Rothschild House and Fort Townsend State Park Management Plan. Draft July 2009

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1 Rthschild Huse and Frt Twnsend State Park Management Plan Draft July 2009

2 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND CONTACTS The Washingtn State Parks and Recreatin Cmmissin gratefully acknwledges the many stakehlders and the staff f Rthschild Huse and Frt Twnsend State Park wh participated in public meetings, reviewed vluminus materials, and made this a better plan because f it. Plan Authr Peter Herzg, Parks Planner Rthschild Huse and Frt Twnsend State Park Management Planning Team Rbert Wiggins, Frt Twnsend State Park Kate Burke, Frt Wrden Area Manager Deb Petersn, Frt Wrden Area Steward Alex McMurry, Histric Preservatin Planner Washingtn State Park and Recreatin Cmmissin 1111 Israel Rad SW, PO Bx Olympia WA Tel: (360) Fax: (360) TDD: (360) Cmmissiners (at time f land classificatin adptin): Rdger Schmitt Lucinda Whaley Elit Scull Je Taller Jan Thmas Cecilia Vgt Fred Olsn Rex Derr, Directr Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

3 CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION The signatures belw certify the adptin f this dcument by Washingtn State Parks fr the cntinued management f (insert) State Park. Frt Twnsend State Park Date Frt Wrden Area Manager Date Assistant Directr, Parks Develpment Date Deputy Directr Date Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND CONTACTS... 2 CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION... 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS... 4 PREFACE... 5 PURPOSE... 6 SECTION 1: PARK DESCRIPTION... 7 SECTION 2: PARK PLANNING PROCESS SECTION 3: PARK OBJECTIVES SECTION 4: LAND CLASSIFICATIONS AND LONG-TERM BOUNDARY SECTION 5: PARK ISSUES AND MANAGEMENT APPROACHES SECTION 6: OTHER PARK PLANS Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

5 PREFACE The Washingtn State Parks and Recreatin Cmmissin (Cmmissin) manages a diverse array f 120 parks lcated thrughut the state. The Cmmissin adpted the Centennial 2013 Plan in Octber, 2003, thereby creating a fcus fr the agency, state leadership and the public, t wrk tward a parks system all can celebrate as it turns 100 years ld. The Centennial 2013 Plan blends public and private funding, engages mre partnerships and creates greater public stake in the system. As part f the Centennial 2013 Plan, the Cmmissin directed staff t cmplete land use plans fr all 120 parks. Land-use plans fllw a prcess that has been used by the Cmmissin since 1996, called CAMP. CAMP is an acrnym fr Classificatin and Management Plan. One f the mst imprtant elements f land use planning is the classificatin f lands. In 1995, the Cmmissin adpted a land classificatin system. Applicatin f the system creates znes, r land classificatins, within a park (see Appendix A.) Six distinct classificatins determine what recreatinal uses and facilities are apprpriate in different areas f a park. In general, sensitive areas are classified restrictively and allw nly lw-intensity uses and develpment f minr facilities. Less sensitive areas are classified t allw higher-intensity uses and mre extensive facilities. A CAMP brings tgether park visitrs, nearby cmmunities, stakehlders and agency staff in a public prcess that frges a cmmn visin f what the state park shuld becme. Thrugh a public prcess staff and public participants identify park management issues, and lk at alternative appraches fr addressing them. The utcme is a plan that balances resurce prtectin with recreatin in the park. Fr State Parks staff, this dcument represents plicy apprval and a means t create a state park that meets the Cmmissin s Visin fr State Parks Centennial: In 2013, Washingtn s state parks will be premier destinatins f uncmmn quality, including state and reginally significant natural, cultural, histrical and recreatinal resurces that are utstanding fr the experience, health, enjyment and learning f all peple. Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

6 PURPOSE The purpse f this dcument is t: 1) rient readers t the park and the agency's park management planning system, 2) identify park natural, cultural, and recreatin/facility management issues, and 3) prvide initial directin t park staff (suggested management appraches) t address these issues. The ultimate purpse f this dcument is t describe hw the agency intends t balance recreatinal use with measures t prtect natural and cultural resurces. The dcument is divided int six sectins, with several appendices: Sectin 1: Prvides a brief verview f the park including its gegraphy, histrical backgrund, majr attributes, and public use. Sectin 2: Describes bth the agency's system-wide park management planning prgram and its specific applicatin t this park. Sectin 3: Outlines management bjectives established fr the park. Sectin 4: Describes the park's land classificatins (management zning) and lng-term park bundary. Sectin 5: Lists natural, cultural, and recreatinal/facility resurce issues identified thrugh the public planning and utlines general appraches tward addressing them. Sectin 6: Lists ther plans pertinent t this park. Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

7 SECTION 1: PARK DESCRIPTION Old Frt Twnsend State Park Lcatin: Acreage: Acquired: Histrical: Backgrund: Facilities: Activities: Of Special Old Frt Twnsend State Park is lcated n the nrtheast side f the Olympic Peninsula, in Jeffersn Cunty, fur miles suth f Prt Twnsend, just ff State Highway acres fee title with 3,960 feet f saltwater shreline n Prt Twnsend Bay. State Parks hlds develpment rights and cnservatin easement frm Prt Twnsend Paper Crpratin fr apprximately 220 acres tidelands and uplands nrth f the park bundary. The park was acquired in 3 parcels; the first 2 frm the Federal Gvernment in 1958 and 1968, and the last frm the Department f Natural Resurces in 1970, at n cst t the Agency. The park cnsists f slightly mre than a third f the riginal Frt Twnsend built in 1856 by the U.S. Army fr the prtectin f settlers. Timbers were hewn and laths cut frm the frests f the vicinity. The Frt was clsed between 1859 and 1874 as unfit, after an inspectin by the Cmmander f the U.S. Army Headquarters f Clumbia. Rehabilitated in 1874, it thrived until 1895 when fire and lack f water destryed the barracks. 40 standard campsites, 4 primitive sites, 2 verflw sites, 2 cmfrt statins, 6 vault tilets, 43 picnic sites, 3 fire rings, 3 shelters, a grup camping area, 4 mrage buys, 1 amphitheater, six and ne-half miles f trails, plus a ne-quarter mile interpretive trail and ne-quarter mile nature trail, 3 primitive sites, trailer dump. Self-registratin is in effect all year rund fr day parking and first weekend in April t the middle f Octber fr camping. Camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, scuba diving, clamming, and crabbing. A large, active bald eagle nesting site is lcated in a secluded prtin f the park verlking Prt Twnsend Bay. Majrity f frested area f park designated Natinal Frest Area in Attendance: Year Std Camping Mrage Day Use Ttal , ,356 80, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,576 Interpretatin: Tw trails ne quarter mile (seventeen statins) trail telling stry f flra and fauna and ne quarter mile (furteen statins) trail telling stry f Frt Twnsend. An interpretive display bard lcated in the day use area tells the stry f Frt Twnsend. Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

