Funding not secured for Bothell’s North Creek Forest | Letter

Published 4:32 pm Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Your article on Bothell’s parks and open space levy suggested that despite the levy failure, funding through grants would enable acquisition of the final 22 acres of North Creek Forest. A hopeful thought, but it left out an important point: the grant programs have not yet been funded. Yes, the forest scored high among the applicants for two recent grants. However, the state legislature needs to approve funding for one of these grant programs, and congress must approve the other. As you might imagine, neither of those budget decisions can be taken for granted. In addition, the clock is ticking on an option to purchase two of the three remaining parcels of land. After July 31, 2015, the owner is under no obligation to delay logging and development.

The city of Bothell, along with Friends of North Creek Forest and other local groups, has made great strides in securing the initial 42 acres of this last great forest in Bothell. Our group appreciates the city’s commitment as evidenced by the comments of Bothell Mayor Joshua Freed and Councilwoman Tris Samberg.

However, we are not there yet. Nor can we be satisfied with only 42 acres, since they are not contiguous, but broken into parcels. For a seamless park, the remaining 22 acres (three more parcels) are essential to assure that this ecological gem in the middle of an urban area will be preserved for our citizens, our students and our environment.

Jeanie Robinson, President of the Friends of North Creek Forest