Whatcom County

COMPREHENSIVE PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN

DRAFT

Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Department April, 2008

Parks, Recreation & Open Space Planning Committee Whatcom County Council Ward Nelson, District 1A Laurie Caskey-Schreiber, District 2A Dan McShane, District 1B (Whatcom County Council Chairperson) Sam Crawford, District 2B Carl Weimer, District 3A Barbara Brenner, District 3B Seth Fleetwood, At Large

Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Commission Dan Taylor, Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Commission, Chairperson Gary Chadwick, Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Commission Nancy Kaye, Secretary, Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Commission Walter Lockwood Jr, Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Commission Gordon Rogers, Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Commission Robert McKissick, Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Commission Del Lowery, Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Commission

Whatcom County Agencies & Organizations – Planning Committee Scott Thompson, Bicycle Pedestrian Committee Doug McDonald, Lummi Nation Planner Tom Reed, Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife Candace Johnson, Washington State Department of Natural Resources Paul Leuthold, Director, Bellingham Park & Recreation Department Terry Galvin, Director, Blaine Planning Department Rand Jack, Whatcom Land Trust Daniel Tepper, Whatcom Parks & Recreation Foundation John Cooper, Bellingham-Whatcom Convention & Visitors Bureau Ted Morris, Birch Bay State Park Scott Chalfant, Larrabee State Park Jim Darling, Director, Port of Bellingham Gordon Rogers, Director, Council of Governments Irene Waters, Point Roberts Park & Recreation District #1 Patrick Alesse, Northwest Park & Recreation District Glen Hallman, Council on Aging George Swanset, Nooksack Cultural Resources Technician

Whatcom County Departments Michael McFarlane, Director, Parks & Recreation Department Lynne Givler, Operations Manager Parks & Recreation Department Rob Bunnett, Recreation/Senior Services Manager, Parks & Recreation Department Bruce Roll, Assistant Director, Public Works Department Hal Hart, Director, Planning & Development Services Troy Holbrook, Planning & Development Services

Consultant Team Tom Beckwith FAICP, Team Leader Lee Springgate, Recreational Programmer and Finances Terry Reckord ASLA, Landscape Architect Brad Cornwall AIA, Architect Dick Anderson, Public Opinion Surveys

Contents Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Objectives 1 1.2 Approach 1 1.3 Public involvement 2 1.4 Documentation 2 Chapter 2: Goals and objectives 2.1 Strategic approach to services 3 2.2 Resource conservancies 3 2.3 Historical resources 6 2.4 Resource parks 6 2.5 Trail and corridor access systems 7 2.6 Athletic parks 9 2.7 Community centers 9 2.8 Special purpose facilities 10 2.9 Recreational programs 10 2.10 Cultural arts programs and resources 11 2.11 Design and access standards 11 2.12 Financial resources and coordination 12 2.13 Human resources 13 Chapter 3: Plan elements - regional 3.1 Conservancies – saltwater, freshwater, forest, and farm 15 3.2 Conservancies – historical and cultural 37 3.3 Regional multiuse parks – beachcomb, fish, swim, boat, camp 51 3.4 Water trails – non-motorized craft 93 3.5 Multipurpose trails 103 3.6 Hiking trails 115 3.7 Horse trails 131 3.8 Off-road mountain biking trails 139 3.9 On-road bicycle touring routes 147 3.10 Winter trails - cross-country ski, snowboard, snowmobile 155 3.11 Off-road vehicle and atv trails 161 3.12 Scenic corridors, byways, and viewpoints 165 3.13 Athletic courts and fields 175 3.14 Recreation and community centers 183 3.15 Special use facilities – museums, golf, gun ranges 187 3.16 Support facilities 193 Chapter 4: Program elements - regional 4.1 Recreational clearinghouse 197 4.2 Program pricing and delivery options 200 4.3 Program proposals 201 Chapter 5: Plan and program elements – local 5.1 Local parks, recreation, and open space plans 205 5.2 Whatcom County community planning documents 205 5.3 Relationship of community plan to this plan 205 Chapter 6: Implementation 6.1 Adopt plan 207 6.2 Adopt project financing strategies 209 6.3 Initiate county-wide regional projects 213 6.4 Implement program financing strategies 215 6.5 Follow-up 217 Exhibits: Park planning sheets Whatcom County regional park planning sheets 219 Appendix A: Community setting A.1 Climate A- 1 A.2 Earth A- 1 A.3 Water A- 2 A.4 Wildlife habitat and species A- 3 A.5 Unique and threatened plant species A- 8

