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January 21, 2025
 PORT ORCHARD – The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners has proudly accepted the transfer of 705.8 acres from the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Following several months of work by the Kitsap County Board of County Commissioners, the DNR land transfer was completed January 17, 2025.
The transfer of the property caps off several years of discussion between County Commissioners and DNR to preserve the Eglon property's vital fish and wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.
“We are thrilled to add this sizable parcel to our portfolio of conservation lands in north Kitsap County,” said Kitsap County Commissioner Christine Rolfes. “Its trails are already well-loved, the forest is beautiful, and the people of the area will be thoughtful, long-term stewards.”
DNR had ranked the Eglon forest as a top priority for transfer because of its significant ecological value and limited revenue potential. The parcel includes wetlands, 130-year-old landmark trees, unstable slopes, and a salmon-bearing stream. It also contains a user-built recreation and commuter trail, and the stream is popular with anglers.
With the transfer of the property completed, the County’s park and open space inventory will increase to approximately 11,400 acres. The county Parks Department's management plan for the park includes adding signage, incorporating the park into the department’s forest restoration planning, and expanding the department’s relationship with Kingston Parks, Trails, and Open Space, a sub-committee of the Kingston Community Advisory Council. Future efforts for the new park include public outreach, natural resource condition assessments, and developing more public access and recreational opportunities.
“Kitsap County Parks is excited about the open space preservation and natural resource and wildlife habitat protection that this transfer will achieve,” said Parks Director Alex Wisniewski.
To learn more about County parks, visit the Find Your Park website.
Contact Information
Krista Carlson: [email protected] or Chuck Cuzzetto: [email protected]
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