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Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Van De Wege, local Audubon Society agree on Dungeness Spit proposal

Sign at Dungeness Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Linda Barnfather

State Rep. Kevin Van De Wege  (D-Sequim) and representatives of the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society (OPAS) in Sequim have jointly agreed to a proposal that would continue to permit jogging within the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge (DNWR), and protect horseback riding within the Refuge for future generations – all while still providing protection for the area’s unique wildlife and habitat.

On January 7, Van De Wege met with representatives from OPAS and clarified his position on the future uses and control of the Refuge, expressing his dedication and commitment to maintaining public access to public lands.

“This issue was brought to my attention by the public backlash against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposed ban on all jogging and horseback riding at Dungeness Spit,” Van De Wege said.  “My public stance against the ban raised concern within OPAS, and together we’ve come up with a compromise we believe is in the best interests of both wildlife protection and recreational access.”

In response to the proposed ban, Van De Wege considered introducing legislation to revoke federal control of part of the Spit and return it to state control.  Under this new agreement, he would not pursue that option.

The Dungeness Spit Agreement recommends that horseback riding continue to be allowed on the beach southwest of the base of the Spit, and prohibited on beaches leading toward the lighthouse.  While horses would no longer be permitted on the pedestrian trail leading to the beach, both Van De Wege and OPAS believe separate access for horseback riders can be obtained.  Under the federal government’s plan, however, all horseback riding would be outlawed.

The Agreement also recommends prohibiting jogging from the upland paved trail to the beaches and on the north/northeast spit beaches leading toward the lighthouse, to avoid disturbances to nesting and feeding birds.  However, jogging would still be allowed on the beach southwest of the spit access trail, toward McDonald Creek.  In this area, the birds nest in the cliff faces and are less disturbed by human activity.

Representatives from OPAS released this statement regarding the agreement with Van De Wege:

“Our primary objective is to sustain protection for the wildlife and their habitats within the DNWR.  However, we recognize and support the value of public access, which contributes to learning and understanding the important role the refuge plays to protect and study the birds and wildlife of our region.  We believe the compromise agreement negotiated with Rep Van De Wege is a workable plan.”

The public comment period for the federal government’s draft conservation plan, which includes the proposed ban on jogging and horseback riding, has been extended to February 28, 2013.

Van De Wege and OPAS strongly encourage those who support their joint agreement for continued jogging and horseback riding access to email the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov.  The word “Dungeness” should be included in the email subject line.

A summary of the conservation plan can be found here, with updated info here, or by calling the Refuge office at 360-457-8451 for information on obtaining a paper summary, a CD of the plan, or a complete hard copy.