a a 7
3AOpportunities . a boom ago am mass a a 0 a Or a a a a a V a a a am a 6 a U a a a 0 a a a a q a a a a a a 0 0 a a a 0 0 a 0 0 a 8
3 . 6 Off- Road Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3 . 6 Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4 . Future Trail Plan Development . . . . . . . . . ammomwaso 9
5 . Implementation and Interim Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . K * ms9 & a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a 9 0 a a I a I a a 0 0 a a 9
5 . 1 Policy Guidelines . . 0 0 a 0 a a a 0 0 a 6 0 5 0 a a R P a 9 a a 0 a a 0 a a a a 0 a a 0 9 0 0 a a 6 P R a a a a a 0 a a a 0 0 a a a A 0 8 a a a a 0 a 0 9
5 . 2 Early Action Efforts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5 . 3 Public Involvement . . . . No 10
6 . Other Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Appendices
A . Resolution No . 72 -04
B . Notices of Public Meeting
C . Trails Committee Interest Survey & Survey Responses
D . Trails Committee Visioning Exercise
E . Agendas and Meeting Notes
3
VISION.
Our vision for Mason County is to cultivate a public and systematic approach to
developing a trail system in Mason County through the development of a master trail
plan . This plan shall provide for a countywide trail system that will connect communities ,
parks , and public facilities throughout Mason County , and provide a link with regional
trail systems . Our proposal is a countywide trail system that would greatly enhance
recreational opportunities and offer a direct economic benefit to the local community
through the promotion of additional tourism activities , increased property values , and an
increased quality of life for county residents . The Plan envisions a county wide network
of interconnected destinations and safe routes for alternative modes of non motorized
transportation ; it envisions providing both environmental as well as socioeconomic
benefits on a local and regional level — developing both a sense of community and a
sense of regionalism ; and it envisions improving the experience for those who visit
Mason County, and improving the quality of life for those who live in Mason County .
4
INTRODUCTION
What is a Trails Ian ?
A Trails Plan provides the parameters and guidelines for establishing a trail system
within Mason County by defining local values , needs , and expectations . It provides a
common vision for the community , and a framework for the actions of individuals ,
businesses and institutions ; while fostering an ongoing planning process within the
community.
Through the planning process , the issues confronting the development of trails must be
transformed into a mission and a set of goals that reflect the desires of the community
and provide the impetus for action . The plan must provide a consistent and justifiable
continuum of ideas , beliefs , and values that define the mission and vision of the trails
system . It is the blueprint for decision - making that addresses both long term and short
term needs . It is by nature interactive , involving internal and external stakeholders ,
including those responsible for implementation ,
Why is a Trails Plan Important to Mason County?
A Trails Plan in Mason County will allow for a comprehensive and well thought out trail
design and development which will improve non - motorized transportation opportunities ,
protect environmental quality, preserve and enhance visual quality and character,
provide for outdoor recreation , and explore potential economic impacts .
1 . 1 . General Policy Statements
The following policy statements provide generalized answers to the why' s and how' s
of trail planning in Mason County. These policies represent the context for an overall
trail planning effort important to the community, its residents and its visitors .
1 . 1 A . Mason County should consider trails as an essential element for quality of
life .
1 . 1 . 2 . Mason County should promote environmental protection and education in
its trail design and development .
1 . 1 . 3 . Mason County shall consider public safety in trail design and
development.
1 . 1 . 4 . Trails should be used as a means to promoting economic development
and tourism .
1 . 1 . 5 . Trails should be designated and constructed as multipurpose when and
where appropriate .
1 . 1 . 6 . Trails should be integrated with the county transportation system to
provide or facilitate alternative modes of transportation ( multi - modal ) .
1 . 1 . 7 . Trails should be integrated with the designation of open space corridors
during Comprehensive Plan updates .
101 . 8 . Mason County should consider any potential impacts on adjacent
properties when determining trail location and use .
1 . 1 . 9 . Mason County should consider and develop long range trail planning with
a view to 2055 .
5
ENT
�iPLAN
i/ DEVELOP i j ICESS
r
In September of 2004 , the Mason County Board of Commissioners signed a Resolution
that would establish the Mason County Trails Committee (Appendix A) . The Committee
was charged with creating a draft Master Trails Plan for a countywide trail system that
would connect communities parks and public facilities throughout Mason County and
provides a link with regional trail systems . The Board of Commissioners appointed a
committee representing a cross section of citizen affiliations including Mason Transit,
Washington Trails Association , Hoodsport Community Events Association , Port of
Hoodsport , Peninsula Regional Transportation Planning Organization , Mason Matters
Youth Committee , 4- H , Washington State University, Port of Shelton , Black Hills
Audubon Society, Washington State Parks , Future Generations Hospital Guild ,
Backcounty Horsemen of Washington , Mason County Rodeo , Washington State
Department of Transportation , Allyn Community Association , Goldsborough Creek Runs ,
City of Shelton Planning Advisory Committee , Mason County Planning Advisory
Commission , Port of Tahuya Advisory Board , Shelton Schools , Residents for the
Preservation of the Quality of Life on the Hood Canal , and the Grapeview Community
Group .
The Board of Commissioners selected the Committee members in October of 2004 to
serve for a term that shall conclude on March 31 , 2005 . The first meeting of the Trails
Committee was held on November 22 , 2004 allowing approximately four months to
complete the Trails Plan . Taking into consideration the Committee 's time constraints for
developing a plan , this Framework for Countywide Trail Development was developed as
a foundation document to be incorporated into future Mason County planning efforts .
The Trails Committee met once a month from November 2004 through March of 2005 .
Each of these meetings was publicly noticed and held open to the public ( Notices of
Public Meeting attached as Appendix B ) . During the early stages of the planning
process the Committee was asked to participate in several exercises to help understand
each members interests in trail types , trail designs , trail amenities , and trail locations .
