FREELAND — Want to learn more about the proposed shellfish protection district for the southern portion of Holmes Harbor? Try visiting Freeland Park.

Island County Parks Department installed kiosks at Freeland Park and the Island County planning department added information about the plan to create the shellfish protection district this week.

Three kiosks were installed at different locations in the park to inform park users about the shellfish and swimming closure and the effort to clean up the harbor.

“We’ll have information available on site for park visitors about the upcoming March 5, hearing by our Board of County Commissioners, about the formation of the Shellfish Protection District at South Holmes Harbor, as well as information about what residents and visitors can do to clean up the harbor,” said Jeff Tate, assistant planning director for the county.

In 2006, the state Department of Health released a report that found six outfalls, or freshwater ditches, that drain into Holmes Harbor were contaminated with elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria.

In the test area, the state found that water quality in Freeland drainage ditches near the harbor had the highest potential for impact on public health.

The Department of Health findings were based on water quality data that was collected over a period of several years.

County commissioners are expected to adopt a resolution for the creation of the district next week; the district will develop a strategy to improve public health and the marine environment in south Holmes Harbor.

County and state officials hope the result of the district will be better water quality, which would mean reopening the area to shellfish harvest and swimming.