A.6 Wildlife habitat concerns A- 8 A.7 Land use implications A- 9 A.8 Historical development A-10 A.9 Population and socioeconomic characteristics A-13 A.10 Whatcom County rare plants A-17 A.11 WA endangered, threatened, and sensitive plants A-19 A.12 Population projections by nation, state, region, and county A-22 A.13 Socioeconomic characteristics A-23 Appendix B: Existing lands and facilities B.1 Whatcom County B- 1 B.2 Port of Bellingham B-10 B.3 Lummi Nation B-12 B.4 Cities and park districts B-13 B.5 School districts B-23 B.6 Washington State agencies B-28 B.7 Other publicly accessible facilities B-30 B.8 Inventory implications B-32 Appendix C: Opportunities C.1 Environmental resources C- 1 C.2 Public ownership C- 2 C.3 Private rail and utility ownership C- 7 C.4 Private land ownership C- 8 C.5 Private facilities C-10 C.6 Conclusions C-17 Appendix D: Land and facility demand D.1 Land requirements D- 3 D.2 Facility requirements D-10 D.3 Future growth implications D-19 Appendix E: Finances E.1 Expenditures – general government E- 1 E.2 Revenue prospects – general government E- 4 E.3 Expenditures – park, recreation, and open space E- 5 E.4 Prospects – park, recreation, and open space organization E- 6 E.5 Public revenue prospects – park, recreation and open space E- 8 E.6 Private revenue prospects – park, recreation, and open space E-12 E.7 General funding strategies E-13 E.8 Park Facility Funding Strategies 2006-2012 E-15 E.9 Park Facility Funding Strategies 2006-2026 E-19 E.10 Recreation Program Funding Strategies 2006-2012 E-20 E.11 Recreation Program Funding Strategies 2006-2026 E-23 E.12 Recommendations E-24 Appendix F: Public opinion F.1 Community charrette/workshop comments F- 1 F.2 Mail-out/phone-back survey results – narrative text F- 6 F.3 Mail-out/phone-back survey and statistical results F-15 Appendix G: G.1 Prototype facility development costs G1 -1 G.2 Prototype trail development costs G2 -1 G.3 Trail design standards G3 -1

Chapter 1: Introduction

Whatcom County has grown since the last comprehensive planning effort was accomplished in 1991 and faces continued growth pressure. The choices that confront Whatcom County at the present time are significant and could alter the character and quality of open space, trail, and park facilities, and recreation programs and services if not adequately planned. This document outlines the choices that are available and the means for implementing preferred actions found to be of most benefit to Whatcom County residents.

1.1 Objectives

The specific objectives of this planning effort were to:

ƒ Define the setting – within Whatcom County including climate, environment, wildlife habitat, history, culture, population changes, and current development conditions.

ƒ Inventory assets – existing public and private park facilities and recreational services that have been developed to-date within the Whatcom County by the county, cities, park and recreation districts, port, school districts, state, federal, and private non-profit and for-profit organizations.

ƒ Forecast demand – for future open space, trails, and park facilities and recreation services that may be provided by the county or other agencies.

ƒ Identify appropriate roles and responsibilities – that should be undertaken by Whatcom County to meet critical open space, trail, and park facilities and recreation program needs.

ƒ Develop the elements of a regional countywide plan – for open space, trails, and park facilities and recreation programs including wildlife habitat and conservation areas, open spaces and natural resource areas, trails, athletic fields and facilities, indoor community and recreation centers, and other special purpose facilities.

ƒ Determine the costs – involved in maintaining and/or improving open space, trails, and park facilities and recreation program levels-of-service (LOS), particularly the possible use of innovative financing tools or methods.

ƒ Define an implementation program – outlining the actions necessary to realize the plan including supporting actions necessary to resolve agreements with the cities, park and recreation districts, school districts, state, federal, and other private and non-profit agencies.

ƒ Determine public opinion – through a series of public participation events and resolve final project, plan, and financing particulars based on the results of public input.

1.2 Approach

This study analyzed the supply, demand, and need for public and private open space, trail, and park facilities and recreation services within Whatcom County on a countywide basis and in the county’s urban growth and community planning areas.

The proposed implementation strategies are the result of this comprehensive or holistic analysis. Generally, the proposed strategies recommend the county focus its resources where open space, trail, and park facilities and recreation needs are most critical, and the county most effective.

1 Chapter 1: Introduction Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

1.3 Public involvement

The Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Department, Parks & Recreation Commission, and an Advisory Committee composed of countywide park agencies and organizations oversaw this planning process. During the course of the planning program, the Department conducted a series of:

ƒ Mail-out/mail-back surveys - of major park organizations and user groups within the county at the beginning of the process to determine their current park utilization practices, condition assessments, and recommendations.

