 | | Severe Weather Shelters Open December 26-27, 2025 | 12/26/2025 | Due to anticipated freezing temperatures, the Kitsap County Severe Weather Shelters are open Friday, December 26 and Saturday, December 27, 2025.
Hours of operation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. except as noted for the Kingston location. Guests will not be able to check into the shelter after 9 p.m. If no guests have checked into a shelter location by 9:00 p.m., that location will close for the evening. For details on procedures and rules visit www.kitsapdem.com.
The locations are:
Village Green Community Center 26159 Dulay Rd NE Kingston, WA This location is open from 6:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m.
Port Orchard United Methodist Church 725 Kitsap St Port Orchard, WA
Silverdale Community Church 9982 Silverdale Way Silverdale, WA
Those needing transportation to the closest shelter an call 360-373-3000 to arrange for a ride before 8 p.m. Measures are taken at the shelters to prevent the spread of viruses, including COVID-19. Additionally, overnight sheltering is also available at the Salvation Army in Bremerton, located at 832 6th Street with check in from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Call 360-649-6628 for more information.
The Severe Weather Shelters serve anyone in our area who requires safe overnight refuge when hazardous weather conditions are expected. Further activations are weather dependent. Call 2-1-1 for information about the Severe Weather Shelter Program in multiple languages along with details on how to receive text message notifications when the shelters open.
| | | | Commissioner’s Corner Explores How Wastewater Treatment Plant Protects the Health of Puget Sound | 12/8/2025 | PORT ORCHARD, Wash – Every day, the Central Kitsap Treatment Plant processes approximately four million gallons of wastewater from homes and businesses across Kitsap County, transforming it into clean water before it returns to Puget Sound. The facility in Brownsville treats wastewater from Silverdale, Bangor, Keyport, and the City of Poulsbo, along with septage from about 60,000 septic tanks throughout the County. In the latest Commissioner's Corner video, District 1 Commissioner Christine Rolfes speaks with Senior Program Manager Nick Martin and Operations Manager Matt Pickering about how the treatment process works and what residents can do to support the system. "The Central Kitsap Treatment Plant is more than infrastructure. It's one of our strongest lines of defense for clean water and a healthy Puget Sound," said Commissioner Rolfes. "The staff works around the clock to keep our system running, and residents play an important role too through simple actions at home." Wastewater treatment is a complex process that benefits the local environment by: - Preventing pollution and beach closures. Without treatment, toxic chemicals would harm marine life, create dead zones, and force closure of beaches and shellfish harvesting areas.
- Producing water that’s 98-99% cleaner. Multi-stage treatment removes pollutants invisible to the eye, including ammonia, disease-causing organisms, and harmful nutrients.
- Turning waste into resources. The County converts approximately 1,000 tons of biosolids annually into agricultural products and is working toward producing Class A recycled water for irrigation and toilet flushing.
- ing 24/7. Staff monitor and optimize treatment processes daily to protect water quality in Puget Sound and surrounding waterways.
All Kitsap residents can help the wastewater treatment process. The County recommends that residents: - Never flush wet wipes or pharmaceuticals. Even wipes labeled "flushable" don't break down like toilet paper and cause system problems.
- Never pour fats, oils, and grease down the sink. These practices reduce maintenance costs and protect both home plumbing and the environment.
"Those two things alone help reduce our maintenance times and costs and can also keep your system working well at home," said Operations Manager Matt Pickering. "And in fact, those things also help protect the environment." The same actions that protect the County's sewer system can also keep home septic tanks functioning properly too. Without proper wastewater treatment, excess discharge of toxic chemicals would immediately harm the marine environment. Nutrient pollution would trigger algae blooms and oxygen depletion—conditions that have historically caused dead zones and fish kills in Puget Sound and Hood Canal. Disease-causing bacteria would force beach closures and threaten shellfish harvesting, salmon populations, and public health. The County is committed to viewing water as a resource rather than simply managing waste. Future work includes producing Class A recycled water that can reduce demand on potable water supplies—a critical consideration as the region faces growing water resource challenges. Watch Commissioner's Corner: The full episode featuring Commissioner Rolfes, Senior Program Manager Nick Martin, and Operations Manager Matt Pickering is available anytime on BKAT's YouTube channel. For more information on the County's sewer utility and the Central Kitsap Treatment Plant, visit: our CKTP webpage. Kym Pleger, Communication Manager, Kitsap County Public Works Krista Carlson, Communications Manager, Kitsap County Board of Commissioners
| | | | Commissioner Walters Highlights County's Expanding Park Accessibility Initiatives | 10/17/2025 | Kitsap County is taking significant steps to ensure parks and outdoor spaces are accessible to residents of all ages and abilities, as District 3 County Commissioner Katie Walters showcased in the latest Commissioner's Corner video. Walters interviewed Parks Director Alex Wisniewski and Accessible Communities Advisory Committee (ACAC) member Ranae Beeker at the newly completed wheelchair-friendly trail at Illahee Preserve in Bremerton, highlighting the County's commitment to inclusive outdoor spaces. "Our natural spaces belong to everyone, and it's our responsibility to ensure that all residents, regardless of their abilities, can experience the beauty and health benefits of our parks," said Commissioner Walters. "When we listen to our community and work together with groups like the ACAC, we create spaces that truly serve everyone."