8 Staffing: Psitin Staff Mnths Ranger Senir Park Aid 4.00 Park Aide (2) Rthschild Huse Heritage Area Lcatin: Acreage: In Prt Twnsend, Jeffersn Cunty.54 acres Acquired: Rthschild Huse was dnated t the Cmmissin by Mr. E. E. Rthschild in Histrical The huse was built in 1868 and depicts the architecture f its time. It is furnished with items dating befre the turn f the century. The huse cntains ver 2,500 antiques and furnishings f the riginal inhabitants. It features frmal gardens planted with "ld fashined" r nn-hybrid rses, an herb garden, peny beds, lilac hedges, and ther ld varieties f flwers frm arund the United States. The park is listed n bth the State and Natinal Registers f Histric Places. Facilities: Restred, histrical huse. Cntract with Jeffersn Cunty Histrical Sciety fr perating as interpretive center. Operated seasnally. Activities: Interpretatin. Attendance: Year Day Use , , , , , ,224 OPERATIONS: Interpretatin: Staffing: The park is a histrical huse museum. N dedicated staff, park is serviced by Frt Wrden Area staff. Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

9 Figure 1: Frt Wrden Area Parks Vicinity Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

10 Table 1: Summary f Old Frt Twnsend Management Issues Natural Resurce Issues Cultural Resurce Issues Recreatinal Resurce Issues Prtectin f natural plant and animal cmmunities Fungi harvesting Cmmercial salal harvesting Prtectin f Eagle Nests Prtectin f rare plant species Invasive plant species (e.g., hlly, ivy, Rberts geranium) Prtectin f Eelgrass beds and frage fish spawning habitat Wildfire preventin Recreatinal shellfish harvest Prperty Bundary Trespass Park naming Prtectin f Frt Twnsend cultural landscape Prtectin f archaelgical resurces Listing n Natinal Register f Histric Places Camping Trail use and develpment Trail use enfrcement Develpment f Interpretive Opprtunities Water access facilities Prmtin f special events (e.g., festivals and weddings) Playgrund facilities Table 2: Summary f Rthschild Huse Management Issues Cultural Resurce Issues Prtectin f Histrical Integrity f Site and Structures On-ging maintenance needs Exterir landscaping Site develpment Partnerships Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

11 SECTION 2: PARK PLANNING PROCESS The CAMP prcesses fr Rthschild Huse and Old Frt Twnsend began in Octber 2008 with the assembly f key agency staff t act as a cre planning team. This team cnsisted f the park manager, Frt Wrden area manager, Planning Prgram parks planner, Stewardship Prgram resurce steward and histric preservatin planner. The planning team als cnsulted ther agency technical specialists as needed. Starting in January 2009, the cre planning team held a series f public meetings and psted planning infrmatin n the prject's website. The first public wrkshp n January 8, 2009, cincided with the prpsal t transfer Old Frt Twnsend State Park and twelve ther parks t lcal gvernment as part f the Gvernr s perating budget. In respnse, planning fllwed a dual track: either infrming transfer f the park t lcal gvernment shuld budget reductins have required it, r if nt, prceeding nrmally tward adptin f the park s land use plan. Withut a willing lcal gvernment recipient, park transfer ultimately was nt pursued. In additin t discussin f ptential park transfer, the January 8, 2009 public meeting als slicited input n natural, cultural, and recreatinal resurce issues facing bth Rthschild Huse and Old Frt Twnsend State Parks. Next, the team crafted tw planning alternatives t help structure public input. Alternatives were rganized thematically t emphasize a majr aspect f State Parks missin, smetimes taking prvisins t lgical extremes. Thematic alternatives develped fr Old Frt Twnsend included: Prtecting natural and cultural features Enhancing recreatinal pprtunities. Since Rthschild Huse is principally a histrical site, the planning team develped alternatives that emphasized ne f tw histric preservatin treatments: restratin r rehabilitatin. Restratin tk a relatively purist apprach, fcusing n preserving histric features f Rthschild Huse and the surrunding landscape much as they were during the histric era. The rehabilitatin alternative by cntrast, tk a mre pragmatic apprach and seeks t find apprpriate cntemprary uses fr the huse and grunds (e.g., perfrmances, weddings, and ther special events) while prtecting the site s character defining features. The planning presented alternative plans at secnd public wrkshp n April 9, Drawing n public input, the team then develped a set f preliminary recmmendatins that blended individual elements f the alternatives tgether. On June 3, 2009, the planning team held a third public wrkshp t present and receive specific input n the preliminary recmmendatins. Finally, cmments n the preliminary recmmendatins were incrprated int a final prpsal fr land classificatins and lng-term park bundaries fr the tw parks. The Cmmissin adpted prpsed classificatins and lng-term park bundaries at its August 6, 2009 meeting in Kennewick. The planning team als incrprated cmments and infrmatin gained thrughut the planning prcess int this park management plan. In the future, thrugh pen huses and ther public frums, park and regin staff will slicit stakehlder cmments t identify new issues and reprt n prgress made n thse already identified. The intent is t keep this dcument viable and up-t-date with changing and emerging issues that affect park management. Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

