of Heybrook Ridge Education and Recreation Area

Creation of a new recreational and educational forest area, will benefit a wide range of stakeholders along the Highway 2 corridor as well as in the region.

Protection from Flooding/ Preservation of a Fishery

  • Continuing the growth of the forest to prevent excessive water run-off during heavy rains — moderating river flow and minimizing flooding which affects downstream communities
  • Allowing the forest to continue its natural function of absorbing excess rain — helping to protect spawning areas for fish
  • Carbon Storage: Contributing to greenhouse gas limitation and helping to mitigate increasing flood impacts in a warming climate

An Increase in Skykomish Valley’s Economic Vitality

  • A new destination for travelers who want to learn about natural history (eco-tourism) and the history of the people in the area (cultural tourism)
  • Increased business throughout the valley through services needed for tourism – from restaurants to overnight accommodations
  • A multiplying effect for businesses such as rafting companies and “Bed and Breakfast” establishments as they form partnerships to offer tourism “packages”

Increased Recreation Opportunities

  • A new system of hiking trails with magnificent mountain and valley views
  • Opportunities for family outings in an alpine setting within 60 miles of Seattle
  • A destination hike for artists and photographers seeking mixed forest lands and mountain vistas

Cultural and Natural History Educational Programs

  • Opportunity for local heritage groups and the Tulalip Tribes to share the history of Native Americans, miners, loggers, the railroads and community development
  • Ecological restoration classes held in the “living laboratory” of a 100 yr old second-growth forest
  • Interpretive signage along trails designed for multiple levels of education, giving cultural and natural history information, including geological development of the area
  • Utilization as an outdoor “classroom” for students of all ages, from local elementary schools through post-graduate continuing education

For more information e-mail info@heybrookridge.org or send us a message from the Contact Us page.