ƒ Public workshops and forums – with residents of urban growth and community planning areas throughout the county to determine their condition assessments and plan and project proposals prior to the development of final alternative proposals.

ƒ Mail-out/phone-back survey of registered voter households - towards the end of the process to determine final project and program priorities from among the alternative proposals, and resolve financing preferences with which to implement this plan.

The proposals contained within this document represent the opinions developed from these public participation events.

1.4 Documentation

This report is organized into 6 chapters outlining goals and objectives, regional plan and program elements, and implementation measures.

Separate technical appendices detailing the county setting, facility inventories, park opportunities, land and facility demands, finances, and public opinion are available from the Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Department.

2 Chapter 1: introduction Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Chapter 2: Goals and objectives

This plan recommends Whatcom County undertake a modified strategic approach to regional or countywide services where Whatcom County assumes responsibility for those regional functions, and helps coordinate or support those functions and activities that have other viable sponsors. For example:

2.1 Strategic approach to regional services

Coordinating activities Whatcom County will provide central information and coordination services for open space, trail, and park facilities and recreation program activities on a countywide basis since Whatcom County alone has the authority and resources to operate as a central facilitator. This role will include the maintenance and updating of future population growth estimates, inventories of existing and proposed facility developments, identification of probable countywide and local facility and program needs, and proposals of area-wide facility and program solutions.

Planning and development assistance Whatcom County will provide more detailed planning and development assistance when:

ƒ there are no other designated agencies or organization who can, ƒ the activity involves siting controversies or environmental consequences that may not be equitably resolved otherwise within the Whatcom County urban growth or community planning areas, or ƒ proposed developments will be within city urban growth areas and thus potentially annexed into corporate limits but currently subject to Whatcom County authority.

Development, operation and maintenance Whatcom County will not develop, operate or maintain open space, trail, or park facilities or recreation program activities unless:

ƒ the facility will have broad benefits for a large proportion of the countywide population and will be financed using resident approved methods, or ƒ facility development and operating costs will be recaptured from direct charges of the populations who use the facility, or ƒ facility development and operating costs will be compensated in some manner through inter-local agreements with the using agency, area or benefiting user group, particularly where the demands will originate from a regional service requirement, or ƒ the site or facility has intrinsic value apart from traditional operation and maintenance needs, like a passive natural area or wetland preservation.

The following goals and objectives are based on a strategic approach to regional or countywide services, an analysis of existing open space, trail, park, and recreation conditions, and the results of workshop planning sessions and surveys.

2.2 Resource conservancies

Assume a major responsibility for the planning, coordination, and preservation of unique environmental areas, floodplains, wetlands, wildlife habitat, open spaces, agricultural lands, forestlands, and scenic areas.

Work with all other public and private agencies, particularly the cities, Port of Bellingham, Washington State Departments of Fish & Wildlife, Natural Resources, and Transportation, and Whatcom and Lummi Island Land Trusts, among

3 Chapter 2: Goals and objectives Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Recreational programming model – clearinghouse ala expedia.com

Transportation Jobs Adventure outings Social clubs Drama Financial advice Activities Athletics Speakers Music Meals/nutrition Events Before/after school

Aerobics Meeting facilities Arts and crafts Wellness Meeting facilities Daycare Recreation Social Arts Senior Teen Child I I I I I I I I I I I I Activity demands – a sampler I I I Whatcom County Parks – WhatcomRctn.com I I I Delivery sources – a sampler I I I I I I I I

Whatcom County Other jurisdictions Non-profits Profits Parks & Recreation Other cities Athletic leagues Downstream River Runners School Districts Boys & Girls Club Osprey River Adventures College/University Boy/Girl Scouts Reachout Expeditions Lummi/Nooksack Tribes Campfire USA Outward Bound West WA DNR/Parks & Rctn Comm YMCA/YWCA North Cascades Mtn Guides USFS/NPS Lions/Rotary Clubs Pasayten Llama Packing 4-H/Volunteers Outdoor Rctn

Facilities – a sampler I I I I

Whatcom County Other jurisdictions Non-profits Profits Park facilities Other city facilities Granges KOA Other county facilities School facilities Churches Resorts Leased facilities College facilities Elks/VFW Motorcycle tracks Tribal facilities State Park facilities USFS/NPS facilities others, to create an effective approach to the following regional conservation issues and proposals.