The initiative stems from community feedback gathered during the recent Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan update completed earlier this year. The six-year strategic plan, which relies heavily on public engagement, revealed strong community support for improved accessibility and inclusive opportunities across the County's park system.
New Wheelchair-Friendly Trail at Illahee Preserve During her visit to Illahee Preserve, Commissioner Walters toured the newly completed wheelchair-friendly trail, which features wide, flat, and rollable surfaces designed to accommodate multiple types of mobility devices and serve people with various physical abilities and sensory challenges. The trail was conceptualized by Aaron Bartleson, a volunteer coordinator with Kitsap County Parks, working alongside the Illahee Forest Heritage Park stewardship group. Volunteers performed significant groundwork, removing vegetation and preparing the base for the accessible pathway. "We define accessibility by removing as many barriers as possible for access to different parks and facilities to ensure that we're providing equal opportunities across the spectrum of people in our community," said Wisniewski. Future Accessibility Improvements The County has ambitious plans for expanding accessibility throughout the park system over the next few years, including: - Inclusive playgrounds at multiple park locations
- ADA improvements to existing fairground buildings, many of which were built before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990
- Gordon Park master planning in 2026, followed by construction in 2027
- A new inclusive playground to replace the beloved Kitsap Kids playground at Castle Park adjacent to the County fairgrounds
ACAC Partnership The Accessible Communities Advisory Committee played a crucial role in testing the Illahee trail and providing feedback. Members suggested improvements such as wider turnarounds and side-by-side accessibility to allow wheelchair users to walk and chat together.
"We were also very thrilled that they listened to our suggestions," said Beeker. "Getting outside is really important for everyone's mental health, physical health, and socialization needs." The ACAC organizes community events including "Bikes for All" (partnering with Tessera and Outdoors for All), and "Walk for All" events at various County parks. The committee is actively seeking members representing diverse disabilities, including individuals who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, physically challenged, neurodivergent, or have intellectual disabilities. Get Involved Residents can suggest park improvements by completing the project intake form. Those interested in joining the ACAC can find more information on the committee's website. Watch Commissioner's Corner The full Commissioner's Corner episode featuring District 3 Commissioner Katie Walters, Ranae Beeker from the Kitsap County Accessible Communities Advisory Committee (ACAC), and Kitsap Parks Director Alex Wisniewski is available on BKAT's YouTube Channel. The episode also airs on BKAT (Comcast Channel 12/Astound Channel 3 or 70) on Mondays at 8:30 p.m. Those without cable can livestream from the BKAT website.
| | | | Board of County Commissioners Postpones Equestrian Facility Code to 2026 | 10/13/2025 | The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners directed the Department of Community Development (DCD) today to separate the Equestrian Facility Code component from the rest of the Year of the Rural project. This decision allows the County and community to focus on other Year of the Rural topics during the 2025 public process while providing additional time for engagement, discussion, research, and refinement of the proposed Equestrian Facility Code. A reference to the future Equestrian Facility Code update will be added to the Rural and Resource Lands Chapter in 2025, recognizing the value of equestrian businesses to Kitsap County and the broader community, while also acknowledging the potential impacts of equestrian facilities on neighboring rural properties. Code work will continue, with potential adoption anticipated by mid-year 2026. As part of this transition, the County will evaluate additional opportunities for neighbors and community members to share feedback regarding higher levels of equestrian activities. For updates and future meeting information, please visit our Year of the Rural webpage. And, be sure to check out our Kitsap County Rural and Resource Lands Chapter Update Story Map.
