Led by Theresa Smith (LK08), Senior Transportation Engineer for Parametrix, Environment & Planning Day, held May 13, 2016, provided an engaging, hands-on look at Kitsap County’s unique environment and planning challenges.
Environment & Planning panel discussion with Eric Baker, Art Castle, & Keith Grellner
The day began at the Port of Bremerton, Bremerton National Airport. Allison Satter (LK14), Senior Planner for the City of Bremerton Community Development Department gave an overview of city planning, the process, and opportunities for community involvement. A panel of experts included Keith Grellner, Kitsap Public Health District Environmental Health Director; Art Castle, Executive Vice President of the Building Industry Association of Washington; and Eric Baker, Kitsap County Board of Commissioners Policy Manager, tackled issues of environmental health, urban growth, and low impact development. Dr. Chris May, Kitsap County Public Works Surface & Stormwater Management Division Director, was also in attendance to respond to the Q&A.
Tour of Casad Dam, Bremerton’s water source
The class spent the majority of the day traveling to various points of interest. Transportation was provided by Kitsap Community Resources. The tour included Casad Dam, the Ultraviolet (UV) Light Water Treatment Plant, Jarstad Park, and Manchester Stromwater Park. Kathleen Cahall, City of Bremerton Water Resource Manager, led the tour of Casad Dam and the UV Treatment plant. The class enjoyed a picnic lunch at Jarstad Park. Ken Donleycott, City of Bremerton Public Works, Forestry Department, explained how timber is a valuable revenue for the city.
Ken Donleycott & Mike Huff, Jarstad Park
Mike Huff, Salmon Enhancement Biologist from the Suquamish Tribe, led the class on a tour of the fish hatchery at Jarstad Park. The class then traveled to
Manchester Stormwater Park and were led on a tour of the award winning innovative site by Dr. Chris May and Tim Beachy, Kitsap County Public Works Capital Improvements Project Manager.
Innovative details
One participant commented, “While I had some familiarity with environmental and planning processes, I really didn’t have any assumptions or perceptions about how they were implemented or regulated. In all, I find myself privileged to live in an area that is making conservation and preservation a priority.”
Many thanks to our Environment & Planning Day Sponsors. Parametrix was the primary sponsor of Environment and Planning Day. Panera Bread provided our morning coffee and bagels. provided transportation. We began and ended our day at the Port of Bremerton, Bremerton National Airport.
Tim Beachy, Manchester Stormwater Park