New map highlights parks, natural lands and activities on

Thanks to a new cooperative project between King County, the Vashon Park District and the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust, island residents and visitors alike now have a detailed map of public lands and the activities that are available at each location.

The island features more than 30 parks and natural preserves that offer a variety of activities, including swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing and more. In addition, King County manages more than 800 acres of land on Vashon-Maury Island, including the popular Dockton Park and the ecologically valuable Island Center Forest.

"This new map is a great resource for anyone planning to spend the day exploring Vashon-Maury Island's tremendous natural beauty," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "We hope it encourages more residents and visitors to get out and explore the wonderful natural lands our region has to offer."

Maps can be downloaded from the King County GIS Center's Virtual Map Counter, www.metrokc.gov/gis/vmc/index.htm. Free copies are also available at www.vashonlandtrust.org, www.vashonparkdistrict.org or at the King County Roads Services Division map counter, on the first floor of the King Street Center, 201 South Jackson Street in Seattle.

The Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust was founded by island residents in 1990. Since that time, the group has been instrumental in acquiring and permanently preserving more than 870 acres on 23 parcels that have been carefully selected Vashon and Maury islands. More information is available at www.vashonlandtrust.org.

The Vashon Park District was created in 1986 by residents of Vashon-Maury Island to work in partnership with King County Parks and the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust. The district owns about 435 acres of land that is available for a variety of public uses, including kayaking at Jensen Point, hiking through the Fisher Pond natural preserve, or watching a sunset at Lisabeula Park on the island's western shore. More information is available at www.vashonparkdistrict.org.