Wildlife habitat a: Identify and conserve critical wildlife habitat including nesting sites, foraging areas, and migration corridors within or adjacent to natural areas, open spaces, and the developing urban areas – such as the Terrell Creek Heron Colony and Tennant Lake Wildlife Area. b: Preserve sensitive habitat sites that support threatened species and urban wildlife habitat - including the saltwater shorelines of Birch, Lummi and Bellinghham Bays, Drayton Harbor, and Chuckanut Bay, and the freshwater shorelines of Silver Lake, and Lakes Padden, Whatcom, and Samish, and the Nooksack and Lummi Rivers.

Natural areas a: Preserve and protect significant environmental features including unique wetlands, open spaces, woodlands, shorelines, waterfronts and other characteristics that support wildlife and reflect Whatcom County’s resource heritage – especially including the valleys of the North, Middle, and South Forks of the Nooksack River. b: Provide public access to environmentally sensitive areas and sites that are especially unique to Whatcom County – especially including Drayton Harbor, Birch, Lummi, Bellingham, and Chuckanut Bay, and Lummi and Portage Islands.

Forestlands a: Identify and protect forest resources in Whatcom County – including public and private forestlands that can provide productive timber and other wood products. Develop and utilize protective forest resource zoning districts and designations, special tax incentives, public land ownership and management, and other measures to preserve this valuable resource. b: Identify and conserve forest cover and the scenic attributes woodlands provide between rural and urban land uses – especially including the viewscape along the Interstate 5/Lake Samish and SR-9 corridors. c: Identify and preserve prime examples of heritage forestlands in Whatcom County – such as the old growth forests in and around Canyon Lake Creek Community Forest, and the extensive woodlands on Chuckanut Mountain Park.

Farmlands a: Identify and protect agricultural resources in Whatcom County – including lands and soils that can provide productive crop, livestock, and other agricultural products. Develop and utilize protective farm resource zoning districts and designations, special tax incentives, development rights, public land ownership and management, and other measures to preserve this valuable resource. b: Identify and conserve farmlands and the scenic attributes agriculture provides between rural and urban land uses – especially including the rural farm landscapes in the valleys around Lynden, Sumas, and Nooksack. c: Identify and preserve prime examples of heritage farmsteads in Whatcom County – such as the Hovander and Nesset Farms.

Open spaces a: Define and conserve a system of open space corridors or separators to provide definition between natural areas and urban land uses within Whatcom County’s emerging urban centers – especially including the Nooksack River corridors and delta, and the Interstate 5 and Lake Samish corridor.

5 Chapter 2: Goals and objectives Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan b: Increase natural area and open space linkages within the developing urban areas - particularly along the current and former UP, NP, BN&SF, BB&BC, and BB&E Railroad corridors.

Urban growth preserves and set-asides a: Cooperate with other public and private agencies, and with private landowners to set-aside land and resources necessary to provide high quality, convenient open space, trail, and park facilities before the most suitable sites are lost to development – particularly the lands around Stewart, Lookout, and Chuckanut Mountains. b: Preserve unique environmental features or areas in future land developments and increase public use and access. Cooperate with other public and private agencies, and with private landowners to set aside unique features or areas as publicly accessible resources – including lands adjacent to Birch Bay State Park, Semiahmoo Spit, Bellingham Airport, and DNR’s Lost Lake.

2.3 Historical resources

Assume a major responsibility for the planning, coordination, and preservation of unique archaeological, historical, cultural, scenic, and man-made places, sites, landmarks, and vistas.

Work with all other public and private agencies, particularly the cities, Port of Bellingham, Lummi Nation, Whatcom County and Lummi Island Land Trusts, Whatcom County and Washington State Historical Societies, among others, to create an effective approach to the following regional resource conservation issues and proposals.

Historical features and interests a: Identify, preserve, and enhance Whatcom County's multicultural heritage, traditions, and cultural features including historical sites, buildings, artworks, views, and monuments within park sites and historical districts. b: Identify and incorporate significant historical and cultural lands, sites, artifacts, and facilities into the open space, trail, and park system to preserve these interests and provide a balanced social experience – especially including important Native American, railroad, mining, logging, and shipping sites and places of interest. c: Work with Washington State and Whatcom County Historical Societies, and other archaeological and cultural groups to incorporate historical and cultural activities into park developments and recreational programs.

Manmade environments and features a: Incorporate interesting manmade environments, structures, activities, and areas into the open space, trail, and park system to preserve these features and provide a balanced recreational experience – especially including Military Road and Guide Meridian, the UP, NP, BB&BC, BB&E Railroads and Interurban Trolley, Steamer and Mosquito Fleet landings, and sawmills and mines. b: Work with property and facility owners to increase public access and utilization of these special sites and features.