| | | | Kitsap County Announces Appointment of Kirsten Jewell as Assistant County Administrator | 9/17/2025 | Longtime public servant brings two decades of leadership experience in housing, homelessness, and strategic policy development
Kitsap County is pleased to announce the appointment of Kirsten M. Jewell, MPA, as Assistant County Administrator. Jewell brings more than 20 years of distinguished public service leadership, including extensive experience in Kitsap County government and recent service at the Washington State Department of Commerce. "Kirsten's deep understanding of our community needs and her exceptional ability to build partnerships across all levels of government make her the perfect choice for this role," said Christine Rolfes, Chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. "Her experience managing complex projects and her commitment to innovative solutions will be invaluable as we work together to address the challenges facing our County and continue moving forward on our shared priorities." Most recently, Jewell served as Interim Housing Policy Director at the Washington State Department of Commerce, where she led the Policy and Strategic Initiatives Unit for the Housing Division. In this role, she supervised a high-performing team of five policy specialists and provided strategic leadership on complex, politically sensitive projects across state agencies. She guided statewide housing initiatives, developed legislative policy, and strengthened collaborative relationships with key partners including the Governor's Office, state legislators, and community organizations. Prior to her state service, Jewell spent eight years as Manager of the Housing and Homelessness Division for Kitsap County's Department of Human Services, where she oversaw multimillion-dollar grant portfolios and partnered extensively with community partners to implement new housing programs and services in response to Commissioner priorities, evolving community needs, and new state requirements. Jewell's earlier County experience includes 11 years with the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council, where she managed countywide initiatives and coordinated regional legislative policy development. Her commitment to public service extends beyond her professional roles. Governor Inslee appointed her to chair the State Advisory Council on Homelessness for five years, where she advised policymakers and worked to align efforts across agencies. She co-founded the Association of County Human Services' Homelessness and Affordable Housing Committee to strengthen counties' collective voice in shaping state policy. Locally, she co-founded Kingston Cares, a North Kitsap nonprofit organization, and has served on its board for 10 years. "I'm proud to have dedicated my career to strengthening Kitsap communities, and I'm excited to bring my skills, experience, and passion for service to this new role," said Jewell. "I look forward to working with the County Administrator and our dedicated team to help make Kitsap County the best possible place to live, work, and thrive." A lifelong County resident, Jewell grew up on Bainbridge Island and has lived in North Kitsap with her family for the past 25 years. She holds an Executive Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington's Evans School of Public Policy and Governance and a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton College. Jewell's work is consistently guided by a commitment to building thriving communities, centering partnerships, and elevating innovation. Whether managing emergency operations during the pandemic, expanding housing opportunities for vulnerable populations, or leading statewide policy initiatives, she focuses on navigating complexity while keeping community impact at the center. Jewell begins her duties as Assistant County Administrator on Sept. 29, 2025. ###
| | | | Kitsap County Advances Forest Stewardship with Science and Community Dialogue | 9/11/2025 | Kitsap County is moving forward with its Forest Stewardship and Restoration Program, a long-term effort to ensure the health and resilience of forests across the County's park system. The Forest Stewardship and Restoration Program provides 10-year, countywide guidance for forest health, based on conservation science and practices used by organizations such as the Great Peninsula Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy. These methods are focused on restoration, not logging—helping trees and wildlife thrive by guiding second-growth forests toward more resilient, diverse ecosystems. What Forest Stewardship Means for Kitsap County Parks: - Ecological restoration for resilient forests – Stewardship work helps develop large trees, diverse habitats, and healthy wildlife populations.
- Science-based practices – The approach is aligned with conservation methods used nationwide by trusted nonprofit land stewards.
- Community voice matters – Public feedback is shaping how and where work proceeds.
From June through August, the County's Parks Department hosted six open houses and site visits across all commissioner districts, along with a public survey. Hundreds of residents participated, and their feedback is informing the program's next steps. This data was shared with the Board of Commissioners at their Aug. 20 meeting. While most constituents appeared to appreciate Parks' efforts, a group has emerged concerned about how the new policy will specifically affect Banner Forest Heritage Park in the South Kitsap area.
"In response to the valuable feedback provided by our community, the Board has directed the Parks Department to allocate additional time for careful review prior to advancing any projects at Banner Forest," stated District 2 Commissioner Oran Root, who represents the district that includes Banner. "I am dedicated to a transparent and inclusive decision-making process, ensuring that community input is prioritized. Your voices are integral to this process, and we are committed to aligning our decisions with both the best available scientific evidence and the values of the constituents we serve."
Next Steps in Stewardship Work: - Pause on Implementation Plan – No work will occur in the parks until more dialogue and education occur with the community.
- Countywide focus continues – Stewardship planning and restoration efforts will proceed in other locations where community support is already strong.
- Transparent funding – Commissioners are exploring moving the program into the County's General Fund, reinforcing that stewardship is about ecological health, not revenue generation.
- Revised plan forthcoming – Parks will return with an updated policy and implementation plan that reflects expanded education and engagement. These updates are expected by mid-to-late 2026.
"Restoration creates diverse habitat for wildlife and supports long-term forest resilience," said Parks Director Alex Wisniewski. "By taking the time to engage and educate, we can ensure this work is clearly understood and widely supported." The Board emphasized that no final decisions have been made regarding specific activities at any park. Each project will require additional planning, permitting, and public engagement before implementation.
For more information on the Forest Stewardship and Restoration Program, visit: Kitsap County Parks - Forest Stewardship..
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