Conservation Northwest protects and connects old-growth forests and other wild areas from the Washington Coast to the British Columbia Rockies, vital to a healthy future for us, our children, and wildlife. Since 1989, Conservation Northwest has worke
Issue link: http://conservationnw.uberflip.com/i/132231
Celebrating a Lake Whatcom watershed park Hike the missing links Hiking the soon-to-be Lake Whatcom Forest Preserve Park caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting its beauty, and I couldn't help but be reduced to simple exclamations. "Cool—how amazingly cool!" Hiking in the new park. Mitch Friedman and communicated how important this future park is to the vitality of our community. They were always measured and articulate in their testimony and exhibited why our group has become a respected force in Bellingham. Beyond that, we had a diverse range of supporters from our community (families, professionals, business owners, students, neighborhood associations) standing up for something we all truly value: local control of our water quality and access to outdoor recreation close to home. Over the years, many of our friends have moved to Whatcom County for access to trails and the quality of life those bring. From my home near Whatcom Falls, it takes me 8 minutes to ride my bike to Galbraith. In contrast, where I lived in Seattle, it would take 45 minutes to drive to bike trails. Because the new park is so close to town, more residents can now recreate outside without driving much—if at all! Proof is in the doing The 25-year history of the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition is proof that, given the opportunity to build a formal trail network, those who mountain bike can easily coexist with other who recreate in Whatcom County to build trails at little to no cost to taxpayers. When the time comes for park planning and development, our crew will help keep costs low for Whatcom County while creating a user experience for people of all backgrounds to enjoy. In 100 years, residents will certainly wonder why creating the park was ever so hotly disputed. The Lake Whatcom watershed park is a visionary idea come to pass. It shows how highly our community values water quality, recreation, and quality of life; and it leaves a legacy for our children and grandchildren. I've never been more proud to call Whatcom County my home. Keeping the Northwest wild As I hiked, a dog barked in the distance, followed by the long song of the old-growth loving winter wren. The two sounds together are a reminder that this rich forest is an urban park, and now more than that a new county park—and the biggest local park in Washington. That day I had begun channeling the Whatcom County Park Department's trail guru, Tom Chisholm, who is excited about the changeover of Stewart and Lookout mountains to county hands. "They were the missing links," Tom tells me. "With them, the Cascadia vision is gaining a foothold." such as the local Whatcom Mountain Biking Coalition (key to success of the new park), nonprofits, and others to plan new and existing trails. "This network of trails is going to influence our area culturally," says Tom. "Think of it: you'll be able to catch a bus to the base of Lookout or Stewart, head out to camp overnight, and come out somewhere else." Eventually these trails could link all the way to North Cascades and Mount Baker wilderness. "Here we are, with a community centered on natural beauty and recreation," Tom says, "and an urban area with the stature of a national park." Tell me that isn't cool! —Erin Moore The trail up Mount Stewart winds through rich forest, including very old trees left behind during the years of logging. These "legacy" old growth trees, as well as big dead logs and snags and layered understories of shrubs and ferns, are elements of old-growth forest. Now, protected from logging, the largely second-growth stands of maple, alder, Doug fir, western hemlock, and cedar can continue to mature into true old growth. A big part of Tom Chisholm's job will be partnering with user groups, Mount Stewart. Erin Moore Getting to Mount Stewart Follow the North Shore Road about 14 miles from Bellingham city limits to the North Lake Whatcom trailhead. The trail starts from the left side of the north partking lot, switchbacking at a relaxed grade up the mountain. In about half a mile, you will cross onto the Wickersham Truck Road. Stay on the road for just 50 feet before reentering the forest on the continuing trail on your right. This segment takes you up toward the top of the mountain. You will be sometimes off, sometimes on the old road bed. To return, follow the road back, or return along the trail. Spring-Summer 2013 7