Thanks to conservation fund, Washington members of Congress
Good news keeps coming in for Bothell’s North Creek Forest. [“Bothell gets a forest for Christmas,” NWFriday, Dec. 16.]
With a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), we will be able to conserve another six acres of North Creek Forest. Forty-one acres conserved, 23 acres left to go!
This old-growth conifer forest forms a mile-long natural water filter above North Creek, a stream supporting six salmon species including chinook salmon. It will someday be a giant outdoor laboratory and recreation destination for the 9,000 students attending classes within walking distance.
Congress established the LWCF in 1965 as a bipartisan commitment to invest in our natural areas, wildlife habitat and working lands and to increase access to recreational opportunities for all Americans.
Our congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., deserves a big thank you for standing up for Washington’s special places through the LWCF. Our own Rep. Jay Inslee has been a strong leader to protect LWCF, as have Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. I hope they’ll continue to recognize the importance of close-to-home natural areas, wildlife habitat and clean water for Washington’s quality of life, jobs and economy.
— Jeanie Robinson, president of Friends of North Creek Forest, Bothell
