Washington State Parks invites the public to attend an open house to learn more about proposed improvements to the existing boat launch and other facilities in the marine area at Fort Worden Historical State Park in Port Townsend. The open house is from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 2, at Friends’ Barn in Fort Townsend State Park, 1370 Old Fort Townsend Road. The informal open house is a continuation of State Parks’ planning effort to improve public safety and recreational access at the boat launch and to restore the nearshore environment at Fort Worden. While the primary focus of this open house will be the boat launch, staff also will share information on the current plan to unify the park’s marine area, including replacing the pier. State Parks staff and science and engineering consultant Anchor QEA will answer questions informally at display stations at the open house. People are encouraged to submit comments in writing or provide them online at bit.ly/FortWordenMarineArea. No formal public testimony will take place. The existing boat launch, located near Point Wilson, was built in the 1970s and provides access to Mid-Channel Bank, one of the region’s fishing spots. Peak usage occurs during the spring and summer crabbing and salmon seasons. On a busy summer day, up to 50 vessels (both motorized and non-motorized) use the launch. The boat launch has long been plagued with maintenance challenges. Large amounts of sand and debris build up around the boat ramp, limiting boaters’ access and impeding the natural movement of sand that provides habitat for important nearshore marine species. The proposal replaces the existing two-lane boat ramp with a one-lane elevated design, which will decrease the ramp’s footprint over the water and help restore the movement of sand. The proposal also calls for replacing the pier, which was built in 1944 and is deteriorating. A new traffic flow design would separate pedestrians from vehicles along the shore. The proposed improvements to the park’s marine shoreline area have been developed through a process of public meetings held on April 18 and June 10, and from comments received online and by mail. At the open house, people can learn more about the background of the project proposal, how the proposal came about and what the next steps will be. In addition to this meeting, the public can comment online at bit.ly/FortWordenMarineArea. For more information about this project, contact Michael Hankinson, parks planner, at 360-725-9756 or Michael.hankinson@parks.wa.gov.