Not long ago, the largest piece of privately owned property in Island County was divided into 124 plots and approved for development. But the property, which is larger than one square mile, went into foreclosure, which gives us the opportunity to save it and turn it into a place that hikers, birders, cyclists, horseback riders, and others can enjoy.
The Trillium property from the south by Veronica von Alwörden
The Whidbey Camano Land Trust has purchased an option to buy the property and has until June 10, 2010, to raise the $4.2 million dollars required to purchase it. If this effort fails, the property will be divided up, sold to private parties, and the opportunity to protect it in one piece will be lost forever.
Located northwest of Freeland, the property was logged in 1988. Concerned Island residents attempted to stop the logging at the time, but failed. Now, 22 years later, we have the opportunity to nurture the forest in a way that supports it in renewing itself. We can help it become healthy and sustainable, so it can provide wildlife habitat, public recreational opportunities, and a place where future generations can experience the wonders of nature.
Help us save the forest now!
I’m very puzzled as to the location of the site. My family owned property on Admiralty Inlet between Bush Point and Lagoon Point for many years. The photo I’m looking at above looks like it is just south of Deception Pass, and the point on the left side of the picture – Keystone? I’m probably way off, but it would help a lot to show us where it is on a map.
Lynn, the entrance to the forest is right here: http://goo.gl/maps/ENNM. Zoom out, and it should give you a sense of where it is.
The boundaries of the forest are on this map: http://wclt.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/trillium_property_aerial1.jpg
It’s really closer to Freeland than Greenbank–on the west side of the highway.
Can we deer hunt there?
Yes, that’s the plan.