Landmark agreement new model for conservation

A joint fact sheet from King County, the Cascade Land Conservancy, the City of Black Diamond, and Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc.

June 7, 2005

Black Diamond Area Open Space Protection Agreement fact sheet

Outcomes:

2,500 acres of rural area and forestland is protected from development forever.
$3.6 million in federal Forest Legacy funds will secure additional forestlands southeast of Black Diamond.
Growth is directed within the Urban Growth Area adjacent to Black Diamond where facilities and services can be logically and efficiently provided.
Black Diamond realizes its vision of a livable community through the transfer of Lake Sawyer Park and the protection of green space within and adjacent to the city.
Open space along major streams and wetlands is preserved.
Expanding regional trail system is protected.

How it works:

Plum Creek agrees not to develop 1,600 acres known as Ravensdale Ridge allowing this area to remain working forest forever.
The conservation easement on Ravensdale Ridge triggers $3.6 million in Forest Legacy funds to be used to protect additional forestland.
Plum Creek gives King County 645 acres of forestland in the vicinity of Black Diamond to be dedicated as permanent green space.
Black Diamond annexes into the city 329 acres of land within the urban growth area.
77 acres of green space within Black Diamond is preserved with a contribution of approximately $1 million from King County in voter approved "open space" dollars.
165-acre Lake Sawyer Park is transferred from King County to Black Diamond.
91 acres of green space is conserved on Plum Creek land within the City of Black Diamond.
55 acres of a visual buffer along hwy 169 north of Black Diamond is created ensuring a visual community separator into the future and providing trail connection to Ravensdale Ridge.
Easements are secured for 10 miles of future trials.

How it adds up:

1,600 acres Ravensdale Ridge protected
645 acres given to King County by Plum Creek to be dedicated as green space
77 acres of green space within Black Diamond protected by King County with open space bond dollars
91 acres of green space in the City of Black Diamond conserved on Plum Creek land
165 acres Lake Sawyer Park transferred to Black Diamond
55 acres Visual buffer along hwy 169

Updated: June 7, 2005

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