12 SECTION 3: PARK OBJECTIVES Drawing n infrmatin gained thrugh the planning prcess, the planning team crafted a series f bjectives t guide future management f the park. Management bjectives are utlined in table 2, belw. Table 3: Old Frt Twnsend Park Management Objectives Management bjectives are under develpment and will be incrprated int a finalized park management plan. Table 4: Rthschild Huse Park Management Objectives Management bjectives are under develpment and will be incrprated int a finalized park management plan. Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

13 SECTION 4: LAND CLASSIFICATIONS AND LONG-TERM BOUNDARY Land Classificatin A central part f CAMP invlves zning, r classificatin f park lands. State Parks has develped a system f six land classificatins: Natural Area Preserves, Natural/Natural Frest Areas, Resurce Recreatin Areas, Recreatin Areas, and Heritage Areas. When assigned t a specific area within a park, each classificatin sets an apprpriate intensity fr recreatinal activity and develpment f facilities. Classificatins align alng a spectrum, ranging frm lw t high-intensity land uses. By classifying park lands, the agency is able t cnsciusly strike a balance between prtecting park resurces and prviding an apprpriate variety f recreatinal pprtunities fr park visitrs. State Parks and land classificatins are defined in Chapter in the Washingtn Administrative Cde (WAC), which reads in part: State park areas are f state-wide natural, cultural, and/r recreatinal significance and/r utstanding scenic beauty. They prvide varied facilities serving lw-intensity, medium intensity, and high intensity utdr recreatin activities, areas reserved fr preservatin, scientific research, educatin, public assembly, and/r envirnmental interpretatin, and supprt facilities. They may be classified in whle r part as fllws: (1) Recreatinal areas are suited and/r develped fr high-intensity utdr recreatinal use, cnference, cultural and/r educatinal centers, r ther uses serving large numbers f peple. (2) Resurce recreatin areas are suited and/r develped fr natural and/r cultural resurce-based medium-intensity and lw-intensity utdr recreatinal use. (3) Natural areas are designated fr preservatin, restratin, and interpretatin f natural prcesses and/r features f significant eclgical, gelgical r palentlgical value while prviding fr lw-intensity utdr recreatin activities as subrdinate uses. (4) Heritage areas are designated fr preservatin, restratin, and interpretatin f unique r unusual archaelgical, histrical, scientific, and/r cultural features, and traditinal cultural prperties, which are f state-wide r natinal significance. (5) Natural frest areas are designated fr preservatin, restratin, and interpretatin f natural frest prcesses while prviding fr lw-intensity utdr recreatin activities as subrdinate uses, and which cntain: (a) Old-grwth frest cmmunities that have develped fr ne hundred fifty years r lnger and have the fllwing structural characteristics: Large ld-grwth trees, large snags, large lgs n land, and large lgs in streams; r (b) Mature frest cmmunities that have develped fr ninety years r lnger; r (c) Unusual frest cmmunities and/r interrelated vegetative cmmunities f significant eclgical value. (6) Natural area preserves are designated fr preservatin f rare r vanishing flra, fauna, gelgical, natural histrical r similar features f scientific r educatinal value and which are registered and cmmitted as a natural area preserve thrugh a cperative agreement with an apprpriate natural resurce agency pursuant t chapter RCW and chapter WAC. Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

14 Fr each land classificatin, the agency Directr has develped detailed management guidelines. These guidelines set specific activities and facilities permitted in each designatin. The cmplete land classificatin system and management guidelines are included in Appendix A. Thrugh critical analysis f natural and cultural resurce inventries and evaluatin f future recreatinal facilities needs, the Cmmissin adpted land classificatins r Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse as shwn in Figures 2 and 3. Old Frt Twnsend Land Classificatin Natural Areas Natural Areas include park shrelines, intertidal areas, and bedlands imprtant fr prtectin f frage fish habitat and spawning. Within the prpsed lng-term park bundary, shrelines, intertidal areas, and bedlands in the Prt Twnsend Paper Crpratin cnservatin easement and n the Duglas waterfrnt prperty are als classified Natural Area. This designatin limits recreatinal activities t pedestrian uses and facilities t trails, interpretive signing, and ther lw-intensity develpments. Natural Frest Areas Natural Frest Areas (NFA) include all park frest lands classified NFA by the State Parks and Recreatin Cmmissin in 1994; abut 30 acres f newly acquired frest lands at the nrtheast bundary; and areas between the existing frest campgrund and grup camp (riginally excluded frm the 1994 NFA fr ptential campgrund expansin). Within the prpsed lng-term bundary, upland beach feeder bluffs and frested areas suth and east f Prt Twnsend Paper s cleared fly ash distributin site are als classified Natural Frest Area. As in Natural Areas, the NFA classificatin limits recreatinal activities t pedestrian uses and facilities t trails, interpretive signing and ther lw-intensity develpments. Heritage Areas Heritage Areas include intact cultural landscapes f Frt Twnsend and the Wrld War II era trped twer. The Heritage Area fr the trped twer encmpasses the existing grup camp and area bunded by the entrance rad, Madrna Trail, and Grup Camp Cuttff Trail. Within the prpsed lng-term bundary, the cabin and rchard area in Jeffersn Land Trust s Bulis Preserve are als classified Heritage. The Heritage classificatin requires that mdificatins r additins in these areas nt significantly affect histrical integrity and that cntemprary uses be allwed t the extent cnsistent with their preservatin and interpretatin. Heritage classificatins allw fr develpment f an extensive interpretive netwrk including rehabilitatin f the trped twer and surrunding areas t serve as an indr/utdr interpretive center, recnstructin f the guardhuse, and develpment f ther interpretive pprtunities thrughut the site. A water trail campsite near the park s waterfrnt landing wuld als be permitted under this designatin. Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

