The public is invited to comment on a new plan for the parks, trails, and natural areas of San Juan County.

A draft of the plan that will guide action and investment in San Juan County’s outdoor spaces for the next 6 years has been completed and is now available for public review.

For the past 12 months, San Juan County Parks, Public Works, and Land Bank have worked with The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national land conservation non-profit, to develop the draft San Juan County Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas Plan 2011-2016.

The plan identifies five top-tier priorities: trails, land protection, water access, stewardship and maintenance, and funding. Dependant on available resources – the plan identifies nearly $15 million in capital projects and a range of specific actions to meet community needs over the next 6 years.

The plan also establishes a collaborative mission for the three county departments and a long-term vision for the County’s parks system.

The public may offer suggestions and comment on the draft plan until Aug. 27.

The plan can be downloaded by visiting http://sanjuanco.com/draftplan and it may also be reviewed at the offices of San Juan County Parks, Public Works, and Land Bank in Friday Harbor.

Public comments can be submitted via e-mail to sjcparkplan@gmail.com or in written form to San Juan County Parks, Attn: Dona Wuthnow, 350 Court St. #8, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. The final Plan is tentatively scheduled to before the County Council for public hearing and approval in September.