The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is considering a request by the US Navy to expand the scope and geography of SEAL training to include 29 State parks all around the Puget Sound and the Olympic Coast. We need a HUGE public outcry so that the Parks Commission doesn’t just rubber stamp the Navy’s plans.
Important meetings of the Parks Commission:
- March 12 at Campbells Resort in Lk. Chelan – speak up on the agenda item regarding the Navy’s plans as part of the staff report and general briefing on the Navy’s request
- May 7 at Ft. Worden in Port Townsend – speak up as the Commission is ready to deliver the decision on allowing SEAL Training in State Parks
Write NOW to the leadership of the Parks and the Commission:
- Don Hoch, Director don.hoch@parks.wa.gov
- Mike Sternback, Asst. Director, Operations mike.sternback@parks.wa.gov
Address comments to all COMMISSIONERS to:
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commissioners,
Care of Executive Assistant to Directors and Commission at Becki.ellison@parks.wa.gov
Some of the reasons this is a bad idea:
- Combining civilian and military activities in the same park at the same time is a recipe for misunderstanding and possible tragedy.
- State Parks are specifically to be used for recreation; military training is incompatible with civilian recreation
- Use of firearms are not permitted by State Park Rules; Why does the Navy get to use simulated weapons that look identical to the real thing?
- The state will be liable in the event of any mishap; where is the budget to pay for damages or a wrongful death claim?
- Damage to wildlife and delicate shoreline ecosystems was declared as “not significant” by the Navy without conducting an Environment Impact Statement
Your Voice Matters! USE IT!
SIGN THE PETITION – No war-gaming in Washington State Parks