15 Figure 2: Old Frt Twnsend State Park Land Classificatin and Lng-Term Bundary Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

16 Figure 3: Rthschild Huse Land Classificatin and Lng-Term Bundary Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

17 Recreatin Areas Recreatin Areas include the park s existing develped frested campgrund, RV campsites, and an expansin area encmpassing the cleared upper terrace in and arund existing RV sites, the park s administrative area (residence and shp), and the eastern half f the cleared middle terrace (belw the existing RV sites). Within the prpsed lng-term park bundary, Recreatin Areas include cleared areas in and arund Prt Twnsend Paper s fly ash distributin site; residential lts at the fly ash distributin site entrance; and the existing residence/yard at Jeffersn Land Trust s Bulis Preserve. The Recreatin classificatin allws fr a wide variety f intensive recreatinal activities, as well as develpment f extensive recreatinal facilities and accmmdatins (e.g., campgrunds, cabins, picnic shelters, restrms, and ther supprting facilities). Recreatin Areas allw fr expansin f the existing campgrund including several rustic cabins; develpment f vernight and day use facilities at Prt Twnsend Paper s fly ash distributin site; and use f the residences at the Bulis Preserve and entrance t the fly ash distributin site fr recreatinal and administrative purpses. Resurce Recreatin Areas In 1994, the Cmmissin excluded several crridrs frm their NFA designatin t allw fr cycling and equestrian trail uses. Adpted classificatins designate these crridrs alng with the main park access radway as Resurce Recreatin Areas t allw these activities t cntinue. Within the lng-term bundary, areas f Bulis Preserve and the Prt Twnsend Paper Crpratin wnership and cnservatin easement nt therwise classified are designated Resurce Recreatin. Resurce Recreatin Areas als include a narrw strip f land adequate t plant and screen private structures alng Old Frt Twnsend Rad. An additinal Resurce Recreatin crridr was classified alng the pwer line easement extending nrth and suth f the Bulis Preserve t ptentially link the park t Jeffersn Cunty s reginal trail netwrk. The Resurce Recreatin classificatin is intended t prvide sustainable recreatinal use cnsistent with prtectin f natural and cultural landscapes. Recreatin in these areas is generally limited t shared use trails, primitive camping and sanitary facilities, access rads, and ther medium-intensity uses. Resurce Recreatin Areas allw existing shared hiking, cycling, and equestrian activities t cntinue and expand as additinal prperties within the lng-term bundary are acquired. Table 4: Land Classificatin Acreage Distributin Classificatin 1994 Classificatin (acres within agency wnership) 2009 Classificatin (acres within agency wnership) 2009 Classificatin (acres within lngterm park bundary) Recreatin Resurce Recreatin Natural Natural Frest Area Heritage Area Unclassified Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

18 Cmmissin-Apprved Cnditinal Activities Activities cnditinally permitted under the agency s land classificatin system may be permitted at specific sites nly with the cncurrence f the Cmmissin. The Cmmissin apprved the fllwing cnditinal activities at Old Frt Twnsend State Park: Heritage Areas: Farming/Orchards; Orienteering Natural Areas: Kayak/Caneing; Sailing; Pwer Bating Recreatin Areas: nne Resurce Recreatin Areas: nne Natural Frest Areas: nne Rthschild Huse Land Classificatin Land classificatins fr Rthschild Huse include a cmbinatin f Heritage Area, Recreatin Area, and Resurce Recreatin Area. The existing park prperty retains its current Heritage classificatin. This designatin reflects the histric significance f Rthschild Huse and its histric register listings. The Heritage classificatin requires mdificatins r additins t the huse and site nt significantly affect histrical integrity and that cntemprary uses be allwed nly t the extent cnsistent with their preservatin and interpretatin. Within the park s lng-term bundary, the western half f the adjacent Grady prperty with existing residence is classified Recreatin Area. The eastern half f this prperty with landscaped yard is classified Resurce Recreatin Area. These designatins will allw use f the residence fr restrms and administrative supprt functins and permit develpment f additinal parking, picnicking, and utdr presentatin/perfrmance space if ever acquired. Cmmissin-Apprved Cnditinal Activities Activities cnditinally permitted under the agency s land classificatin system may be permitted at specific sites nly with the cncurrence f the Cmmissin. The Cmmissin apprved the fllwing cnditinal activities at Rthschild Huse: Heritage Area: Farming/Orchards Recreatin Area: nne Resurce Recreatin Area: Farming/Orchards Lng-Term Park Bundary A secnd prduct f CAMP is adptin f a lng-term park bundary. This is a frequently misunderstd aspect f park planning. The purpse f delineating a lng-term bundary is t take a big picture lk at what lands, independent f wnership, might advance the cnservatin and recreatin missin f a park. It als cnsiders whether agency-wned prperty shuld be retained r be cnsidered surplus t park needs. Including privately wned prperty in a lng-term bundary gives Cmmissin directin t staff t wrk with nearby landwners n ptential land transactins. Transactins may range frm simple agreements, t recreatin and cnservatin easements, and smetimes even t agency purchase f prperty. If a landwner is nt interested in participating, State Parks is unlikely t pursue the matter further. Hwever, since land frequently changes hands, the agency uses delineatin f a lng-term bundary t set its lng-term prperty planning gals. Fr prperties included within a lng-term bundary, any f a number f pssibilities may apply. State Parks might: Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

