Board recommends statutory boundary adjustment to enable future trail connection with state park

County planning staff and a representative from Front Neck State Park described a request to approve a statutory boundary adjustment covering a 31-acre parcel owned by Jeff and Anne Bolin. Staff said the request is narrower than a previously denied, larger parcel and is intended to allow state parks to seek legislative authority to include the parcel within a statutory boundary — the first step that permits park staff to negotiate easements, controlled-burn management and invasive-species cooperation with adjacent landowners.

Staff explained the boundary adjustment does not transfer land or obligate acquisition; it allows the parks division to submit the legislative paperwork necessary for any future acquisition or easement negotiations. The Bolins have discussed potential future donation or sale of portions of the parcel for natural- and cultural-resource protection, though staff emphasized any permanent acquisition would depend on the owners’ intentions and subsequent processes.

A state parks representative attended the meeting and staff noted that statutory boundary designation also aids management activities such as controlled burns and invasive-species work when coordinated with adjacent landowners. The board voted to recommend approval of the statutory boundary adjustment to the parks division for legislative submission; staff will forward the county’s approval for inclusion in the materials that go before the legislature.

Why it matters: the step enables park staff to start negotiations and to pursue trail connectivity that staff said could allow a trail connection from the main park area to an existing trailhead at County 2 and Highway 61. The action is a procedural approval recommending the statutory-boundary adjustment for further state-level consideration.