Approximately 20,000 acres of King County Parks' 25,000 acres of land are protected natural areas or working resource lands. Managed for their ecological value, these natural areas contain a diversity of native vegetation that provides fish and wildlife habitat and embodies the beauty and character of our region's landscape. These lands often support wetlands, riparian areas, small lakes and ponds, and other vulnerable or rare habitats. Low-impact activities, such as walking, nature observation, and fishing are allowed, where appropriate, and horseback riding is also permitted on certain sites. King County Parks also has working resource lands, which remain in active forestry, protect areas from development and/or provide a buffer between commercial forestland and adjacent residential development. These lands balance sustainable timber production, conservation, and habitat restoration, and allow low-impact recreational activities, such as walking and nature observation, where appropriate. |