19 Seek t frmalize an agreement with an adjacent prperty wner t advance a shared prperty management gal Slicit a cnservatin easement frm an adjacent prperty wner t prtect certain natural r cultural features Readily accept a dnatin f all r part f a private prperty Cnsider exchanging agency-wned prperty fr a private prperty Cnsider purchase f a private prperty in fee Including private land within a lng-term bundary can smetimes alarm prperty wners. The planning team makes every effrt t cntact affected landwners and explain implicatins f this prcess. Prperty wners shuld be assured that lng-term bundary and land classificatin decisins are fr Cmmissin plicy directin nly and shuld nt affect private prperty values, be used as an indicatin f their willingness t sell, r be used as a basis fr making state r lcal gvernment regulatry, permitting, r zning decisins. Prperty wners shuld als cnsider that wrking with State Parks t vluntarily prtect natural resurces cntiguus with thse n park lands may achieve the desired cnservatin effect and avid the need fr acquisitin f these prperties by the agency. In all but the rarest circumstances, State Parks acquires land n a willing seller basis. Figures 2 and 3 als shw the lng-term bundaries fr Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse. Darker shaded clrs indicate prperties already in agency wnership. Lighter shaded clrs indicate prperties nt in agency wnership but desirable fr lng-term bundary inclusin. The lighter and darker shaded areas tgether represent the lng-term park bundary. Old Frt Twnsend Lng-Term Bundary In additin t agency-wned lands, the lng-term park bundary fr Old Frt Twnsend State Park includes the fllwing prperties: 240-acre Prt Twnsend Paper Crpratin prperty currently under cnservatin easement held by State Parks (see map in Appendix A) 3/4-acre Prt Twnsend Paper Crpratin residential prperties at the fly ash distributin site entrance (parcels and ) 1/10-acre Duglas, Finnigan, and Van Lssn residential prperty and tidelands near the Prt Twnsend Paper Crpratin fly ash distributin site entrance 140-acre Jeffersn Land Trust, Bulis Preserve prperty 40-acre Kimball prperty at the park entrance, nrth f Old Frt Twnsend Rad Narrw strip f land adequate t plant and screen private structures alng Old Frt Twnsend Rad (parcels ; ; ; ; ; ; and ) Trail easement alng pwer line crridr nrth and suth f the Jeffersn Land Trust s Bulis Preserve linking the park t Jeffersn Cunty s reginal trail netwrk. Rthschild Huse Lng-Term Bundary In additin t agency-wned lands, the lng-term bundary fr Rthschild Huse includes the adjacent Grady Prperty n 809 Franklin Street, in Prt Twnsend (parcels and ). Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

20 SECTION 5: PARK ISSUES AND MANAGEMENT APPROACHES This sectin f the dcument utlines the principle natural, cultural, and recreatin / facility resurce issues identified by the public and staff during the CAMP and master planning prcesses, and suggested management appraches t address them ( see Tables belw). As in any real wrld situatin, sme issues d nt neatly fit int any ne f these three categries, while thers may span mre than ne. Sme license has been taken fr the sake f cnsistent presentatin. Addressing these issues will in almst all cases invlve park staff wrking with Reginal Stewardship, Envirnmental, and Planning staff. Additinal stakehlder invlvement is als anticipated, and may include (but nt be limited t): HQ service centers, sister natural resurces agencies (including the Department f Natural Resurces, Washingtn Department f Fish and Wildlife, Washingtn Department f Eclgy, Office f Archelgy and Histric Preservatin), lcal gvernment institutins (weed cntrl bards, permitting), nn-prfit rganizatins (Washingtn Native Plant Sciety, The Nature Cnservancy, Audubn), the tribes, institutins f higher educatin, and adjacent land-wners and interested citizens. All management actins will be cnsistent with the laws and plicies 1 gverning the agency, in additin t all federal, state, and lcal regulatins. As the issues and their management appraches are addressed in the future, assciated materials are addressed in the future, assciated materials (e.g., inventries, plans, mnitring recrds) will be added as appendices t this dcument. Readers shuld nte that the issues presented belw represent a significant staff wrklad and may als create high expectatins amng agency staff and park stakehlders. Clearly, cmpleting r even beginning all the suggested management appraches in the shrt-term is nt realistic. The issues shuld be seen as a t d list where items will be priritized as staff and financial resurces permit. Table 5: Old Frt Twnsend State Park Issues and Management Appraches Natural Resurce Issues Issue Management Apprach Preliminary Recmmendatin Prtectin f Classify shrelines, intertidal areas, and bedlands as Natural Areas t limit natural plant and recreatin t lw intensity uses nly animal Classify additinal frested areas arund campgrund, newly acquired bluff cmmunities prperty, and adjacent feeder bluffs within the cnservatin easement area as Natural Frest Area Classify ther frest lands in the lng-term park bundary as Resurce Recreatin Areas t limit develpment t shared use trails, primitive camping, and sanitary facilities Fcus new develpment in cleared prtins f the park Fungi harvesting Cnsistent with agency-established harvest limits, wrk with lcal fungi experts t develp a plan and mechanism fr mnitring fungi ppulatins and establish prescriptins t ensure sustainability f fungi harvest 1 Specifically, fr natural resurces: Prtecting Washingtn State Parks' Natural Resurces A Cmprehensive Natural Resurce Management Plicy (Cmmissin Agenda Item F-11, December 2004); and fr cultural resurces: Cultural Resurces Management Plicy (Cmmissin Agenda Item E-1, Octber three amendments). Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