Each member completed an Interest Survey and results were distributed to the
Committee as a whole to bring out interest commonalities . (Survey and results attached
as Appendix C) . The Committee also identified potential trail user groups not
represented during the planning process . In addition , the Committee was also asked to
participate in a visioning exercise that prompted them to envision a trail system twenty
years into Mason County Is future (Visioning Exercise attached as Appendix D ) . Broken
into groups , the Committee illustrated their vision for trails on large county maps and
more themes and commonalities were discovered . The Committee continued to meet
each month and by using their common interests and vision for the future they forged the
following document as a framework of policies and action items to be incorporated into
future plans and plan updates (Agendas and Meeting Notes attached as Appendix E ) .
Upon completion , the Committee provided this document to the Mason County Board of
County Commissioners for consideration . As part of the adoption process , the Board of
County Commissioners is likely to hold a public hearing on this Plan .
6
RPJE
The following are policies as developed by the Committee in an effort to help guide
future trail planning in Mason County. Each of the following policies has been separated
into specific categories to include the category name , a brief definition , the policy
statement , and examples as necessary .
. 1 . Destinations — Trails that lead to or between specific points of interest or
attractions.
Policy Statement : Mason County shall encourage the development and maintenance of
trails that provide access to historic, natural, recreational, cultural, and tourist-oriented
points of interest and attractions, as well as other local and regional trail systems.
Destinations for trail systems include:
a ) Historic (e . g . Historical road grades ; themes — logging , historic buildings )
b ) Natural (e . g . Lowlands to highlands -saltwater to mountains ; Green Mountain
State Forest ; binding trails linked with Thurston and Grays Harbor; Theler
Wetlands Center; 4H panhandle )
c) Recreational (e . g . Linkage to Kitsap and Thurston for "around the sound "
bikeways ; link to national , state , county and city parks )
d ) Tourism (e . g . Links that facilitate access to attractions or other tourist amenities ;
or trails that serve as destinations )
e) Cultural (e . g . Pioneer Cemetery ; Squaxin Island Tribal Center and Visitors
Museum )
3 .2 . Population Center Linkages/Mobility — Trails that provide access and
mobility to, from, or between population centers.
Policy Statement : Mason County shall consider establishing non-motorized trail
linkages between population centers, to other popular destinations within and outside
the county, and to regional trail systems.
Examples of population center linkages include : linking urban areas of North Mason
to Shelton ; Kamilche connection ; Tahuya/Dewatto connection ; link Alderbrook, Allyn ,
Belfair, Union , Lake Cushman , Bremerton , Hoodsport, Olympia and all counties
adjacent to Mason County .
3 . 3 . Local Circulation — Trails to facilitate access and transportation within
urban areas or areas of intense rural development (Rural Activity Centers — e. g.
Hoodsport) .
Policy Statement : Mason County shall consider providing alternative routes of
circulation within local communities. Mason County shall further consider developing
trails that allow users non-motorized access to various urban destinations (e. g. schools,
ball fields, downtown areas, and commercial and residential districts), circulation within
the local area, and access and integration with public transportation systems.
Examples include :
7
f) Mobility (e . g . Marina Yacht Club to downtown Shelton ; link to Sanderson field )
g ) Access (e . g . Backbone system with spurs and offshoots to provide connections
between local neighborhood )
h ) Schools (e . g . School connections — Sandhill , N . Mason ; safe schools pedestrian
program )
. . Opportunities — Trails that are designed orlocated to take advantage of
existing or future opportunities.
Policy Statement : Mason County shall consider potential and existing opportunities for
trail system design and development. The County shall consider potential and existing
county and other rights-of-way as potential trail sites, when feasible; take advantage of
public lands and facilities; consider requiring trails and open space in commercial and
residential development projects; and seek to form partnerships that foster trail
development and expansion.
Opportunities for trail creation include:
a ) Right-of-Ways and abandoned Right-of-Ways
b ) Railroad corridors
c) Roads (e . g . 101 corridor connection to Jefferson County)
d ) Logging Roads (e . g . Decommissioned logging roads )
e ) Utility corridors (e . g . Tacoma City Light right-of-way corridor; Bonneville Power
Administration utility corridor)
f) Existing parks
g ) Public lands and facilities
h ) Development — new and redevelopment — commercial and residential (ex:
expanding shoulders on improved roadways ; separate trails from roadways
where exceptional hazards exist; subarea plans around specific uses ; dedicated
trail rights of way for subdivision and commercial centers )
i ) Partnerships
j ) Intergovernmental (e . g . greenways program — Shelton and other urban areas ;
incorporate GMA compliance )
k) Private organizations
1 ) Land trusts
m ) Other trail systems (e . g . connecting to state trails programs)
n ) Missing links to connect existing trails (e . g . Identifying and filling in gaps in
existing systems to provide for an expansion of the overall system )
Me Off-Road Vehicle Trails — Trails that either leads to parks or sites that
allow ORVs; or trails that allow ORVs as an acceptable use .
Policy Statement , Mason County shall evaluate the need for development, and
maintenance of, specific trails for use by Off-Road Vehicles.
3 . 6 . A Water Resources — Trails that utilize, promote, and provide access to fresh
and saltwater activities.
olicy Statement . Mason County shall consider water resources as vital for the county
and should utilize and promote these resources in its system of trails. Access to lakes
and rivers, and fresh and saltwater activities shall be encouraged.
Examples of water resource activities include:
a ) Scenic birding
b ) Shellfish harvesting
c) Fishing
d ) Educational/interpretive
e ) Watertrails (e . g . kayaking , canoeing )
f) Shoreline nature walks
g ) Boat Launches
h ) Swimming
VILAN DEVELOPMENT
The following items are those identified by the Committee as " next steps" in the
refinement and development of the Master Trails Plan .
