Banner Forest Heritage Park's walking and hiking trails are a cherished escape in Kitsap County, weaving through a dense, shaded Douglas fir canopy that provides a serene, immersive experience unlike the more open paths in surrounding areas.

 

What makes them special is the unique combination of over 20 miles of interconnected loops offering solitude amid nature's embrace—cool, root-laced trails that foster mindfulness, family bonding, and wildlife encounters in a compact, accessible forest setting.

 

As one petitioner notes, "Banner Forest is a gem on the KP. Whether the parking lots are full or not, because there are so many trails (and trees) we always feel like we have the park to ourselves," highlighting how the tree density creates a private, rejuvenating haven.

 

Another shares, "Banner has been a breathtaking experience every time my family and I have often taken hikes throughout the park," emphasizing its role in fostering connections and exploration.

 

Removing trees would shatter this uniqueness by exposing paths to harsh sun, inviting invasives that could overgrow trails, and diminishing the shaded, ecosystem-rich tranquility that draws walkers—potentially eroding the very essence that rejuvenates visitors, as echoed by a signer: "Banner is one of the few pieces of intact forest with public access left in the area. It would be a shame to harm the thriving ecosystems that already exist there. I always feel rejuvenated after enjoying time in the forest."