Heybrook is Saved – Now for the Trail System!

Background

Since February 2007, the Friends of Heybrook Ridge have worked to purchase 129 forested acres on Heybrook Ridge near Index, WA in order to save the area from clear-cut logging. From the beginning this volunteer group and the land owners worked cooperatively to make the purchase possible and to realize the vision of the Friends – to preserve the forest for a public educational and recreational trails area.

Cascade Land Conservancy & Snohomish County Assist

In spring 2008, facing a June deadline, the Friends received an amazing anonymous $500,000 donation.  Added to the money already raised this made the purchase viable in the eyes of the Cascade Land Conservancy which quickly moved on the Friends behalf into negotiations with Snohomish County to use the county’s Conservation Futures Fund to make up the needed total of $1.3 million. This effort, with full cooperation and staff support from Council Chair Dave Somers was soon backed by the full Snohomish County Council and Executive.

Success through Cooperation

Then the owner, W.B. Foresters, not only lowered the price to $1.2 million, but extended the deadline to July 31, 2008. The final pieces of the Heybrook purchase puzzle fell into place, and with the agreement of the Conservation Futures Board in August the County Council approved using $700,000 along with $550,000 from the Friends to create a new County Park – the Heybrook Ridge Education and Recreation Area.

Phase 2: Trail Development

Now the Friends of Heybrook Ridge enter a new phase in their volunteer effort – raising funds and gathering volunteers for trail development and the creation of basic park facilities and interpretive signage. Snohomish County Parks is depending on the Friends to help pay for these improvements, and you can help, both as a trail volunteer and/or through a donation. Planning for trails will get underway throughout the coming year. Let us know if you want to be part of this effort! And most important …

Please become a “Friend” of Heybrook Ridge as we help develop our newest County Park!

Your donation can be sent using either the secure Paypal system on this page or by mail to:

Friends of Heybrook Ridge
PO Box 265
Index, WA98256

Friends of Heybrook Ridge is a tax exempt organization under Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue code and donations are tax deductible. EIN #51-0629374