. 1 . Develop and/or identify specific trail projects .
4 . . Provide for a system of prioritizing and ranking of projects
. 3 . Develop financial strategy for plan implementation and incorporate into
annual Capital Improvements Program process and annual Operation and
Maintenance Budgets .
. . Incorporate Plan into updated Comprehensive Plan and updated Parks Plan .
4 . 5 . Provide for periodic reviews and updates of the Plan and its implementation
progress .
1 LE E ATION AND INTERIM P ICIES
The following policy statements should provide guidelines for Mason County for moving
forward with projects and priorities , and to screen and develop projects as they arrive
before the Master Trails plan is complete .
5 . 1 . Policy Guidelines
5 . 1 . 1 . Trails shall be integrated with the county transportation system to provide
or facilitate alternative modes of transportation and capitalize on
opportunities for joint projects for trail development .
5 . 1 . 2 . Planned transportation projects shall be reviewed for potential trail
development opportunities .
5 . 1 . 3 . Designated open space corridors shall be evaluated for trail development .
5 . 1 . 4 . Prior to property vacations and acquisitions , or actions to surplus county
property rights , opportunities for trail development shall be evaluated .
5 . 1 . 5 . Development of existing park properties should consider potential
opportunities for trail development.
5 . 1 . 6 . Other agency projects within Mason County should be reviewed for
opportunities for trails and consistency with these policies and the Master
Trails Plan .
9
5Z EarlyAction Efforts
5 . 2 . 1 . Inventory : all existing trails ; adjacent county public lands ; possible
destinations ; all state , federal and local public lands
5 . 2 . 2 . Publicize Plan and Guidelines to inform large landowners and other
agencies re : right-of-ways , etc.
5 . 2 . 3 . Integrate trails policies with transportation planning policies during
updates of the Regional Transportation Plan .
. . Public Involvement
Community involvement is an integral part of the trail planning process and continued
citizen support will be crucial to ensuring full development and implementation of the
Master Trails Plan and future trail systems :
5 . 3 . 1 . Mason County shall encourage and maximize active public involvement in
all phases of trails establishment and support public efforts directed at
implementation of the Trails Plan .
5 . 3 . 2 . Mason County shall encourage partnerships with public volunteer groups
interested in assisting in trail development and maintenance .
5 . 3 . 3 . Mason County shall establish a standing Committee to advise and work
with County staff in the planning , implementation , maintenance , promotion ,
and up-dating of the Master Trails Plan .
5 . 3 . 4 . Mason County shall encourage private sector involvement in the trails
program through the provision of facilities and support services such as
boarding and rental stables , maintenance and repair shops , trail tours ,
bicycle rentals , etc.
5 . 3 . 5 . Mason County shall promote a "sense of community" by encouraging
public participation in all phases of establishing community trails .
COORDINATION WITH OTHER PLANS
The County wishes to acknowledge plans already in place and those in the process
of being created and/or updated as being of potential value in the promotion and
implementation of this Framework as well as the Master Trails Plan . These may
include :
The Washington Coastal Corridor — U . S . 101 Corridor Master Plan
Washington State Trails Plan
Olympic Discovery Trail Plan
Mason County Comprehensive Plan
Mason County Parks and Recreation Plan
Shelton Comprehensive Plan
All other local comprehensive plans
10
Resolution 70 - n4
RESOLUTION NO , 22 - o �
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A MASON COUNTY TRAILS COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, trails promote tourism and are a great community recreational asset, 'and
WHEREAS, a Master Trail Plan is needed to develop a systematic approach to developing a trail
system in Mason County, and
WHEREAS, citizen input is critical to formulating a Master Trail Plan , and
WHEREAS, the Future Search Conference Tourism Action Team, in June 2004, identified the
formation of a county master trail system as a long -term goal ;
NOW; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Mason County Commissioner that a Mason
County Trails Committee shall be established and that the members and chairperson shall be
appointed by the County Commissioners;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Committee shall be charged With the task of creating a draft
Master Trails Plan for Mason County; the Committee shall terminate on March 31, 2005 unless
extended by the County Commissioners; the Planning Advisory Commission and TIP-CAP shall
be asked to appoint a liaison to the Committee; and the Planning Department and Public Works
Department shall provide staff assistance to the Committee .
Signed this 7t�' day of September, 2004 .
BOARD OF MASON COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
MONO
Wesley EJJohns , ChaiFperson
ATTEST: Herb aze , Co missioner
Ro cca S . Rogers , Cleft of the Board
Jai i L . ami , Co'mr is over
V D .j 0RM :
Michael Clift,
Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
C: Planning
Public Works
Parks Department
Je \RESOLU TE\2004\Trails Com ittee. doc
Notices of Public Meeting
NOTICE OF PUBLICMEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Mason County Trails Committee will hold its
sixth meeting at the Mason County Public Works Building , Building 8 , 615 W .
Alder Street , Shelton , Washington on Monday Marchstarting at 5000
® m *
Questions on this public meeting may be directed to the Mason County
Department of Community Development , Building 1 , 411 N . Fifth Street ,
Shelton , Washington or call ( 360 ) 427 - 9670 , ext . 286 .
Publish : March 17 , 2005 ( 1t )
Shelton Mason County Journal
Bill to . Mason County Planning Department
P . O . Box 279 , Shelton WA 98584
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Mason County Trails Committee will hold its
fifth meeting at the Mason County Public Works Building , Building 8 , 615 W .
Alder Street , Shelton , Washington on Monday Marchstarting
peme
Questions on this public meeting may be directed to the Mason County
Department of Community Development , Building 1 , 411 N . Fifth Street ,
Shelton , Washington or call ( 360 ) 427 - 9670 , ext . 286 .
