Our Campaign Update:
We have had great success with our first fundraising campaign for our new Community Stewardship program and our Trail Relocation project. Thank you to all of you who have given in our first round. We are currently at $17,870 on our way to the total of $30,000.
Please help and Donate to Recreation Northwest.
As an individual, it was the encouragement and support of Christopher Grannis and private individuals that laid the foundation for success in this Phase ONE project. Yes, Phase ONE, for a high-level overview of our opinion of the full scope of the project, read: Community Stewardship Project – Fairhaven Park and the Community Forest. If you’d like the background story: Recreation Northwest as Community Stewards of Fairhaven Park.
Our Partners & Contractors:
Our partners & contractors have been invaluable in getting this on the right track. Here is an update on where we are in the process with regards to each.
City of Bellingham, Parks and Recreation Department. James King, Leslie Bryson and staff as well as the Permitting Department’s Kim Weil.
We are about to sign our MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) with the Parks Department to make this project a reality. The support of both Mr. King and Ms. Bryson has been excellent in helping us learn the process and have this be a win-win for the community and the park.
Kim Weil has also been helpful in working with us to make sure that the project meets the necessary requirements. We appreciate the support of the city in this endeavor.
Northwest Trails, Inc., Gerry Wilbour
Gerry has offered his time and expertise to enable us to put together the budget and scope of this project. His professional oversight has been invaluable to create reasonable expectations for the Phase ONE segment of this project.
Gerry is a greenways and conservation professional and activist. He is president of a private trail design, construction and habitat enhancement firm based in Bellingham, WA. For more than 30 years, he has completed several hundred design and construction projects from the most remote wilderness area trails to urban bicycle paths and bridges. Gerry is a 35 year resident of Bellingham. His local projects include the South Bay Trail and Post Point trail. Regionally, he has worked on the Shadow of the Sentinels, Stairway to Falls Overlook in Twin Falls State Park, WA. and Big Four Ice Caves Trail, Beaver Pond Bridge. Darrington Ranger District, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF, Washington.
Welch Ecological Services, Perry Welch
Perry’s firm has been working on the Wetland Delineation to prepare to submit our Critical Areas Permit to the City of Bellingham. Working in the field to determine where the wetland buffers are in this space was the start of the collaboration with Wilson Engineering, Northwest Trails and the City.
Perry is a natural resource biologist with 20 years experience in wetlands, streams, fisheries biology and consulting. Perry has experience working with cities, counties, tribes, ports, WSDOT, landowners, stakeholders, volunteer groups, and contractors. He is a registered Professional Wetland Scientist with the Society of Wetland Scientists. He is a Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead.
Wilson Engineering & Surveying, Andrew Law
As one of the new five partners to take over ownership in 2010, Andrew Law has been working directly with us on this project. His firm has been working with Welch Ecological to get updated marking on the wetlands and determining location of the buffers.
Since 1967, Wilson Engineering has been providing engineering and surveying services to the Pacific Northwest including Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. Over the years the firm has expanded its markets and services to areas such as Water & Wastewater and acquired extensive experience designing low cost, yet state of the art treatment plants, collection systems, and stormwater facilities. In the surveying industry Wilson Engineering has led the way in the Pacific Northwest providing the full range of land and hydrographic services.
Our Supporters
Thank you to the individuals who have donated to the campaign. Check out the supporter list on our Fundly Campaign site. Local businesses have also helped support the cause. Cheers to our local breweries for your support.
Kulshan Brewery for hosting our Hoppy Trails for YOU Pint Night event on September 12th.
Boundary Bay Brewery for hosting the Vital Choice Bellingham Traverse on September 20th.
Todd Elsworth is one of the many “Mossy-haired lunatics roaming the dripping peninsulas”, described in “I’m Here for the Weather” by Tom Robbins. As executive director, he works to fulfill our mission to teach the health benefits of nature, promote outdoor recreation, and steward the places where we play.
