We want to let you know of an upcoming (January) 
recommendation, to the Parks and Recreation Commission 
about Squaxin Island. As many boaters know since 1993 Parks 
has been unable to access the property there due to
lack of a lease to cross the tidelands. Parks is recommending 
that the Commission determine that the property does not 
warrant keeping, as it does not appear likely that they will be able 
to obtain a lease to get access. This step would allow Parks to 
work with the tribe to exchange the property for other land 
suitable as a boater access park in Puget Sound.

We want to let you know in advance of the agenda item getting 
sent out for a couple of reasons. First, as an affected party, 
boaters need not be taken by surprise. Second this will allow you 
to be prepared should others ask questions about this. Third, 
are there people or organizations that should receive notice of 
this proposal and last and most importantly, is there any property 
RBAW thinks Parks should look at as property to seek?

Parks is actively looking for recommendations for a 
"replacement marine park" for the Squaxin Island property.  They 
have worked out an exchange agreement with the Squaxin Tribe.  
Parks would like to hear from boaters.  Obviously we would like 
to recommend a property that would be suitable for a marine 
park and a naturally protected docking facility.  Their Park criteria 
appears below.

If anybody has any suggestions or recommendations, please 
send RBAW an e-mail so we can forward the info to Parks.  
Please reply to:  parksrep@rbaw.org
or reply to this e-lert.

Time is of the essence.  Parks request our input by December 16th!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bill Koss at 
State Parks:  via phone at 360-902-8629 or e-mail:  
Bill.Koss@parks.wa.gov
(Please cc:  parksrep@rbaw.org with any recommendations).

Thanks for your consideration and happy holidays from RBAW.
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The Evaluation Method
The evaluation tool used to identify consistency with the 
Centennial 2013 Vision identifies nine factors: significance, 
popularity, experiences, uniqueness, flora and fauna, scenery, 
size, condition, and revenue. Briefly, these factors characterize 
how a parkÕs attributes contribute towards meeting the 
Centennial 2013 Vision. For example, parks and properties 
described as highly consistent with Centennial 2013 Vision 
would contain the following qualities:
 
Factor                 -Measure

Significance -Whether the park has traits which relatively few 
places have, such as listing on the National Register of Historic 
Places, or that the park contains uncommon natural, cultural, or 
historic resources, or possesses uncommon recreational 
attributes and whether State Parks plays an essential role in 
ensuring that the significant trait(s) are protected, enhanced and 
made appropriately available to the public. 

Popularity      -High visitation or operates at a high percent of    
capacity.

Experience(s) -Number and quality of experience(s) provided.

Uniqueness -Unique experience(s) provided.

Flora/fauna -Outstanding example of specific habitat for flora 
and/or fauna in abundance or quality or both.

Scenery  -Well known for scenic qualities.

Size   -Has sufficient size to accommodate current and future 
uses and maintain quality of experience.

Condition -Facilities (built environment) add to the visitorÕs 
experience

Revenue -Has high ratio of earned revenue to management 
cost