Publish : February 24 , 2005 ( 1t )
Shelton Mason County Journal
Bill to ® Mason County Planning Department
P . O . Box 279 , Shelton WA 98584
NOTICE � -PUBLIC
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Mason County Trails Committee will hold its
fourth meeting at the Port of Shelton Commissioners' Chambers , 450 W .
Business Park Road , Shelton , Washington on Wednesday February 7 , 2005
starting at 5 ` 00 pome
Questions on this public meeting may be directed to the Mason County
Department of Community Development , Building 1 , 411 N . Fifth Street ,
Shelton , Washington or call ( 360 ) 427- 9670 , ext . 286 .
Publish . February 3 , 2005 ( 1 t )
Shelton Mason County Journal
Bill to . Mason County Planning Department
P . O . Box 279 , Shelton WA 98584
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Mason County Trails Committee will hold its
second meeting at the Port of Shelton Commissioners' Chambers , 450 W .
Business Park Road , Shelton , Washington on Wednesday January 19 , 2005
starting at 5oOO
Questions on this public meeting may be directed to the Mason County
Department of Community Development , Building 1 , 411 N . Fifth Street ,
Shelton , Washington or call ( 360 ) 427 = 9670 , ext . 286 .
Publish : January 6 , 2005 ( 1t )
Shelton Mason County Journal
Bill to : Mason County Planning Department
P . O . Box 279 , Shelton WA 98584
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Mason County Trails Committee will hold its
second meeting at the Port of Shelton Commissioners' Chambers , 450 Wo
Business Park Road , Shelton , Washington on Monday December 20 ,, 2004
starting a
Questions on this public meeting maybe directed to the Mason County
Department of Community Development , Building 1 , 411 N . Fifth Street ,
Shelton , Washington or call ( 360 ) 427= 9670 , ext . 286 ,
Publish : December 9 , 2004 ( 1 t )
Shelton Mason County Journal
Bill to . Mason County Planning Department
P . O . Box 279 , Shelton WA 9858
HATrails Committee\public notice .doc
s
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Mason County Trails Committee will hold its
initial meeting in the County Commissioners' Chambers in County Building I , 411
o . Fifth St . , Shelton , Washington on Monday November 22 , 2004 starting a
5 : 00 p . m .
Questions on this public meeting may be directed to the Mason County
Department of Community Development , Building 1 , 411 N . Fifth Street ,
Shelton , Washington or call ( 360 ) 427w9670 , ext . 286 .
Publish : November 1 , 2004 ( 1t )
Shelton Mason County Journal
Bill to ® Mason County Planning Department
P . O . Box 279 , Shelton W4 9584
HATrails Committee\public notice .doc
enaix
Trails Committee Interest
Survey and Responses
Trails Committee
Interest Survrey
Name .
Which , if any , trails do you currently use ?
If you are a trail user, what trail activities to you participate in ? ( e . g . . hiking ,
bicycling , jogging , etc . )
Do you currently belong to any outdoor recreation club or organization ? If
yes , which one ( s ) .
What types of trail uses are you most interested in ? Please list trails in order
of importance to you .
What items are of importance to you ?
Restroom Availability
Bench Availability
Interpretive Signs
Trail Markers
Drinking Water
Environmental Education
Closing/ Rehabilitating Trails
Weed Control/ Habitat Restoration
Trail Maintenance
Tralls Committee i
Interest, Survey
RESPONSES
Which , if any , trails do you currently use ?
Hiking , local walking , biking . I currently use separate paths in greater
Shelton area . All back country trails - Olympics , Cascades , Burke Gilman
Horse Trails - statewide
♦ Whatever I can find - National Park , National Forest, Theler, private trails ,
logging roads
Centralia Western , Burke - Gilman , Root River Trail ( MN ) , Cedar Valley Trail
( IA)
Burke Gilman , Chahlis Western , Sequim ( ? ) , Port Angeles , Port Townsend ,
all trails in Bellingham , Vancouver, B . C . trails .
Huff- n Puff, Cushman area , Olympia Capitol area
♦ Woodland Trail , Capitol Lake Interpretive Trail , Capitol Trail - nature trails
♦ Utility easements
♦ City of Shelton trails
♦ Skokomish , Simpson property , Lake Cushman , Hurricane Ridge
Pedestrian only pathways
♦ Wetlands - Belfair
♦ Staircase , Lake Ozette boardwalk, kayak trails , walking trails
If you are a trail user, what trail activities to you participate in ? ( e . g . , hiking ,
bicycling , jogging , etc . )
♦ low land walking/ hiking and biking
♦ Horseback riding
♦ Walking , running
♦ Hiking , Bicycling
♦ Hiking , bicycling , running
♦ Walking , nature
♦ Hiking , bird watching , native plant viewing
Hiking
♦ Biking , hiking
Horseback riding , hiking , bicycling , cross - country skiing , canoeing ,
kayaking ( M . MacCracken )
Walking , rollerblading
♦ Walking , hiking , biking
♦ Running , biking , mountain climbing , walking , kayaking
FMINK A
Do you currently belong to any outdoor recreation club or organization ? If
yes , which one ( s ) .
♦ Washington Trails Association
Backcountry Horsemen of Washington II
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Team VooDoo Bicycle Club
Cascade Bicycle Club
Thurston County Native Plant Salvage Project
What types of trail uses are you most interested in ? Please list trails in order
of importance to you .
1 ) Biking IIIIIII
2 ) Hiking IIIII
3 ) Walking IIII
4 ) Horseback riding III
Water III
5 ) Running II
Nature II
6 ) Paved I
Historic I
Scenic I
Multi - Purpose I
Educational I
Rollerblade I
Low Impact I
♦ Access to natural areas , connections to stores/ restaurants
♦ Connectivity between parks and other public areas ; safety for children ,
keeping people and vehicles separate
What items are of importance to you ?
