Dockton Forest mountain bike trail plan Meetings

Two community meetings have been scheduled this fall on Vashon Island, when community members can learn more about a proposal to build mountain bike trails in King County Parks’ Dockton Forest.

The first community meeting is set for Thursday, Dec. 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of Vashon High School, 20120 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon. The meeting had originally been scheduled for Nov. 17, but had to be rescheduled because of a power outage.

King County Parks representatives will provide a brief overview of Dockton Forest, and representatives the Vashon Mountain Bike Association will present their proposal to build public mountain bike trails through the forest. As part of this proposal, all existing trails through the forest would remain open to all trail users.

Community members are invited to share their feedback and ideas on trail use and trail improvement needs.
The second community meeting is set for Dec. 10 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room of McMurray Middle School, 9329 SW Cemetery Rd., Vashon.

At the second community meeting, King County Parks representatives will present a plan that unifies the mountain bike trail proposal with ideas generated by the community at the previous meeting.

The County’s goal is to produce a clear and concise trail use and development plan that insures continued hiking, biking, equestrian and running opportunities for park users of all ages and abilities.

For information about the meetings or to provide input, contact David Kimmett at 206-477-4573 or david.kimmett@kingcounty.gov. To receive brief project updates, text King DocktonTrails to 468311.
Located on Maury Island, Dockton Forest and Natural Area is managed to protect and enhance ecological values, provide opportunities for low-impact recreation, and demonstrate ecologically sustainable forest management.

The site offers forested trails that link to the county’s Dockton Park on Quartermaster Harbor, which offers a boat launch, mooring dock and picnicking; and to the 275-acre Maury Island Natural Area, which features nearly one mile Puget Sound shoreline.