Cowan Ranch ** Hoko State Park

***January 18, 2008 ***The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will meet in Silverdale, Washington. The Commission is expected to take action on the land classification and long-term boundary for Hoko River State Park.
State Parks has completed SEPA environmental review of the CAMP management plan in accordance with WAC 197-11-340(2). A Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) was issued after review of a completed environmental checklist that described the potential environmental implications of this proposal. The checklist and DNS can be viewed at the link http://www.parks.wa.gov/plans/hokoriver under Stage 3. If you want a copy of the documents mailed to you, or wish to comment on the DNS you should contact the following by January 14, 2008

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

ATTN: Nata Hurst, Administative Assistant 3

PO Box 42650 Olympia Wa, 98504-2650
Phone: (360) 902-8638

FAX: (360) 902-8666

Email: nata.hurst@parks.wa.gov

***Previous History***
State park officials held a public work shop at the Sekiu Community Center on August 15, 2007 from 6 PM to 8 PM and another at the Cowan Ranch/Sekiu Community Center on October 10th, 2007. Attendees were briefed on current concepts and asked to share their ideas, comments and suggestions on the alternatives for the State park, including environmental concerns. For more information click on http://www.parks.wa.gov/plans/hokoriver .

The Cowan Ranch Barn (see picture below) is in the process of being reinforced/refurbished by the State. The Cowan House (currently the State Parks Ranger residence) is to be refurbished.  Long term plans for the State Park are not defined.
On March 9, 2006 there was a community meeting with Washington State Parks, planner Peter Herzog and others. The essence of this meeting was that the State wanted the community to piece together a usage plan and try to in entice some sort of income producing enterprise to setup and operated the business(s). Some brainstorming during the meeting brought up a list of things to be considered:

In the meantime, the state is investigating making a more contiguous property by trading (Hoyt property exchanged for adjacent property, for example) and acquiring additional property along the Straits and the Hoko rivers for future use and water access and trails.

BackGround and history

In summer 2003, Washington State Parks Director Rex Derr committed agency staff to conduct an
abbreviated, low-cost planning effort aimed at protecting park resources and developing initial
public access to Hoko River State Park. In February 2004, agency staff held a public workshop and
met with representatives of other government agencies, Indian Tribes, and the Clallam Bay – Sekiu
community to learn more about the park’s potential role in the region and to discuss initial steps
towards eventual development and operation of the park. A report was prepared summarizing what staff
learned and suggests short-term measures to enhance public use and protection of this valuable park
holding. [Click Here to view the draft report]  Below are some pictures from the report.




  

Cowan Ranch Barn, Currently being reinforced                      Cowan Pasture (usually filled with deer or elk)