Trail Markers IIIIIIIIIIIII
Interpretive Signs IIIIIIIII
Weed Control/ Habitat Restoration IIIIIIII
Trail Maintenance IIIIIIII
Restroom Availability IIIIII
Bench Availability IIIIII
Drinking Water IIIIII
Environmental Education IIIIII
Closing / Rehabilitating Trails II
Public Safety II
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.ppend
x... D
Trails Committee
Visioning Exercise
Trails
Visioning
Imagine you are now in the year 2025 . The area in Belfair has a population
of approximately five to six thousand people , and the Shelton UGA has
developed as the primary metropolitan area . Thousands of new residences
have been constructed on the uplands around Oakland Bay and the lower
Canal . Many work in the urban areas , but around half of these residents
now travel to adjacent counties to the north and west for their jobs . Tourists
numbering nearly a million travel to and through the county each summer as
they take advantage of parks , hiking trails , and wilderness experiences .
Expansions of major highways to four lanes in some areas , and heavier
traffic , present real challenges for pedestrian crossings ,
Before the next meeting, consider the above scenario think about
how you envision trails in Masont eveli over the next 20
ears®
Think about priority areas where you think trails should be created ,
rehabilitated , or perhaps even removed .
Think about areas of interest that should be linked ( i . e . parks , community
centers , urban areas , adjacent trail systems , other transportation
systems , scenic vistas , historic sites , neighboring cities or counties , the
ocean , etc . )
A What major natural resource areas will the trails connect to ?
Who will be using them ?
Will the trails connect Belfair to Allyn ? To Shelton ? To Hoodsport?
5, What function will the trails provide in the urban areas , or along the
water?
Is there a useful purpose for trails to connect historical landmarks or
other significant places ?
Be prepared to illustrate your thoughts on county maps .
p �ndix..�
Agendas and Meeting
Notes
AGENDA
Mason County Trails Committee
Meeting
March 28 , , 2005
5 * 00 - 7 ° 00 p . m .
Mason County Public Works , Building #8
Call To Order
Chairman Dave O ' Connell
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Dave O ' Connell
Approval of Meeting Notes
Chairman Dave O ' Connell o . . . . . . . . . . : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 minutes
Review Revised Draft of Mason County Trails Plan
CountyStaff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 minutes
Determine Transmission to BOCC
CountyStaff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 minutes
Set Next Meeting, if required
- Chairman Dave O ' Connell
Adjourn
- Chairman Dave O ' Connell
Mason County Trails Committee
Meeting
March 7, 2005
5e00 - 7 * 00 p . m .
Mason County Public Works , Building #
Call To Order
- Chairman Dave O ' Connell
Approval of Agenda
- Chairman Dave O ' Connell
Approval of Meeting Notes
an Chairman Dave 0 ' Connell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 minutes
Review and Discuss Draft Mason County Trails Plan
- County Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 minutes
Planning Process Conclusion
- County Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 minutes
Set Next Meeting
- Chairman Dave O ' Connell
Adjourn
- Chairman Dave O ' Connell
AUENDA
Mason County Trails Committee
Meeting
February 7, 2005
5 : 00 - 7 * 00 p . m .
Port of Shelton - Commission Chambers
Call To Order
Chairman Dave O ' Connell
Approval of Agenda
Chairman Dave O ' Connell
Approval of Meeting Notes
an Chairman Dave O ' Connell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 minutes
Review its to Planning and Policy Outline
- County Staff . . . . 6004 15 minutes
Discuss Draft Plan Outline and Vision Statement
CountyStaff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 minutes
Discuss Suggestions for Early Action Items
- County Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ._ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 minutes
Planning Process Conclusion (public review; transmission
to Commission ; PAC review; timeline )
an County Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . eta . . . . : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 minutes
Set Next Meeting
- Chairman Dave O ' Connell
Adjourn
- Chairman Dave O ' Connell
AGENDA
Mason County Trails i
Meeting
December 20 , 2004
5 * 00 - 7 : 00 p . m .
Port of Shetton - Commission Chambers
Call To Order
- Chairman Dave O ' Connell
Approval of Agenda
- Chairman Dave O ' Connell
Approval of Meeting Notes
ON Chairman Dave O ' Connell
Elect Vice Chairman
- Chairman Dave O ' Connell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . o . . . . . . . 0900900 20 minutes
Review and Discuss Survey Responses
GO Barbara Adkins with Bob Fink and Doug Micheau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 minutes
Visioning Exercise
Facilitated by Barbara Adkins
Break- Out Groups . . . . . . . . . 66004GOODOG OGOOO GOOD@ 00 * 000OUGO 30 minutes
Group Presentations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOOD * * * 15 minutes
Discussion of Findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 minutes
Set Next Meeting
- Chairman Dave O ' Connell
Adjourn
- Chairman Dave O ' Connell
F AGENDA
Mason County Traits Committee
Meeting # 1
November 22 , 2004
5 : 00 - 7 * 00 p . m .
Commission Chambers
1 . Welcome
Commissioner Jayni Kamin
. Introductions
. Committee ' s Charge
Formulate a master trail plan for a countywide
trail system that will connect communities, parks and
public facilities throughout Mason County and provide
a link with regional trails systems .
4 . What is a Master Trail Plan ?
. The Purpose of Trails
6 . Location , Location , Location
7 . Discussion of Trail Plan Components
8 . Visioning Project
9 . Set Next Meeting Date
10 . Interest Survey
11 . Adjourn
Meeting
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Committee Members
Joetta Anderson , Frank Benavente, Jean Bonzer, Brad Carey, Jeff Carey, Paul Eveleth , Walt
Hitchcock, Terri Jeffreys , John Johnson , Dave O'Connell (Chair), and Janet Shonk,
County Staff
Barbara Adkins (Planning), Bob Fink (Planning), Allan Borden (Planning), Bill Bullock (Public
Works), and Doug Micheau (Parks/Utilities)
CalledMeeting to Order by Brad Carey ( in place of Dave
WCorinell and Jeff Carey, V n) at 5:15 pm.
