The Metropolitan King County Council unanimounsly passed an ordinance today that transfers three parcels of King County “open space” land to the City of Federal Way. This land will be incorporated into the Hylebos Wetlands.

Co-sponsor of this legislation and Council vice-chair Pete von Reichbauer of Federal Way called this addition an “important step in expanding and protecting this increasingly regional asset. Children and students of all ages visit this facility on a daily basis to learn about its unique wetland ecology.”

“Preserving the Hylebos wetlands is key to protecting the health of the watershed,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips. “King County citizens take great pride in stewarding this natural area -- local school children annually release salmon fry into Hylebos Creek. Expanding the park provides more opportunities for education, recreation and environmental preservation.”

The new parcels will add 14 acres on the South 359th Street side, one half acre on the Pacific Highway side, and almost 33 additional acres to the park.

“Adding these parcels of land to the Hylebos park is an investment in the future of this unique resource and an investment in the education of all those who visit,” added Councilmember von Reichbauer. “I began working on this land as a State Senator almost 20 years ago when I was Chair of the Senate Parks and Recreation Committee, and it is gratifying to see this land transfer today.”

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system at http://mkcclegisearch.metrokc.gov and type in “2003-0513”