Washington State Parks officials are currently reviewing more than 5,000 public comments as they determine the future of Blake Island Marine State Park, a 472-acre island in the central Puget Sound.
Prior to 2021, the island saw a steady stream of tourists from downtown Seattle who arrived via large tour boats.
This approach would likely restrict visitation to kayakers and small-boat owners who do not require a protected harbor, turning the park into a quiet sanctuary for wildlife, including its well-known population of raccoons and various nesting birds.
New proposals suggest that any future development should center on a tribal community center or a general visitor center that incorporates educational programming.
The financial pressure on Washington State Parks cannot be overstated.
Washington officials weigh four development options for Blake Island as infrastructure fails and visitation drops following the loss of tour services.