Kitsap County News

PORT ORCHARD, Wash. – As Kitsap County is moving forward with its Forest Stewardship and Restoration Program, a long-term effort to ensure the health and resilience of forests across the County's park system.

The Forest Stewardship and Restoration Program provides 10-year, countywide guidance for forest health, based on conservation science and practices used by organizations such as the Great Peninsula Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy. These methods are focused on restoration, not logging—helping trees and wildlife thrive by guiding second-growth forests toward more resilient, diverse ecosystems.

What Forest Stewardship Means for Kitsap County Parks:

• Ecological restoration for resilient forests – Stewardship work helps develop large trees, diverse habitats, and healthy wildlife populations.
• Science-based practices – The approach is aligned with conservation methods used nationwide by trusted nonprofit land stewards.
• Community voice matters – Public feedback is shaping how and where work proceeds.

From June through August, the County's Parks Department hosted six open houses and site visits across all commissioner districts, along with a public survey. Hundreds of residents participated, and their feedback is informing the program's next steps. This data was shared with the Board of Commissioners at their Aug. 20 meeting. While most constituents appeared to appreciate Parks' efforts, a group has emerged concerned about how the new policy will specifically affect Banner Forest Heritage Park in the South Kitsap area. 

"In response to the valuable feedback provided by our community, the Board has directed the Parks Department to allocate additional time for careful review prior to advancing any projects at Banner Forest," stated District 2 Commissioner Oran Root, who represents the district that includes Banner. "I am dedicated to a transparent and inclusive decision-making process, ensuring that community input is prioritized. Your voices are integral to this process, and we are committed to aligning our decisions with both the best available scientific evidence and the values of the constituents we serve."

Next Steps in Stewardship Work:

• Pause on Implementation Plan – No work will occur in the parks until more dialogue and education occur with the community.
• Countywide focus continues – Stewardship planning and restoration efforts will proceed in other locations where community support is already strong.
• Transparent funding – Commissioners are exploring moving the program into the County's General Fund, reinforcing that stewardship is about ecological health, not revenue generation.
• Revised plan forthcoming – Parks will return with an updated policy and implementation plan that reflects expanded education and engagement. These updates are expected by mid-to-late 2026.

"Restoration creates diverse habitat for wildlife and supports long-term forest resilience," said Parks Director Alex Wisniewski. "By taking the time to engage and educate, we can ensure this work is clearly understood and widely supported."

The Board emphasized that no final decisions have been made regarding specific activities at any park. Each project will require additional planning, permitting, and public engagement before implementation.

For more information on the Forest Stewardship and Restoration Program, visit: Kitsap County Parks - Forest Stewardship..

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