CITY OF COVINGTON
2004 AWC MUNICIPAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
CEDAR CREEK PARK PROJECT
PROJECT STATEMENT
The City of Covington, with the Middle Green River Coalition and Friends of Cedar Creek Park, acquired 32 acres of second growth forest located between the Cities of Covington and Maple Valley. The acquisition provides a much-needed urban park area, protecting sensitive wildlife habitats, wetlands, and a City ground water recharge area. It links public lands so public resources may be more effectively utilized. The acquisition was made possible in part through a $350,000 King County Conservations Futures Grant received by the City.
PROJECT SUMMARY
WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT IS NEEDED
The primary goal of the Project was to acquire 32 acres of land near Cedar Creek Park. The primary reasons why this acquisition was needed include:
The property has a large forested wetland and springs that help in groundwater recharge and maintaining in stream flows in Jenkins Creek. Jenkins Creek have active Chinook and Coho salmon runs. The property also features significant upland areas that provide critical buffer to the wetlands.
Protection of this property was critical to provide buffer to sensitive areas in the rapidly developing urban area. This property was the key to tie other publicly owned properties together allowing for improved management function, and for the protection of the wetland complex and wildlife corridor.
The property was in imminent threat of development because of increasing growth pressure and need for the owners to sell. The property's proximity to Covington and Maple Valley and attractive “rural feel” quality made it a definite target for not only residential but also commercial development. Development of the property and resulting loss of the open space resource would jeopardize the continued health of Jenkins Creek, and contribute to additional flooding problems downstream of the site in Covington.
HOW IT OPERATES
The property was acquired and is owned by the City of Covington. The property is maintained through a collaborative effort between the City of Covington, Friends of Cedar Creek Park and On-Site Stewards. The property features formal and informal trails allowing for a variety of recreational opportunities including: wildlife viewing, walking, jogging and education. The Middle Green River Coalition provides environmental education opportunities on the property and, in conjunction with the City of Covington, is leading the efforts to coordinate maintenance and long range planning for the property.
WHAT IT COSTS
The total acquisition cost for the 32 acres was $834,587.28. The City of Covington, in a collaborative effort with the Middle Green River Coalition and Friends of Cedar Creek Park, successfully submitted a $350,000 King County Conservation Futures Grant application to assist with the funding of the acquisition. Additional value was derived for the project through the grass roots efforts of the Friends of Cedar Creek Park and the Middle Green River Coalition. They met with property owners, helped present the grant and assisted in the acquisition process. They also provided a variety of technical information needed during the application process. The City of Covington and previously mentioned groups are also partnering on the maintenance and planning for the long-range use of the property. The volunteer maintenance efforts have reduced the cost of maintenance to the City by over two thirds. A stewardship program for the property is currently in development that will further reduce the cost to citizens by increasing the volunteer involvement on the property.
HOW IT BENEFITS THE CITY
There are several benefits to the overall health and livability of the community this project provides. These benefits include:
The property provides excellent cover and food for a wide variety of wildlife species. Mammals observed in this area include elk, bobcat, black bear, coyote, deer, and bats. Birds include Northern Goshawk, bald eagle, pileated woodpecker, wood duck, great blue heron, goldfinch, blue grouse, violet green swallows, mallards, King Fishers, Red tailed Hawk, and hummingbirds. It is part of one of the last large areas of forested wetlands and undisturbed habitats in the area. It is also one of the last quality multi-canopied second growth forest in the surrounding area.
Communication and working relationships between the City, groups and citizens have been developed and are thriving. Since this project has been so successful, the City is partnering with the Middle Green River Coalition on two other projects to educate the public on the benefits of conservation and on a creek restoration project.
The acquisition helps protect an important Covington groundwater recharge area, and is vital to maintaining existing instream flows in Jenkins Creek.
The property provides visual relief in an increasingly urban area. It creates opportunities to view wetland habitat, Jenkins Creek, and quality second growth forest that which was last logged in the early 1930's.
The property is part of a larger greenbelt that provides a wildlife corridor between Maple Valley, Covington, and unincorporated King County. Planned future commercial and high density residential development of this area would significantly compromise the integrity of this relatively undisturbed area and would eliminate an important open space/trail linkage opportunity. The property is part of a planned community separator and helps maintain existing rural zoning in an area with high development pressure. It provides an access point to a regionally significant natural area.
The acquisition of the property provides an important north/south regional trail link and increases accessible open space. Its location adjacent to Wax Road and Highway 18 provides excellent opportunities for public access. The acquisition helps increase the open space and natural area corridor along Jenkins Creek.
The property provides a wonderful passive recreation opportunity. The property functions as a respite for those interested in experiencing natural open space. It gives citizens the opportunity to hike, bicycle, bird-watch, and enjoy the habitat adjacent to a relatively pristine section of Jenkins Creek. The residents of Covington and Maple Valley benefit greatly from the additional passive recreational opportunities adjacent to their communities.
The property affords opportunities to expand educational program offerings and will serve as a focus for stewardship programs through the City of Covington. The property allows relatively easy access to wetlands in a pristine setting. The forested wetland springs, seeps, and creeks, as well as the extensive forest cover, provide an opportunity to learn about the interaction among different terrestrial and aquatic habitat types. Because this reach provides habitat for large mammals like elk, bobcat, deer, and coyote, visitors can learn about important wildlife/habitat relationships, and the importance of protecting habitat in the urban as well as the rural areas. Future trails and signage will be an integral part of the learning experience.