Eagle Scout project restores state park greenery

Published 2:48 pm Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Kiano Stoppani, 14, a Boy Scout in Troop 1491, completed his Eagle Scout project at Sequim Bay State Park on Sunday, April 11.

The project was to revegetate the camping areas to revitalize the woodland setting. Many years of heavy foot traffic had compacted the soil and destroyed vegetation around campsites.

Stoppani’s project was to plant native plants throughout the camping area.

Four truckloads of ferns were relocated from overpopulated areas, which totally changed the look of the campsite area.

More than 13 hours of preparation and more than 150 hours were put into this project by Stoppani and local Scouts.

The main purpose of an Eagle Scout project is to provide a benefit to the community and make sure the Eagle Scout candidate is competent at planning, management, delegation and leadership.

The project was supervised by Troop 1491 scoutmaster Troy Tosland to ensure criteria for the project was met according to the Boy Scouts of America.

Steve Gilstrom, park manager, worked with Stoppani in the preparation stage and was on hand on the planting day.

Now that the physical part of the project is complete, Stoppani goes before a board of review to assess his project and decide whether it is worthy of the Eagle Scout honor.