King County 2008 stewardship work includes thousands of acres preserved, trees planted

While many King County residents are enjoying their Christmas tree or wreath this holiday season, the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks has been busy this year planting thousands of trees and protecting tens of thousands of acres of open space to ensure a greener future.

As part of its ongoing efforts to restore habitat and combat global warming, King County planted nearly 80,000 native trees in 2008, including Douglas firs, western hemlocks, western red cedars, sitka spruce, big leaf maples and red alders. The county also planted 100,000 willow stakes at various project locations. These restoration efforts occurred alongside streams and wetlands, and in parks and open spaces.
 
"Trees play such a vital role in protecting our environment – from keeping streams cool, to providing habitat for fish and wildlife, and helping to offset the effects of global warming," said King County Executive Ron Sims. “Our stewardship efforts help ensure the health of our open spaces now and into the future.”

Speaking of open spaces, King County recently secured a whole lot of open space – in perpetuity, and at no cost to taxpayers. Earlier this month, King County signed an agreement with Plum Creek Timber that gives the county a conservation easement on nearly 45,500 acres of upper Green River valley forestland at no cost to taxpayers.
 
In exchange, Plum Creek will continue to manage the land as a working forest, and will receive development credits that allow for increased density of development in urban areas. The deal was made through King County’s Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program.

“Our agreement with Plum Creek is a win for the environment, a win for the economy and a win for the taxpayers of King County,” said Sims. “Our TDR Program is far and away the most successful of its kind in the nation, and it’s one of the most important stewardship tools in our possession.”

Through its TDR Program, King County has protected more than 135,000 acres of open space for fish and wildlife habitat, working forests and recreation.

Related Information

Transfer of Development Rights

Stewardship

King County Water and Land Resources Division

King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks