The US Navy has submitted (again) a request for a “Right of Entry” permit to conduct covert surveillance training in 29 of our shoreline state parks. The training consists of an approach to the beach in a mini-submarine, crossing the beach, climbing the bluff, and hiding in the forest at the top for up to 48 hours, spying on people in the park.
Most of us think of our parks as places of peace, where we listen to the birds, watch the squirrels, appreciate the flowers, walk the trails, and breathe in the clean air. We do not expect people to be hiding in the bushes with large (simulated, we’re told) weapons.
Some history: The Navy did this for decades, without asking permission. State Parks decided that was not acceptable. A right of entry permit was issued in 2015, for the use of 5 parks, with an indemnity clause holding the Navy responsible for any harm. The Navy used 7 parks. That permit expired on April 30. Now the Navy wants to use 29 parks, including rock climbing at Deception Pass. While the new agreement runs to many pages, it specifically excludes any indemnification – leaving State Parks or local jurisdictions on the hook.
The Navy asserts that it needs our parks because no other place provides the same challenges – swift currents, steep bluffs, dense forests. In a moment of candor, a Navy staff person admitted that the one thing parks have that the Navy’s 46 miles of shoreline lack is unsuspecting civilians on whom to spy.
There is obviously much more to be said on this subject. The Whidbey Environmental Action Network is working on providing more information on its website: www.whidbeyenvironment.org. Feel free to contact us at wean@whidbey.net.
Meanwhile, please submit your comments to commission@parks.wa.gov. For the gritty details, check out https://parks.state.wa.us/1168/Navy-training-proposal.