The project involved the development of a land use plan based on ecological values and functions of the Gorst Creek Watershed. The project developed the regulatory framework to protect existing wild lands and ensure sustainable growth. Funded through the USEPA's Watershed Management Assistance Program Grant and from the participation of Gorst property owners, regional stakeholders and government agencies, the plan identified priority areas for development, areas that should be protected, and regulations to guide future development.
A major goal of the project is to assist and leverage development by creating a streamlined permitting process to reduce permitting cost and time for developers and local governments.
The planning effort was delivered through 6 major tasks:
Watershed Characterization - development of habitat quality and other models & mapping to document the existing conditions within the watershed.
Land Use Plan - development of a Land Use Plan, including implementing regulations adopted by the city and county which will guide development within the watershed.
Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement (PAEIS) - development of a PAEIS which assessed development within the Gorst Urban Growth Area to provide a streamlined permit approval process to help facilitate future development. The EIS also programmatically addressed the watershed.
Stormwater Plan - the stormwater plan identifies current deficiencies and corrective actions needed in the watershed.
Capital Improvement and Corrective Action Plan - identifies and prioritizes projects needed to address existing infrastructure deficiencies and promote sustainable development. Major emphasis in this task will occur on developing a plan for correction of the failing landfill along Highway 3. Also addressed are other fish passage barrier removals.
Outreach and Information Transfer - a detailed program was implemented throughout the project to engage the public on the project as it proceeds.
All task deliverables are available on the Documents Page that corresponds with Gorst Watershed Subarea Plan. Project Location
The Gorst Creek Watershed and Gorst UGA together comprise the planning boundaries, and encompass over 6,570 acres in the southwestern portion of Kitsap County. Several jurisdictional boundaries cross into the watershed: about 3,707 acres encompass Bremerton City Limits, most of which is zoned as utility lands, about 335 acres are in the Gorst UGA, nearly 180 acres are in the McCormick Woods area of the city of Port Orchard, and there is another 42 acres of unincorporated UGA assigned to Port Orchard. The balance of about 2,205 acres are rural, unincorporated land. Check out this Map of the Watershed (PDF).
The project began in 2011 and the Gorst Subarea Plan was completed in December 2013. For more information view the Project Schedule (PDF).