The 130 acres of Snohomish County’s newest park hold abundant potential benefits to all of us. These include:
Connectivity with adjacent public lands
- When its trailhead and trails are developed, HRCP will become a key link between public lands in and around the Town of Index
- Public access will be continuous from the Reiter Foothills Forest through the Forks of the Sky State Park and its Lower Town Wall, along the Crescent Trail into Index and it’s Doolittle Park, up Heybrook Park’s trails to Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest lands and the Heybrook Lookout Tower, and from there deeper into the Wild Sky Wilderness Area.
- The County’s newest park would thus become a gateway to the State’s newest Wilderness Area.
Increased Recreation Opportunities
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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
Protection from Flooding/ Preservation of a Fishery
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Continued growth of the forest to prevent excessive water run-off during heavy rains, thereby moderating river flow and minimizing flooding which affects downstream communities
- Enhancement of the forest’s natural function of absorbing excess rain, thereby helping to protect spawning areas for fish
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”
Cultural and Natural History Educational Programs
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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
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An outdoor “classroom” for students of all ages, from local elementary through post-graduate