Editor,

I object to the proposed development of Joseph Whidbey State Park.

Per Whidbey News-Times dated Jan 28, 2014, “The Navy was conducting routine small firearms training near base Tuesday morning, the schedule of which is announced each month, according to Mike Welding, public affairs officer for Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

Prior to the training operation, Welding said, the Navy notifies the Coast Guard, which creates a 2,000-foot safety perimeter off of the west shore of the island, “in case of ricochets.”

The west edge of this firing range is approximately 600 feet from the shore.

So, the Navy believes that a safe distance is 2,600 feet.

The northeast corner, where Crosby goes from east-west to north-south, of the proposed area to be developed is 2,400 feet from the firing range.

That’s 200 feet less than the distance that the Navy believes is safe.

With an additional 300 people, 225 guests plus 75 employees, continuously in the proposed development area, who will be responsible for their safety so they are not killed or wounded by a bullet that has ricocheted?

Thomas Krueger

Oak Harbor