Opponents of Washington State’s proposal to develop Miller Peninsula into a full-service destination park continue to push back following a recent State Parks Commission work session and regular meeting.
Miller Peninsula, a 2,800-acre undeveloped park east of Sequim, currently features a network of trails through second-growth forest maintained by Back Country Horsemen.
Under the state’s proposal, the site would include additional trails, a visitor center, interpretive elements, an event space, picnic shelters, overnight accommodations, and unique lodging options such as treehouses.
According to an article published by Peninsula Daily News, local residents, park users, and other Olympic Peninsula stakeholders advocating for a day-use park with educational components voiced concerns about the project’s scale.
Opponents argue that the proposed overnight facilities and infrastructure could negatively impact the surrounding environment and community.
During the recent meetings, commissioner Holly Williams questioned Parks Director Diana Dupuis about the viability of the full-service park concept. Their exchange suggested that plans could be subject to change or delay, depending on further evaluation.
Despite uncertainty over the project’s future, groups such as Friends of Miller Peninsula State Park and Preserve Miller Peninsula State Park Coalition remain committed to opposing the development.
The January 29 workshop included a project update from Parks Planner Lauren Bromley, who outlined progress on the Classification and Management Plan (CAMP), the Master Plan, and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The next steps include selecting a preferred master plan in 2025.
Debi Maloney, another member of the Preserve Miller Peninsula State Park Coalition, expressed concerns over changes in land designation within the CAMP.
She noted that the public had not had an opportunity to comment on the most recent updates since the last major meeting on the project in October 2022.
Funding for the EIS remains a challenge. Bromley reported that an additional $300,000 is needed to complete the assessment, despite last year’s one-time allocation of $600,000 from the governor and the Legislature.
A statewide survey and public engagement efforts in 2023 indicated interest in overnight accommodations and expanded recreational facilities at Miller Peninsula.
However, Bromley acknowledged significant concerns about traffic, overdevelopment, water availability, fire risk, emergency response, and climate change.
Williams raised the possibility of scaling down the project or adopting a phased approach. Bromley confirmed that initial steps would depend on the completion of the EIS and available funding, meaning full-scale development could take years.