Kitsap Forest and Bay Project Update

5/14/2012

 - Kitsap Forest and Bay Project Update -

Good News: Governor Gregoire signed the Forest Compensating Tax measure last month, removing a substantial extra cost for Kitsap Conservation projects. King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties already had an exemption to avoid this conservation tax, and now with Governor's signature, Kitsap has the same opportunity. Representative Drew Hanson and Senator Rolfes were instrumental in getting this legislation approved.

Forterra (formerly Cascade Land Conservancy) and Great Peninsula Conservancy have submitted an array of land conservation grant proposals with May deadlines for the Kitsap Forest and Bay Project. Three of the grants focused on the Port Gamble Shoreline Block, two focused on the North Kitsap Heritage Park expansion property and another focused on riparian habitat in the Grover's Creek portion of the Divide property. NKTA was able to assist by providing a conceptual shoreline trail proposal, photos and litter cleanup. Unfortunately there are simply more grants available for shorelines or sensitive wetland areas, than there are for forestland like the Port Gamble upland forests and trails.

On April 18 the Port Gamble S'Klallam tribe hosted a series of meetings and a luncheon for the coalition working on the Kitsap Forest and Bay Project. County Commissioner Gelder, Forterra, GPC, Pope Resources and Port Gamble S'Klallam and Suquamish Tribal leaders, all spoke at the luncheon.