The Dungeness Recreation Area (DRA) Master Plan Update includes plans to construct a number of new walking trails. Though new walking experiences are always welcome — there’s a lot to see in this 216 acre gem — two trails seem problematic to me. The first, above, would link to the existing eastern entrance to the park and be constructed parallel to Lotzgesell Road running east to west. The road is seen in the left edge of this shot by the power poles. I assume the new trail would be to the right of the existing trees.
The proposed path would traverse seasonally flooded areas. This pond is not far from one end of the trail. The path would require extensive fill to rise above flooded areas, or a more technical constructed boardwalk. And just outside the park, on Lotzgesell Road, an old county roadbed is presently used by many walkers. As a subscriber to the old “KISS” principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid) it doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.
Another trail, branching off the eastern entrance trail, would travel off onto a northern pathway that is currently used informally. Like the trail I mentioned above, this one would skirt a seasonally flooded area. I’m told there is a dike running along the property line on the right. The trail would traverse a large, open field and eventually link to trails that lead to upland, forested areas. It’s a pretty walk but I wonder if it makes sense to construct a trail through an area that Mother Nature likes to flood.
A third path, branching off not far from the northern pathway, would move more sensibly through elevated forested areas, moving east-west. It would emerge in the area shown above, across from an existing trail through forested areas. Both trail locations are marked by light shafts in the photo above.
Finally, planners propose a realignment of the trail that currently traverses areas of the bluffs. Many parts of this trail have been closed due to continual erosion so it shouldn’t be surprising that trail adjustment is planned in response. Planning maps call for six viewpoints, allowing walkers and visitors to look onto the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Many locals have not been aware of the Master Plan Update. I am focusing my blog on it in hopes of informing more park users of this process. The comment period on the Master Plan Update has been extended to March 23. Click here for more information on the Plan and how to comment.
To my blog followers from out of the area, please bear with me. I’ll be back to my briefer posts this weekend.
Hopefully the planners take concerns to heart in any final decisions.
No such thing as too many walking trails!
The proposed changes seem to be complicated more than they need to be. I agree with, “Keep It Simple, Stupid”, now that does make sense.