As manager of Deception Pass State Park, Jack Hartt oversees the team of rangers, volunteers and friends who maintain the crown jewel of Washington's park system - the most heavily-visited park of them all. A lifelong state resident, Hartt has managed the park for the last five years and has been a ranger and interpreter for the last 30.
Spanning more than 4,000 acres in two counties, Deception Pass State Park offers old growth forest, hundreds of campsites, two fresh-water lakes, 10 boat ramps, 14 miles of shoreline, some 40 miles of trails, and one of the most photogenic bridges in Washington.
But while Deception Pass is the best known state park in Island County, it is far from the only one.
Whidbey and Camano islands are home to 12 true gems of the state parks system, rich in both history and natural history, that include Joseph Whidbey State Park, Fort Ebey State Park, Fort Casey State Park, South Whidbey State Park, Possession Point State Park, Camano Island State Park and the brand new, one-of-a-kind Cama Beach State Park.
Hartt will discuss all 12 of Island County's state parks, their history, management, ties to the community and plans for the future.
