The East Jefferson Trails Connection recently received some insights from Jefferson County planning personnel on ways they can get involved in updating the comprehensive plan, to further their goals of connecting county, state and national trails.

George Terry and Joel Peterson both serve as long-range planners for the county, and explained at the Finnriver Farm and Cidery on July 11 that Washington state’s Growth Management Act prescribes comprehensive plans for fast-growing cities and counties, to ensure their growth is guided to protect critical environments and conserve natural resources.

Terry and Peterson noted how the comprehensive plan contains elements — land use, natural resources, open space, transportation, economic development and capital facilities — whose goals and policies pertain to trails.

These include tying non-motorized transportation to urban open-space planning, creating a comprehensive system of multipurpose off-road trails running through public and private properties, and encouraging reclamation plans for not only trails, but also parks, playgrounds and habitats.

Not only does the comp plan identify safe pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian trails as providing access to schools, parks, employment “majo activity service centers” and transit facilities, but it also lists them among existing commuter and tourist highway corridors as economic development opportunities.

Terry and Peterson cited the Jefferson County Planning Commission as playing a key role in the 2025 periodic update of the comprehensive plan, since they will provide recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.

The Planning Commission’s next scheduled meetings are from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the Wednesdays of Aug. 7 and 21 at the Tri-Area Community Center in Chimacum.

If groups such as the East Jefferson Trails Connection wish to influence those policies, Peterson advised them to “keep your message in front of the board.”

Likewise, even in instances where specifics are not being determined, Peterson advised that “it helps to have as many details as you can” for one’s proposed plans.

Dan Toepper, vice president and District 3 representative on the Jefferson County Public Utility District Board of Commissioners, noted that the PUD would be a partner in a number of these proposed efforts, while Jefferson County District 2 Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour also cited the role of Public Works in the process.

Merrily Mount, who helped form the East Jefferson Trails Connection out of meetings of the Puget Sound to Pacific Collaborative, emphasized that such trail connections need to be touted as more than merely seasonal amenities, but are instead “active transportation,” with Peterson contributing that between a fifth to nearly a third of the county’s commuting is within two miles, and could be easily accommodate by such “active transportation.”

The East Jefferson Trail Connection meets again at 9 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Finnriver, for those interested in taking part.