21 Natural Resurce Issues (cntinued) Issue Management Apprach Preliminary Recmmendatin Cmmercial salal Cntinue t prhibit cmmercial salal harvest activities unless as part f a specific harvesting plan t accmplish sme resurce cnservatin r stewardship purpse Crdinate with park neighbrs t reprt salal harvest t park staff Prtectin f Eagle Nests Prtectin f rare plant species Invasive plant species (e.g., hlly, ivy, Rberts geranium) Prtectin f Eelgrass beds and frage fish spawning habitat Wildfire preventin Recreatinal shellfish harvest Prperty Bundary Trespass Develp eagle management plan in cperatin with the Department f Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Cnsistent with this plan limit administrative activities (trail maintenance, etc.) in nearby areas during critical nesting perids Cntinue t wrk with park steward and lcal plant experts t develp a rare plant prtectin plan t identify, mnitr, and establish prtective prescriptins fr Hkers grund cne and ther rare plants in the park. Cntinue t wrk with Jeffersn Cunty Nxius Weed Bard, park steward, lcal native plant sciety, Jeffersn Land Trust, and vlunteers t develp and implement an integrated pest management plan and cntinue t draw n lcal experts t mnitr prgress Classify shrelines, intertidal areas, and bedlands as Natural Areas t limit recreatin t lw intensity uses nly Redesign existing landing t replace as much rip-rap shre armring as pssible with sft-shre armring, prvide accessible rute t the beach, and facilitate kayak access t upland water trail site Pursue develpment f a small kayak launch/dinghy dck if necessary t facilitate bat access during all tidal cnditins and t prtect adjacent eelgrass beds Replace existing cncrete buy anchrs with helical-type anchr system(helical anchrs reduce impacts t eelgrass beds caused by cnventinal tw-blck cncrete anchring system) Crdinate with agency frestry specialist t develp a frest health plan that cnsiders remval f ladder fuels where apprpriate t prtect neighbring prperties and therwise reduce the risk f wildfires Wrk with neighbring landwners t prtect park frm wildfires riginating frm adjacent prperties Update wildfire element f park s emergency plans Cntinue t allw recreatinal shellfish harvest n park beaches (suth f the landing) cnsistent with WDFW harvest regulatins D nt cnsider stcking f park beaches with shellfish Cntinue t prhibit recreatinal shellfish harvest n cnservatin easement prperty, but cnsider pening area t harvest if ever acquired by State Parks Incrprate bundary surveys int capital prject prpsals as pprtunities arise Thrugh fire fuel reductin prjects alng park bundaries, wrk with neighbring landwners t verify prperty bundaries Wrk with agency Lands Prgram t address trespass issues as they are identified Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

22 Cultural Resurce Issues Issue Management Apprach Preliminary Recmmendatin Park naming Frmally rename park Frt Twnsend State Park Prtectin f With the exceptin f campgrund expansin and administrative area, classify Frt Twnsend intact prtins f the Frt Twnsend cultural landscape as a Heritage Area cultural Classify trped twer and cntributing landscape as a Heritage Area landscape Prepare a cultural resurces management plan t determine apprpriate treatments fr all histric features and avid activities that significantly cmprmise the site s histrical integrity Cnsider expsing cvered brick walkways Stabilize flagple and ther small-scale features frm further deteriratin Cnsider recnstructing key frt structures (e.g., guardhuse) t increase understanding f the Frt s purpse and functin Limit campgrund expansin t upper terraces in and arund the existing campsites, administrative area, and surrunding cleared areas (includes abut half f the middle terrace belw the existing RV sites. Prtectin f archaelgical resurces Listing n Natinal Register f Histric Places Undertake cncerted effrt t survey and excavate archaelgical sites in partnership with higher educatin institutins Pursue recvery f cllected artifacts Nminate Frt Twnsend cultural landscape and assciated archaelgical sites fr listing n the Natinal Register f Histric Places Separately research and nminate the trped structure fr listing n the Natinal Register f Histric Places Recreatinal Resurce Issues Issue Management Apprach Preliminary Recmmendatin Camping Expand camping as per current design prject t maximize number f sites cnsistent with prtectin f the cultural landscape (prvide utilities t all new sites) Intersperse rustic cabins int campgrund expansin area cncentrated in the upper terrace lp and design t harmnize with Frt s histric cntext (use shared campgrund restrm) Include renvatin f hiker/biker primitive sites in capital campgrund expansin prject Develp camper cntact statin Develp water trails site near landing with vault/cmpsting tilet In frested campgrund cntinue t evaluate health f trees and ptential risk t peple and prperty frm falling branches and ther tree failure. As indicated thrugh such an evaluatin, cnsider remval f campgrund if risk becmes unacceptable. Pursue develpment f additinal camping and vernight accmmdatins in the Prt Twnsend Paper cnservatin easement area if ever acquired Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

23 Recreatinal Resurce Issues (cntinued) Issue Management Apprach Preliminary Recmmendatin Trail use and Cntinue t permit pedestrian trail and verland uses thrughut park, but develpment establish an adaptive management system t mnitr impacts and prescribe crrective actins as necessary Limit cycling and equestrian pprtunities as currently permitted in park (crridrs thrugh Natural Frest Area nly) Update and enhance trail use infrmatin at trailhead bulletin bards and add new infrmatin bards where apprpriate Undertake Seek t link reginal trail (Larry Sctt Trail) cnnecting Kala Pint thrugh park t Prt Twnsend Fcus lng-term develpment f cycling and equestrian pprtunities t Prt Twnsend Paper cnservatin easement area if ever acquired Include Jeffersn Land Trust prperty in lng-term bundary fr develpment f ptential cycling and equestrian pprtunities if the Land Trust determines these uses are apprpriate n their land Trail use enfrcement Develpment f Interpretive Opprtunities Water access facilities Clsures t cycling and equestrian use n trail within the park s classified Natural Frest Area have been in place fr ver furteen years. A small number f cyclist hwever chse t disregard clsures, taking the calculated risk that a ranger will nt be present t enfrce the rule. T preserve the Natural Frest Area experience, park staff will take an adaptive management apprach t enfrcement, ramping up crrective prescriptins as necessary t gain cmpliance. Park staff will wrk with the Friends f Old Frt Twnsend t develp a reprting system t assess and mnitr the extent f cycling vilatins. Prescriptins include: Ensuring trail use infrmatin is psted at trailheads and permitted trail uses are cnspicuusly psted n all trails Meeting with the lcal muntain biking grup t encurage vluntary cmpliance and self-plicing Cnducting emphasis patrls t issue citatins fr trail use vilatins Clsing selected trails t cycling Clsing all trails t cycling Nte: Barricades/mazes n trails are nt recmmended due t additinal vegetatin trampling caused by determined cyclist ging arund them and aesthetic impacts. Develp indr/utdr interpretive center at the grup camp area in cperatin with Friends f Old Frt Twnsend and the Frt Wrden Life-Lng Learning Center Prvide indr interpretive pprtunity thrugh rehabilitatin f the trped twer rehabilitatin Recnstruct guardhuse fr interpretive use Prvide visual cues fr interpretatin f remved frt structures Redesign existing landing t replace as much rip-rap shre armring as pssible with sft-shre armring, prvide accessible rute t the beach, and facilitate kayak access t upland water trail site Pursue develpment f a small kayak launch/dinghy dck if necessary t facilitate bat access during all tidal cnditins and t prtect adjacent eelgrass beds Replace existing cncrete buy anchrs with helical-type anchr system Cnstruct water trails campsite with vault/cmpsting tilet near landing Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