Approval of Agenda
Chairman O'Connell asked for and received approval of the meeting's Agenda as stated .
Approval of Minutes
Chairman O'Connell asked for and received approval of the Meeting Notes with corrections as
noted by Brad Carey.
Review and Discuss Draft Mason County Trails Plan
Comments were received via e-mail from Steve Clayton who could not attend this meeting .
These comments were read aloud by Barbara Adkins for Committee discussion and approval .
A copy of this e-mail is attached and incorporated by reference as Attachment "A". Further
discussion was held as the Committee went through the proposed Trails Plan page by page
with County Staff. Edits were noted at the meeting and subsequently incorporated into the
Plan by County Staff. See revised Mason County Master Trails Plan , Compared Version , to
see changes as made.
County staff proposed to Committee that they meet again in March to conclude the Plan
writing process and determine a proper mode of transmittal to the Board of County
c
Commissioners . The Committee agreed to scheduling their last official meeting as the Trails
Plan Committee for the end of March .
to
1 Next Mee 7777
The next meeting is set for March 28 , 2005, from 5:00 to 7 :00 p. m . at the Mason County Public
Works Building , Building 8 , 615 W . Alder Street, Shelton , Washington .
Meeting Adjoumed by Chalinnan &Connell
2
IVWOUn ly ium s
February
2005
Meeting Notes
Adopted March 7, 2005 with suggested revisions ; Revised March 22 , 2005
d
Committee
Frank Benavente, Brad Carey, Jeff Carey, Steve Clayton , Carleen Coker, Paul Eveleth , Walt
Hitchcock, John Johnson , Dave O'Connell (Chair), Janet Shonk, and Cheryl Weston ,
County Staff
Barbara Adkins (Planning), Bob Fink (Planning), Allan Borden (Planning), Bill Bullock (Public
Works), and Doug Micheau (Parks/Utilities)
CalledMeednq r O'Connell at 5:10 .
Approval of Agenda
Chairman O'Connell asked for and received approval of the meeting's Agenda as stated .
Approval of Minutes
Chairman O'Connell asked for and received approval of the Meeting Notes without correction .
OutlineReview of Edits to Planning and Policy
A great deal of discussion was had over "fine-tuning" of the Policy Outline. Several revisions
were suggested , including :
✓ Removing the word "private" from Overarching Policy number # 8 .
✓ In Policy # 3, add Lake Cushman , Bremerton , Hoodsport and Olympia to linkage
examples .
✓ In Policy # 4, the second sentence should be revised to read , ". . . advantage of public lands
and facilities; considerreauirin_g trails and open space in commercial and residential . . . "
✓ Under ( 1 )d — Tourism — revision example to read , "Links that facilitate access to attractions
or other tourism amenities; or trails that serve as destinations."
The committee was furnished with a copy of the Draft Plan Outline at the January meeting and
asked to review it for discussion at this meeting . The Vision Statement was not mailed to
committee in advance, but distributed at the beginning of this meeting . Comments received for
both are as follows :
Plan Outline ,
✓ Revise Policy 5 . 1 .3 to read , "Mason County should consider any potential impacts on
adjacent properties and communities when determining trail location and use."
✓ Add Policy 2 . 1 .3 to include a discussion of the public involvement process .
Vision Statement:
✓ Add the word "public" to vision statement to reflect a public involvement component of the
plan .
Discuss Suggestions for Early Action Items
The committee reviewed suggested Early Action Items as prepared by staff prior the meeting .
Suggested revisions include :
✓ Adding existing trails, adjacent county public lands, and possible destinations as items to
be inventoried .
✓ Add "other agencies" to initiate discussions with .
✓ In the third Action Item , add "surplus public lands" as land to be considered in any vacation
proceeding . There was also discussion to completely revise the working of this Item to
include language such as , "When considering transferring easements to private
holdings . . ." and "Consider trails in the future creation of easements". Staff will discuss
suggestions and make proposed draft changes .
There was also a great deal of discussion conceming the labeling of Early Action Items and
Long Range Items and Implementation Policies as shown in the Draft Plan Outline. The
Committee asked staff to considering restructuring these sections to reflect which items are
actually early action items, which are on going items and which are implementation more
accurately. A time line showing when each item is targeted for completion was also
suggested .
Planning Process Conclusion
Staff proposed to the Committee that a route of transmission of the Plan to the Board of
County Commissioners needed to be determined . Due to time limitations of the meeting, it
was decided that the Committee would consider this for discussion at a future meeting .
Next Meeting
The meeting is set for March 7, 2005, from 5:00 to 7 :00 p . m . at the Mason County Public
Works Building , Building 8 , 615 W . Alder Street, Shelton , Washingtonff
Meeting Adjoumed by Chainnan11 at 700 pm.
Barbara Adkins - trails committee Pa e 1
a
From , "ks-clayton1 " <ks-clayton1@msn . com >
To : <barbara@co . mason . wa . us>
ate : 3 . 6 . 2005 9 :42 : 52 PM
Subject : trails committee
Barbara
I will not be able to make it to the trails committee meeting on Monday, I have a conflicting meeting with
the Belfair SR-3 Implementation Committee . The alternate representative from the Planning Commission
(Teri Jeffreys) should be there though . I have forwarded to her the 'Framework' document you sent out
last week .
Some comments I have on that 'framework' document:
Pg 2 - could you include Terri and I in either category as 'Committee member or planning support'?
