When we launched our Public Beaches, Not Private Greens campaign this last year, hundreds of Washingtonians joined us in speaking out against the proposal to lease hundreds of acres of Westport Light State Park for a private golf resort. During the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) public comment period, surfers, birders, anglers, razor clam diggers, local residents, conservation organizations, and public lands advocates all made one thing clear: Westport Light State Park is already a world-class public destination that should remain in public hands.
Now, the project is entering its next major milestone.
On July 8, the Washington State Parks Commission will receive a project update during its public work session in Olympia. While work sessions do not include public testimony, they often provide an important glimpse into where the project stands and how commissioners are thinking about the proposal.
The following morning, July 9, the Commission will hold its regular business meeting, beginning with a public comment period. This is one of the best opportunities for supporters to speak directly to the Commissioners before the project advances further. Testimony may be delivered in person, virtually, or through written comments.
As this proposal moves through the State Parks process, it is critical that Commissioners continue hearing from people who believe Washington's coastal state parks should prioritize public recreation, healthy ecosystems, and resilient coastlines over private resort development.
The project is expected to move into its next major phase with the publication of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS). Once released, the environmental review process will largely be complete, shifting attention toward key policy decisions about the future of Westport Light State Park, and permitting of the project.
While the environmental review evaluates potential impacts, it does not answer the larger question: Should hundreds of acres of public state parkland be leased for a destination golf resort?
That decision ultimately rests with the Washington State Parks Commission, making continued public engagement more important than ever.
The Washington State Parks Commission is listening, and now is the time to make your voice heard.
If you believe Westport Light State Park should remain public land and water, dedicated to public access, recreation, wildlife, and healthy coastal ecosystems, we encourage you to submit a comment to the Commission today.
You don't have to be an expert. The most effective comments are personal. Tell the Commissioners why Westport Light State Park matters to you, how you use the park, and why you believe it should remain protected for future generations.
Submit your comments directly to the Commissioners through the Washington State Parks Commission Public Comment Form:
https://parks.wa.gov/commission-public-comment-form
You can also participate during the Commission's July 9 meeting by providing testimony in person or virtually. Every comment helps demonstrate the broad public support for protecting this extraordinary public landscape.
The next several months will likely be the most consequential period in this campaign to date.
Surfrider Foundation Washington will continue working alongside Friends of Grays Harbor, local community members, and our growing coalition of partners to ensure the public remains informed and engaged throughout every stage of this process. We are also closely following ongoing legal developments and look forward to sharing additional opportunities for supporters to help protect this extraordinary stretch of Washington coastline.
Westport Light State Park belongs to everyone. Together, we can help ensure it remains a place where people come to surf, fish, birdwatch, explore coastal wetlands, and experience one of Washington's most remarkable public landscapes, not a destination reserved primarily for paying golfers.
Also, please consider helping FOGH's legal fundraising to help our coalition fight this project in court here.