 Forest emerging from a logged out past. THE PURCHASE We raised enough money for Bothell to purchases the 35 acre BSA parcel (see previous articles). The final purchase and sales agreement is being crafted by the Bothell city attorney. When completed the language in that document and timing will determine the fate of this property. One of our grants comes from the State of Washington. When the Legislature convenes in late November they could cut funding for this grant before Bothell uses it, and the whole 35 acre purchase would be dead, along with a lot of work, making 2011 a practice year. So it is up to the city to bring this one "home" on time. TDR The City Council is considering a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) code amendment that could result in conservation of the remaining forest. Our conservation goal is not the only thing at stake. If it is done well, with a winning plan accepted by property owners, neighborhoods and the city it could become a model for future TDRs, a useful tool in conserving ecologically important land. If it is done in a way that leaves a landowner strapped, a neighborhood feeling run over, or city staff in a quandary, it would probably ruin public confidence in future TDRs for years to come. We are networking in neighborhoods to ensure people completely understand TDRs in general and have a sense of inclusion in this specific case. Here is a general explanation of TDRs you can download: 
 A large maple EDUCATION Readers already know we are contracted with UW-REN (see previous articles). UW students and faulty are a force unlike any other. It's hard to grasp their full potential. They bring so much talent and knowledge into the forest it is truly an honor to facilitate their work. We are lucky to have Dr. Warren Gold, biologist and a faculty director for UW-REN on our Board of Directors. And we have Darryl Nevels, a UW senior and President of the UWB/Cascadia CC Sustainability Organization on our Board. And we have Maximilian Dixon graduate student headed for a career in Sustainable Regional Planning on our Board. These scholars along with a founding Friends member Dr. David Bain, biologist, give our organization the depth to make good things come true... lots of activity in this area. 501c3 We are in the final stage of a 501c3 application, a long process that will give a tax deduction to people who contribute to our work. Once our 501c3 is approved by the federal government all of your donations will be tax deductible back to our date of registration with the State of Washington. Most groups get this part done up front but our success has been so rapid we kept putting it off until "we had the time". Ha! It's time. WISH LIST
Our forest stewards need a lock box so they can secure their tools at the end of the day. It looks like this: http://www.amazon.com/Delta-1653990-Heavy-Duty-Site-Vault-Security/dp/B00164QMSI If you know how to get one of these or have one to donate (used is fine) we sure could use it! Thanks, Friends of North Creek Forest
1 Comment
10/27/2011 02:05:30 am
Congratulations on raising sufficient funds for the purchase of the Boy Scout Property! This will be a WIN for all three parties involved: The Scouts, the City and the Friends of North Creek Forest. Leave a Reply. |
Categories
All
Archives
March 2020
|
||
RSS Feed