Pg 5 - Clarify or consolidate 1 . 1 . 1 . & 1 . 1 .4 .
Pg 6 - Sec 1 . 1 .8 . - delete the word any
Clarify or consolidate 1 . 1 . 9 . & 1 . 1 . 100
In sec '2 . Plan Develop . . . . ' 7th line down - define PRTPO
12th line down - change 'City of Shelton Planning Advisory Committee' to
'Mason County Planning Advisory Commission '.
Pg 7 - Sec 3. 1 b) - change 'Green Mountain State Park' to 'Green Mountain State Forest' and 'Thelar
Wetlands' to 'Theler Wetlands'.
Pg 9 - 'Policy Statement - 5th line down - change '. . . non-motorized circulation with the local area, . . .' to 'non-
motorized circulation within the local area , . . . '
Sec 5 . 1 . 1 - 3rd line down - add the words for & opportunities . 'Planned transportation projects should
be reviewed for potential trail development opportunities'.
Pg 10 - Sec 5 .2 . 3 - Define RTPO .
Sec 5 .3 .2 - Delete this section . This should be the counties job !
Thanks,
Steve Clayton
CC : "Terri Jeffreys" <tmjeffreys@aol .com >, "Bob Fink" <rdf@co. mason .wa . us> "Alan
Borden" <ahb@co . mason .wa .us > '
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MembersCommittee
Terra Norris (for Joetta Anderson ), Bob Barnes , Brad Carey, Jeff Carey, Steve Clayton ,
Carleen Coker, Paul Eveleth , John Johnson , Dave O'Connell (Chair), Janet Shonk, Dana
Tilton , and Cheryl Weston .
County Staff
Barbara Adkins (Planning), Bob Fink (Planning), Allan Borden (Planning), and Doug Micheau
(Parks/Utilities)
CalledMeeting rO'Connell at 5:05 .
Approval of Agenda
Chairman O'Connell asked for and received approval of the meeting's Agenda as stated .
Approval of Minutes
Chairman O'Connell asked for and received approval of the Meeting Notes without correction .
Election of Vice Chair
Chairman O'Connell again opened the floor for Vice Chairman nominations or volunteers . Jeff
Carey was nominated and elected as Vice Chairman for the Trails Committee .
Outline' Review and Discuss Planning and Policy
The committee and staff reviewed the Planning and Policy Outline furnished to members in the
meeting„ mail out. Each of the six (6) policy categories was discussed in detail and
suggestions were provided by both committee members and staff to address any concerns .
Suggested revisions for the Policy Outline included :
• Policy #1 — Destinations — important to go somewhere "cool" . Destinations may include
links to other regional trails systems .
• Policy #2 — Off-Road Vehicle Trails - consider revising policy statement to read : "Mason
County should evaluate the development and maintenance of specific trails for use by
ORV's .
B
® Policy #3 — Population Center Linkages/Mobility — revise policy statement to read : "Mason
County should establish non-motorized trail linkages between population centers , to other
popular destinations , and to regional trail systems . Add Bremerton , Olympia .
® Policy #4 — Opportunities — add the words "potential and" in front of "existing". Add county
rights of way as recreational trails .
® Policy #6 — Local Circulation — should be integrated with public transportation system .
® Incorporate language linking the other government entities to the regional plan .
® Need another policy regarding "multi-use" as appropriate .
• Should address impacts to private properties adjacent to proposed trails — in the
overarching policies .
® Need vision statement that serves to tie the policies to it. Incorporate the committee's
charge.
® Should address long-range perspective in an overarching policy — 50-year view.
Draft Plan Outline
The committee briefly reviewed the Draft Plan Outline, but due to time constraints agreed to
take the document home for review and comment at the next meeting .
Next Meeting
The next two meetings are set for February 7 and March 7, 2005, from 5 :00 to 7 :00 p .m . at the
Port of Shelton Commission chambers .
Meetingdj y ChalirmanO'Connell .
Meeting
Uecember M8. 9 an
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Committee
Joetta Anderson , Steven Anderson, Frank Benavente , Brad Carey, Jeff Carey, Steve Clayton ,
Carleen Coker, Paul Eveleth , Wait Hitchcock, John Johnson , Dave O'Connell (Chair), Janet
Shonk , and Cheryl Weston .
County Staff
Barbara Adkins (Planning), Bob Fink (Planning ) , Allan Borden (Planning), and Doug Micheau
(Parks/Utilities)
CalledMeeting r O'Connell at 505 .
Approval of Agenda
Chairman O'Connell asked for and received approval of the meeting's Agenda as stated .
Approval of Minutes
Chairman O'Connell asked for and received approval of the Meeting Notes without correction .
Election of Vice Chair
Chairman O'Connell asked for nominations for a Committee Vice-Chairman . Hearing none,
Chairman O'Connell asked committee members to volunteer as Vice Chairman . Having none,
Chairman O'Connell tabled the election of a Vice-Chairman until the next meeting of the
Committee . During the interim , the Chairman will contact members to seek interested
potential Vice Chairs .
Discussion of Survey Reponses
The committee was asked who was not represented in their committee upon review of the
results of the survey taken at the last meeting . The following are interests identified by the
group :
Large private landowners and other stakeholders need to be involved and incorporated
into this plan
Off-Road Vehicles have not been addressed and the inclusion should be considered
� t
Consideration of trails that include dog parks
Consideration of Nature Trails
Consideration of Mountain Bike Trails
Consideration of access of emergency vehicles to trails
Trails that provide access to saltwater, lakes, rivers , cliffs (climbing)
Consider interjurisdictional stakeholders in the planning process .
