Frequently asked questions: Island Center Forest Deer Hunt

Introduction

Island Center Forest and Natural Area is a 369-acre working forest and nature preserve located in the center of Vashon Island, and is managed to demonstrate sustainable forest management while protecting and restoring the health of the site's habitat, and to provide low-impact recreation opportunities.

King County has owned and managed the land since 2005; prior to that, Island Center Forest was owned and managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

King County Parks manages the land in collaboration with community partners who make up the Friends of Island Center Forest, a diverse group that includes the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust, Vashon Forest Stewards, Vashon–Maury Island Audubon, equestrians, dog walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, among many other community members.

Island Center Forest serves many public uses, including more than nine miles of trails that are used by hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and dog walkers. The Mukai and Meadowlake wetlands are popular for bird watching and wildlife photography.

Deer hunting has also been a traditional activity on Island Center Forest. In fact, when King County took over management of the land, the Vashon community requested that all historic uses of the site be allowed to continue. These uses included hiking, biking and horseback riding, forest management and deer hunting.

One of the recommendations that came out of that planning process was to continue to allow deer hunting on a trial basis, and to work with the Vashon community to evaluate the feasibility of continued deer hunting in the future.

King County does not allow the discharge of firearms in any of its facilities, except by special written authorization, pursuant to King County Code. King County does not allow hunting in any of its parks. Based on historic uses of Island Center Forest, the discharge of firearms and hunting in the forest has been specifically allowed during the transition from management by the state to management by King County Parks.

However, in the fall of 2010 the Vashon community raised concerns about increased year-round use of the land by non-hunters that could create unsafe conditions in the woods during the roughly four-month-long hunt.

King County held a public meeting in October 2010 in Vashon, where community members expressed a wide range of comments about the hunting issue.

As a result of the community concerns, King County temporarily suspended its permit allowing the discharge of firearms at Island Center Forest, effectively canceling the remaining deer-hunting season in 2010.

What is King County implementing for 2011?

After hearing from the public at a Sept. 20 meeting on Vashon, as well as a public comment period, King County has established a limited deer hunting season at Island Center Forest from Oct. 15-31.

The 17-day period coincides with the “modern firearm” season established by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), when hunters are allowed to use bows and arrows, crossbows, muzzleloaders, revolver-type handguns or shotguns. Under WDFW regulations, center-fire and rim-fire rifles are prohibited on Vashon Island.

This action reduces WDFW’s four-month-long hunting season at Island Center Forest from a September-through-December to a 17-day season.

Island Center Forest will be closed to other recreational uses during the abbreviated hunting season. Trails in the adjacent natural area would remain open, as hunting there is prohibited.

How was this plan developed?

King County developed the plan based upon extensive input from hunters and non-hunters, and consultation with state wildlife biologists and enforcement officers.

Is this a permanent plan?

No, this is considered a pilot project for 2011 that will be used to guide development of a long-term hunting policy at Island Center Forest.

How will the limited hunt be evaluated?

In order to monitor use of the site, hunters are asked to voluntarily register at the trailheads. In addition, King County staff and volunteers will conduct public outreach at the site over the three weekends from Oct. 15-31. Efforts will be made to determine the extent that deer are using Island Center Forest, how many deer are taken from the site, and an evaluation of any safety issues that arise.

What authority does King County have to establish a designated limited hunting period at Island Center Forest?

The authority to establish hunting seasons belongs to WDFW, including any limited or special hunts outside of the general hunting season regulations. However, King County can authorize the discharge of firearms on its lands for a specific period within existing WDFW hunting seasons, which effectively allows hunting in the forest for a specified length of time.

Who will make the decision on future hunting at Island Center Forest?

After the 2011 season, King County Parks’ managers and staff will work with Vashon residents and WDFW staff to draft a responsible and reasonable long-term deer hunting policy for Island Center Forest.

Where can I get more information about Island Center Forest?

For more information, including links to the Island Center Forest Site Management Guidelines document, please visit our Island Center Forest webpage. Copies of the document are also available at the Vashon Library.

http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/trails/backcountry/islandcenterforest.aspx

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