24 Recreatinal Resurce Issues (cntinued) Issue Management Apprach Preliminary Recmmendatin Prmtin f Crdinate with Frt Wrden Life-Lng Learning Center t market park fr special events weddings and ther special events (e.g., festivals Include park shelter and ptentially park amphitheater n Frt Wrden s and weddings) reservatin system Imprve ADA access t shelter Crdinate with Frt Wrden Life-Lng Learning Center t develp natural and cultural resurce prgramming, using the park as an envirnmental educatin field pprtunity Playgrund facilities Remve ld playgrund equipment and replace with new equipment in the campgrund expansin area Table 6: Rthschild Huse Issues and Management Appraches Cultural Resurce Issues Issue Management Apprach Preliminary Recmmendatin Prtectin f Classify existing site as Heritage Area Histrical Seek lng-term acquisitin f cntributing prperties t huse administrative and Integrity f Site event supprt facilities, prvide additinal parking and t re-establish landscape and Structures Classify cntributing prperties as Recreatin and Resurce Recreatin t permit supprting functins (e.g., administrative and event supprt facilities, restrms, parking, picnicking, utdr presentatin/perfrmance space) On-ging maintenance needs Exterir landscaping Site develpment Prmte f the site s mdel stewardship park designatin as a means f fcusing agency attentin n n-ging preservatin measures Cmplete treatment recmmendatins frm 2008 Histric Structures Reprt Investigate sil stability n suthern end f lt, this may be affecting suth prch (frnt dr side) stability Submit items as part f capital budget Wrk with Jeffersn Cunty Histrical Sciety (JCHS) t seek funding and therwise develp partnerships t cmplete peridic maintenance Retain exterir landscaping in its present state, but cnsider establishing kitchen garden t better reflect landscape during the histric era. Upn acquisitin f cntributing prperties, relcate parking area Establish utdr seating area fr special events and small perfrmances Recnstruct (with mdificatins) frmer buildings fr use as event space, r as a cmpnent f Ft. Wrden s Life Lng Learning cncept Shift parking t nrth part f east lt (sld by family in 1940) Use existing residence n east lt fr supprt functins Re-establish rchard landscape n suthern prtin f east lt Cnsider sensitive mdificatins r use restrictins within huse t prvide space fr small indr gatherings Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

25 Cultural Resurce Issues (cntinued) Issue Management Apprach Preliminary Recmmendatin Partnerships Further relatinship with JCHS t manage and restre the prperty Seek additinal pprtunities fr revenue generatin and apprpriate cntemprary uses Wrk with the Frt Wrden Life-Lng Learning Center t crdinate interpretive, recreatinal, and interpretive prgramming at Rthschild Huse Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

26 SECTION 6: OTHER PARK PLANS Previusly prepared plans prvide additinal guidance fr the management f specific resurces r activities in a park. Examples f these types f plans, and trail use and develpment plans. Park master plans and facilities cncept plans are generally riented tward capital facilities develpment, but als cmmnly prvide plicy directin. The relatinship between this plan, ther existing plans, and recmmended future plans shuld be seen as iterative. As new infrmatin is derived frm mre detailed resurce-specific planning, existing plans shuld be reviewed and mdified t reflect changed circumstances. N single plan shuld be vested with ultimate authrity, but rather, the nging prcess f creating new plans and revising exiting plans shuld be seen as frming an increasingly cmprehensive base f plicy directin. The rle f this dcument is t serve as an 'umbrella' under with all park-related plans are referenced. A listing and lcatin f existing plans prepared fr Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse is included in Appendix C. Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

27 Appendix A: Washingtn State Parks Land Classificatin System WAC Land classificatin system. State park areas are f statewide natural, cultural, and/r recreatinal significance and/r utstanding scenic beauty. They prvide varied facilities serving lw-intensity, medium intensity, and high intensity utdr recreatin activities, areas reserved fr preservatin, scientific research, educatin, public assembly, and/r envirnmental interpretatin, and supprt facilities. They may be classified in whle r part as fllws: (1) Recreatinal areas are suited and/r develped fr high-intensity utdr recreatinal use, cnference, cultural and/r educatinal centers, r ther uses serving large numbers f peple. (2) Resurce recreatin areas are suited and/r develped fr natural and/r cultural resurcebased medium-intensity and lw-intensity utdr recreatinal use. (3) Natural areas are designated fr preservatin, restratin, and interpretatin f natural prcesses and/r features f significant eclgical, gelgical r palentlgical value while prviding fr lw-intensity utdr recreatin activities as subrdinate uses. (4) Heritage areas are designated fr preservatin, restratin, and interpretatin f unique r unusual archaelgical, histrical, scientific, and/r cultural features, and traditinal cultural prperties, which are f statewide r natinal significance. (5) Natural frest areas are designated fr preservatin, restratin, and interpretatin f natural frest prcesses while prviding fr lw-intensity utdr recreatin activities as subrdinate uses, and which cntain: (a) Old-grwth frest cmmunities that have develped fr ne hundred fifty years r lnger and have the fllwing structural characteristics: Large ld-grwth trees, large snags, large lgs n land, and large lgs in streams; r (b) Mature frest cmmunities that have develped fr ninety years r lnger; r (c) Unusual frest cmmunities and/r interrelated vegetative cmmunities f significant eclgical value. (6) Natural area preserves are designated fr preservatin f rare r vanishing flra, fauna, gelgical, natural histrical r similar features f scientific r educatinal value and which are registered and cmmitted as a natural area preserve thrugh a cperative agreement with an apprpriate natural resurce agency pursuant t chapter RCW and chapter WAC. WAC Management within land classificatins. (1) The directr shall develp management guidelines fr each land classificatin listed in WAC The guidelines shall prvide specific directin fr each classificatin, utlining the philsphy f each classificatin, its apprpriate physical features, lcatin, allwed and prhibited activities, and allwed and prhibited develpments. (2) Nthing in this sectin shall be cnstrued t allw uses that are therwise prhibited, nr prhibit uses that are therwise expressly allwed, by the cmmissin, this cde, r by statute. Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