Intermodel linkages (bikes to buses to bikes , etc. )
Visioning Exercise
After a brief recap of the visioning exercise instructions and goals by Doug Micheau , the
committee broke into three small groups . Each group was given a set of different colored
markers and asked to characterize - though colors - how they envision a trail system in the
future for Mason County. Upon completing this task, each group elected one person to
describe what the colors and depictions represented on their respective map . After each
group had presented their map and ideas, Doug Micheau led an interactive discussion on the
potential trail locations , trail linkages , trail destinations of interest, trail features , trail purposes ,
and other trail issues . The following is a list of items brought up during that discussion :
Tacoma/City light Right of Way corridor (Cushman to E Co. . . . )
Decommissioned logging roads for potential trail use
Lowlands to highlands - (saltwater to mountains)
101 corridor connection to Jefferson County
Use of railroad corridors
Historical road grades
Green Mountain State Park
Marina Yacht Club to downtown Shelton - walking path through pear orchard
Marina link to Sanderson field
Linking urban areas of North Mason County to Shelton
Kamilche connection
School connections - Sandhill , N . Mason
Tahuya/Dewatto Connection
Linkages to specific events - marathons , festivals
Birding trail coordinated with Thurston and Grays Harbor
Linkage to Kitsap and Thurston for around the sound bikeways
Link national , state, county, and city parks
Points of Connection :
1 . Alderbrook, Allyn , Belfair, Union
2 . Theler Wetland Center
3 . , Vance Creek Tressel
4 . 4H Panhandle
5 . BPA utility corridor
Link inland to coastal regions
Links to and through city and urban areas
Connecting to state trails programs
Expanded shoulders on improved roadways
Separate trails from roadways where exceptional hazards
Subarea plans around specific uses
Greenways program -Shelton and other urban areas
Preserve existing Rights of way for future potential trails
Incorporate GMA compliance
Lakes/Rivers - fishing , swimming
Fisheries/Shorelines - boat launches , claming , shrimping
Visitor information centers and kiosks
Themes — logging , historic buildings
Backbone system with spurs/offshoots
The next meeting set for January 19, 2005 , from 5 :00 to 7 :00 p . m . at the Port of Shelton
Commission chambers .
Meeting Adjounlied by ChainnanII .
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Committee Members
Joetta Anderson , Steven Anderson , Bob Barnes, Frank Benavente, Jean Bonzer, Brad Carey,
Jeff Carey, Carleen Coker, Paul Eveleth , Walt Hitchcock, Terri Jeffreys (alternate), John
Johnson , Maureen MacCracken , Dave O'Connell (Chair) , and Dana Tilton
County Staff
Barbara Adkins (Planning ), Bob Fink (Planning ), Allan Borden (Planning), Bill Bullock
(Transportation ), and Doug Micheau (Parks/Utilities )
Meeting Called er by C ai O'Connell at 5:05 pm.
WelcomeCommissioner® a i Kamin
Commissioner Kamin expressed her excitement at the response of people wanting to be
involved in the trails plan . She then shared some of her trail experiences as a youth growing
up in the Skokomish Valley. She went on to emphasize the relationship between the trail
systems and tourism , and their importance to our local economy. During an economic
development summit held earlier this year, trail systems emerged as one of the visions for
enhancing the economic health of communities in Mason County. She also emphasized the
need to connect existing parks and resource lands; and to even consider "driving" trails to
historic sites like the old logging camps along with future regional linkages such as the Olympic
Discovery Trail in Clallam and Jefferson Counties ,
Committee Introductions
Committee members each introduced themselves and gave brief statements about their
background and their interests in serving on the committee. They also made short statements
concerning what they would Pike to see included in a Master Trails Plan ,
' Trails Plan Presentation
Barbara Adkins provided a PowerPoint presentation on the basic elements of a trails plan . At
one point, the committee was asked to participate in a brainstorming exercise to identify the
"purposes" that the trails will need to fulfill . The committee compiled the following list:
Trail Purposes and/or Needs :
® Connection of trails for exercise (ones that are available)
Cardio/exercise , walking
■ Bike/trail for non-motorized commuting routes
■ Water trails
■ Nature trails/scenic trails
■ Historical aspects
■ Motorized trails/ORV
■ Educational trails
® Multi-purpose trails
■ Rollerblade trails
■ Horse trails
■ Skateboard trails
Once the presentation concluded , committee members offered the following additions to the
list of basic trail plan elements that should be included :
■ Inventory of public lands
■ Public safety — trail security
■ Trail capacities
The question was raised regarding the potential for funding trail improvements in the County
with the concern being whether or not new trails would need to generate sufficient revenue to
cover their costs . Doug Micheau stated that he had never heard anyone express the need for
the trails to be self-sufficient from a revenue perspective, but rather that the trails would most
likely be the result of partnerships with organizations , interested user groups , or private
companies that can help implement and maintain projects .
Timeline:
Discussion then took place regarding the timeline for completing a plan and what level of detail
was expected given the need to produce a product by the end of 2005 . Staff perspective was
that the committee did not have time to plan specific projects , we will need to look at a
comprehensive planning approach with points of connection and corridors fairly well defined .
Staff also offered the perspective that the plan should provide some level of policy guidance
that will assist elected officials in making future decisions on property acquisitions or capital
improvement planning .
Visioning Exercise
Doug Micheau explained a visioning exercise for the next meeting that includes a hands-on
project for committee members . Each member was given a sheet with a brief description of
the possible future of Mason County and statements to stimulate ideas . At the next meeting ,
the committee will work in small groups to illustrate on county maps their collective vision for
the future of trails in Mason County.
Next Meetinq
There was discussion over the meeting time and the committee decided to continue meeting
at 5 :00 p . m . for the time being . The next meeting is set for December 20 , 2004, from 5 :00 to
7 : 00 p . m . at the Port of Shelton Commission chambers .
AdjournedMeeting i O'Connell
2