10 Reasons to Oppose Westport Golf Links Development at Westport Light State Park
Westport Light State Park is a rare coastal gem where the forest meets the ocean—offering a vital habitat for wildlife and a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike. But this cherished public space is at risk.
Westport Light State Park
Westport Golf Links has proposed building an 18-hole golf course, short course, hotel, cottages, pro shop, restaurant, bar, and other commercial amenities within and around the park. The recently released Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) shows the project would cause irreversible harm to sensitive wetlands, rare species, and public lands.
Starting April 7, a 45-day public comment period allows anyone—residents, visitors, and concerned citizens—to speak up. A group of Westport Light State Park supporters reviewed the EIS and compiled 10 key reasons why this project should be stopped.
Feel free to use these points in your letters, public comments, or conversations with neighbors. Or use this sample letter to get started- adding your own words is highly encouraged.
Once we trade wild space for manicured greens, we won’t get it back.
Public comments may be emailed to: wgl.wlsp.deis.comments@gmail.com
Or mailed in letter form to :
City of Westport
Attn: Tom Cappa, SEPA LEAD
PO BOX 505
Westport, WA 98595.
Please reference Project File Number: 25-COW-EIS-01
1. It Would Destroy Rare and Valuable Wetlands
Over two-thirds of the proposed development site is made up of rare, high-quality interdunal wetlands. These Category I wetlands—according to the Department of Ecology—contain attributes “impossible to replace within a human lifetime.” They provide crucial ecosystem services like flood prevention and water purification, and they support a wide variety of plant and animal life, including threatened species. Building a golf course here would permanently fragment these systems.
Learn more about wetland classifications
2. Rare Lichen Habitat Must Be Protected
Lichen is a combination of a fungi and an algae—it’s vital to the health and well-being of an entire ecosystem.
Two rare lichen species listed by Washington State—Hypogymnia heterophylla (sensitive) and Kaernefeltia californica (threatened)—were found in the project area. This is one of the last critical habitats for rare coastal lichens in the state. Lichens are highly sensitive to pollution and fertilizers, which golf courses routinely use. Experts conducting the field survey strongly recommend preserving these areas.
Lichen are an integral part of the food web. Animals like deer eat lichen. Birds use lichen to build their nests and insects hide in or feed on lichen. Scientists use lichen as natural sensors to monitor environmental health. Many lichen species are extremely slow-growing, some taking decades or even centuries to mature. Once a patch is destroyed, it can take generations — if ever — to recover.
Read the Rare Lichen Survey Report
3. Wildlife Disruption
Golf courses disrupt habitats and wildlife movement. Golf course maintenance introduces constant noise, light, and temperature changes that harm sensitive species. Mowing (3–5 times per week according to the EIS report), leaf blowing, and early-morning operations will disturb birds and mammals. Artificial lighting can disorient nocturnal and migratory species.
Westport Light State Park lies along a migratory bird pathway, and species like the olive-sided flycatcher, rufous hummingbird, whimbrel, and bald eagle—all protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act—have been documented in the area. Migratory birds support birdwatching, tourism, and healthy ecosystems — all of which have real economic value for local communities. Birds don’t recognize state or national borders. They depend on safe stopover habitats like Westport Light State Park to rest, feed, and nest.
Bald eagles and their habitat are protected under federal law.
4. Chemical and Pollution Threats
The golf course would require ongoing use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, which could leach into surrounding wetlands and drinking water. Birds, fish, amphibians, and lichens are particularly vulnerable to these chemicals.
Golf course toxicity explained
5. Permanent Construction Damage
The project involves clearing trees, removing native vegetation, grading, and paving, which would permanently alter the park’s natural landscape. During construction, plans include 10–20 truck deliveries per day bringing in crushed rock, asphalt, and concrete.
6. Economic Risks, Not Gains
Runoff could damage coastal waters that local fishers and tourism rely on. Water use, traffic, and pressure on public services could increase local costs. This is a private development—most profits from green fees, lodging, and dining won’t benefit the local community. Short-term construction jobs won’t outweigh long-term damage to the park and economy.
7. Local Water Disruption
Wetlands rely on seasonal flooding and high water tables. The project would disturb these systems with irrigation, drainage, and vegetation removal, increasing the risk of both flooding and drought. The EIS notes that clearing brush and trees will raise runoff levels. Maintaining a playable course during dry summers would require large volumes of water, putting pressure on regional supplies.
A recent morning in Westport Light StatePark
8. It Violates Protected Land Designations
In 2015, Washington State Parks designated much of the area as “Natural Area” and “Resource Recreation Area”—zones meant to protect sensitive ecosystems. Development in these zones is prohibited unless formally reclassified, which hasn’t happened. Pushing forward with this project would violate public trust and existing protections.
9. It’s Incompatible with State Park Values
Washington State Parks exist to protect treasured lands and offer access to nature for all. A golf course serves a limited user group and restricts public access to wild space. State Parks are meant to provide inclusive, low-impact recreation—like hiking, birdwatching, and beach access—available to all Washingtonians. Natural areas like Westport Light State Park offer opportunities for outdoor learning, wildlife observation, and stewardship. Allowing a private, revenue-focused golf course development to take over protected space compromises the agency’s role as a steward for the public good.
10. Tsunami Safety Concerns
The proposed putting green would be built on high ground designated as a tsunami gathering area by the Department of Natural Resources. That land must remain accessible for public safety in the event of a natural disaster.
As a side note- The Drift interviewed Ryann Day of Westport Golf LInks in May of 2024. You can read that here.