28 Land Classificatin Management Guidelines Recreatin Areas TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL FEATURES LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS Washingtn State Parks Recreatin Areas State Parks Recreatin Areas are suited and/r develped fr highintensity utdr recreatinal use, cnference, cultural and/r educatinal centers, r ther uses serving large numbers f peple. State Parks Recreatin Areas are t respnd t the human needs fr readily available areas fr utdr recreatin and facilities t cngregate fr educatin, artistic expressin and ther ennbling pursuits. They are t prvide a variety f utdr recreatinal, educatinal, artistic, and cultural pprtunities t large numbers f participants. Primary emphasis is n the prvisin f quality recreatinal services and facilities with secndary recgnitin given t prtectin f the areas natural qualities. State Parks Recreatin Areas physigraphic features such as tpgraphy, sil type, drainage, etc., shall be adaptable t varied types f intensive uses and develpment. An attractive natural setting is desirable, hwever, humanmade settings are acceptable. There are n specific size criteria. State Parks Recreatin Areas generally are made, nt fund. They shall be lcated thrughut the state with primary emphasis t service majr centers f urban ppulatins and/r utstanding recreatinal turist attractins. Scenic and inspiratinal values shall be cnsidered but are secndary t the site adaptability and ppulatin criteria. When part f a large diverse park, recreatin areas shuld be sited in prximity t public rads and utilities. State Parks Recreatin Areas may allw and prvide fr a wide variety f indr and utdr day, weekend and vacatin activities. Prvisin may be made fr high intensity participatin in camping, picnicking, trail use, water sprts, winter sprts, grup field games, and ther activities fr many peple Off-trail equestrian and/r bicycle use may be apprpriate in selected areas if apprved by the cmmissin. Activities requiring high levels f scial interactin are encuraged. State Parks Recreatin Areas shall prvide apprpriate facilities and services fr the participatin and enjyment f high cncentratins f utdr recreatinists and/r participants in indr educatinal, cultural and artistic activities. A high degree f develpment is anticipated. Facilities may include rad and parking netwrks, swimming beaches, full service marinas, trails, bathhuses, artificial lakes and pls, play fields, large sanitary and eating facilities; standard and utility campgrunds, stres, picnic grunds, grup shelters, cnference centers, envirnmental learning centers, hstels, and administrative supprt facilities. Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July

29 Land Classificatin Management Guidelines Resurce Recreatin Areas TITLE DEFINITION PHILOSOPHY PHYSICAL FEATURES LOCATION ACTIVITIES DEVELOPMENTS Washingtn State Parks Resurce Recreatin Areas State Parks Resurce Recreatin Areas are suited and/r develped fr natural and/r cultural resurce-based medium- and lwintensity recreatinal use. State Parks Resurce Recreatin Areas are sites where the high quality f a particular natural r cultural resurce r set f such resurces is the lure fr human recreatin. Thus, the ratinale fr recreatin is based n the value f attractive natural r cultural resurces. Management f these areas must stress the centrality f preserving the quality f the natural and cultural resurces while allwing apprpriate and sustainable levels f human use and enjyment. State Parks Resurce Recreatin Areas have a variety f physigraphic features. While they may cntain areas f envirnmental sensitivity, mst prtins f each area will be able t withstand lw- t medium-intensity recreatin use withut significant envirnmental degradatin. State Parks Resurce Recreatin Areas may be lcated anywhere in the state where natural r cultural factrs prduce land and water sites particularly suited fr recreatin in a natural setting. Access t these sites shuld be reasnably prximate t majr urban centers, but sme access restrictin may be necessary t avid veruse f resurces. Within large diverse parks, these areas shuld be lcated at least a mderate distance frm public rads and high use intensity areas, while still maintaining reasnable public access fr their intended use. State Parks Resurce Recreatin Areas prvide pprtunities fr lw- and medium-intensity recreatinal experiences including, but nt limited t, picnicking, primitive camping, a variety f recreatinal trail experiences, interpretive facilities, histric/cultural exhibits, nature bservatin, phtgraphy, rienteering, kayaking, caneing, flating, and fishing. Off-trail equestrian and/r bicycle use may be apprpriate in selected areas if apprved by the cmmissin. Basketball, tennis, rganized grup sprting activities requiring frmal sprts fields, cmmercialsized piers and dcks, standard and utility camping, indr accmmdatins and centers, develped swimming areas, and ther similarly intense uses are nt apprpriate. Scientific research is permitted. State Parks Resurce Recreatin Areas develpment shall be permitted t the extent necessary t serve allwed activities. Parking, sanitary facilities, and ther ancillary develpments and supprt facilities shuld be cnstructed in a manner that is cnsistent with the site's ability t manage envirnmental change. Old Frt Twnsend and Rthschild Huse Park Management Plan Draft July