King County Council approves motion to direct the preservation of area around the North Hylebos Watershed

February 27, 2017

Summary

“It was George Weyerhaeuser who said that sometimes the recreational value exceeds the value of any other land use, and sites with historic interest should be preserved for the public to enjoy.”

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council unanimously passed motion 2017-0037, which was introduced by Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, and directs the Conservation Futures Oversight Committee to prioritize the allocation of levy funds in and around the North Lake Hylebos Watershed.

This critical area includes the former Weyerhaeuser corporate campus, which covers 425 acres, and contains open spaces, forested areas, wildlife and trail systems, as well as a rhododendron garden, bonsai collection and the North Lake shoreline.

“This property is one of King County’s environmental jewels and must be protected,” said von Reichbauer. “It was George Weyerhaeuser who said that sometimes the recreational value exceeds the value of any other land use, and sites with historic interest should be preserved for the public to enjoy. By allocating these funds, we are doing just that.”

The passage of the ordinance sets the foundation for stakeholders to work together on protecting this valuable open space in South King County.

Councilmember von Reichbauer with members of the Save Weyerhaeuser Group and local officials