Cascade Land Conservancy recognizes the importance of protecting natural areas for both local communities and wildlife habitat by making conservation a significant part of residential development.  Cascade Land Conservancy can ensure a win-win solution that enhances both ecological and social values by protecting land that otherwise may have been completely developed.

Treemont

A vast area of woodland overlooking the Snoqualmie valley is slated for intensive housing development. Less land available for wildlife; and the inevitable erosion of water quality, viewsheds and the quality of life. The loss of land may sound like an all-too familiar story, but as you see in the editorial we’ve reprinted by Jim Vesley, you will begin to have some hope.  The short story is this: Cascade Land Conservancy and King County are partnering to achieve some remarkable conservation goals that protect a great deal of this woodland, and will benefit nearby residents, the local ecosystem and all of us who care deeply about preserving open space.

The 245-acre woodland is located near Fall City, just beyond the Urban Growth boundary. It could have been developed into hundreds of one-acre lots because plans were underway before the county’s Growth Management Act went into effect.

Prior to Cascade Land Conservancy’s involvement in this project, the proposal called for a 194-unit housing development built on the property. After complex negotiations and many months of hard work, this development will be scaled back to 30 rural lots. In addition, homeowners will disturb only one and a half acres of each three-acre lot.

Before Conservation Development:

After Conservation Development:

The innovative Treemont proposal includes protection of approximately 180 acres of forest, including a new public natural area of approximately 120 acres. Furthermore, this progressive approah accommodates rural development, maintains rural forestry, and simultaneously protects water resources in both the Patterson Creek and Snoqualmie River drainages.

The Treemont Conservation Development Project began with King County Executive Ron Sims taking a stand against urban development in the rural area. Executive Sims proposed the county’s purchase of a conservation easement, removing 164 potential lots, requiring a unified forest management plan across the entire property, and establishing public access to a large portion of the property. However, in the midst of difficult budget times, Sims needed partners to ensure prudent investment and appropriate return for the county.

That’s why Cascade Land Conservancy was invited to participate in the Treemont project. Our involvement will help ensure that the Treemont development is held to high environmental standards, and that revenues from the project are set aside to support further open space conservation initiatives within King County. CLC will supervise ecological management of this second-growth forest in cooperation with King County, while maintaining local small-scale forestry – a key part of our rural economy. What’s more, the new neighborhood will fund maintenance of the public natural area, in perpetuity. Now that’s a win for everyone!