The recent story regarding the planned development of the Miller Peninsula State Park (Opponents want park to stay day use, PDN, Feb. 17) gives only a passing nod to the very real and numerous concerns that have been expressed by Olympic Peninsula residents for several years.
Not acknowledged is the impact of the increased traffic and inevitable escalation in collisions on an already congested U.S. Highway 101, as well as the two, narrow access roads leading to the park.
The concern is compounded with the increased risk of wildfire by overnight campers and the need for those campers and residents to flee the area while emergency response vehicles struggle to get in.
These issues were front and center during the recent Southern California wildfires.
The limited availability of water and septic utilities needed to service the development has yet to be addressed by State Parks, as well as its impact on wildlife and the ecosystem of the area.
In short, the development is poorly conceived and ill-timed, with a $25 million price tag flying in the face of a current $45 million parks budget deficit.
Yet the development planning presses on, with scant opportunity for or acknowledgement of public input.
The alternate, day-use-only plan being proposed by citizens of the Olympic Peninsula would be less impactful and far less expensive.
Sharon Derstine
Blyn