Stop Military Training in WA State Parks
The US Navy proposes to conduct covert training at 68 coastal sites in Washington, which incredibly, includes 29 Washington State Parks. Essentially this is war gaming. Up to 20 camouflaged troops at a time carrying paint guns made to look like standard military weapons will sneak out of the water and cross beaches to hide in upland vegetation for 2-72 hours while spying on park visitors.
The list of parks:
Blake Island, Manchester, Pacific Pines, Cama Beach,Mystery Bay, Salsbury Point, Camano Island, Fort Townsend, Scenic Beach Cape, Disappointment, Fort Worden, Sequim Bay, Deception Pass, Grayland Beach, Shine Tidelands, Doeswallips, Joseph Whidbey, Skagit Island Marine, Fort Casey, lllahee, Twin Harbors, Fort Columbia, Leadbetter, Westhaven, Fort Ebey, South Whidbey, Westport Light, Fort Flagler, Triton Cove
Everything about this proposal is wrong. State parks prohibit the display of guns and other weapons, intimidating and disturbing park employees, volunteers, and visitors. The environment is put at risk. There is the potential for tragic accidents such as when two military trainees posing as terrorists in North Carolina were shot by an unsuspecting deputy.
WEAN is committing significant resources to oppose this proposal. If we raise enough money, we plan to send representatives to the next WA Parks and Recreation Commission in Chelan, WA on March 12th to provide testimony. We are printing banners, postcards, and other materials.
And, WEAN is considering its legal options should the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission approve this proposal.
And so WEAN comes to you looking for financial support to make all of this happen. Please be as generous as you can be within the limits of your budget.