2.4 Resource parks

Assume a major responsibility for the planning, development, and operation of a variety of resource-oriented facilities. These facilities may include resource-oriented activities including fishing sites, boat access ramps, swimming beaches, picnicking areas, and campgrounds that are directly related to environmental resources that are of most interest to county residents.

6 Chapter 2: Goals and objectives Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Work with all other public and private agencies, particularly the Port of Bellingham, Washington State Departments of Fish & Wildlife and Natural Resources, Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission, US Forest Service, and National Park Service, to develop and operate the following appropriate resource park facilities.

Waterfront access and facilities a: Acquire and develop additional salt and freshwater shoreline access for waterfront fishing, beachcombing, wading, swimming, and other related recreational activities and pursuits – especially including sites on Point Roberts, Drayton Harbor, Birch, Lummi, and Bellingham Bays, and Silver Lake, Lake Whatcom, Lake Samish, and the Nooksack River. b: Develop a mixture of salt and freshwater non-motorized and powerboat access opportunities – especially including additional sites and improvements to existing properties on Point Roberts, Drayton Harbor, Birch, Lummi, and Bellingham Bays, Lake Whatcom and Samish, and the main fork of the Nooksack River from Deming to Marietta.

Picnicking and day-use activities a: Acquire and develop additional countywide picnic sites, shelters, and day-use group picnic grounds and camps at major resource parks and along major off-road trail corridors throughout Whatcom County – especially including sites on Point Roberts, Semiahmoo Spit, Birch Bay, Cherry Point, Lummi Island, Lake Whatcom and Samish, South Pass, and at intervals along the Nooksack River including Hovander Homestead Park.

Campgrounds and retreats a: Acquire and develop a countywide system of tent, recreational vehicle, yurt, cabin, lodge, and retreat facilities at major resource parks and along major off-road trail corridors throughout Whatcom County – especially including sites on Point Roberts, Cherry Point, Lakes Whatcom and Samish, Acme, and at intervals along the Nooksack River.

2.5 Trail and corridor access systems

Assume a major responsibility for the planning, development, and operation of a variety of on and off-road regional trails. Regional trail facilities may include fresh and saltwater trails, off-road hike, bike, and horse trails, on-road bicycle touring routes and scenic drives, and winter ski, snowboard, and snowmobile trails that are directly related to environmental resources that are of most interest to county residents.

Work with all other public and private agencies, particularly the cities, Port of Bellingham, Washington State Departments of Fish & Wildlife, Natural Resources, and Transportation, Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission, US Forest Service, and National Park Service, to develop and maintain the following integrated system of regional trails.

Water trails – non-motorized craft a: Incorporate and extend the Cascade Marine Trail, a saltwater trail network for hand-carry or car-top craft including canoes, kayaks, and lorries extending from British Columbia and through Puget Sound, with launch sites into Drayton Harbor, Birch, Lummi, Bellingham, and Chuckanut Bays, with access to Lummi and Portage Islands. b: Develop a freshwater trail network for hand-carry or car-top craft including launch sites for canoes, kayaks, and lorries that extends the length of the Nooksack River from Maple Falls and Deming to Lummi and Bellingham Bays, on Silver and Squires Lakes, and Lake Padden, Whatcom, and Samish.

7 Chapter 2: Goals and objectives Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan c: Designate appropriate bad weather pull-ins and overnight camping locations along the major saltwater trail routes – including Lighthouse Marine Park, Semiahmoo Spit, Birch Bay State Park, Cherry Point, Lummi and Portage Islands, Marletta, and Larrabee State Park, among others. Designate overnight camping locations along the major freshwater route on the Nooksack River - including Deming, Nugent’s Landing, Lynden, Ferndale, and Marletta, among others, and along the eastern shoreline of Lake Whatcom. d: Develop and operate canoe, kayak, crew, and other non-motorized craft instruction, rental, and storage facilities at major freshwater locations – including Silver Lake and Lake Whatcom and Samish.

On-road rural and scenic byways – vehicles and bicycle touring a: Create a countywide system of rural and backcountry scenic driving routes and byways that access and highlight the scenic, environmental, farmland, and historical attributes of Whatcom County – especially including Drayton Harbor and Birch Bay, Lummi Island and Bellingham Bay, Chuckanut, Lake Samish, and Lake Whatcom Drives, South Pass Road, SR-9 and the Mount Baker Highway. Integrate the countywide system with other state and federal byways through the North Cascades, Skagit and Island Counties. b: Develop a series of roadside rest stops, viewpoints, interpretive exhibits, and byway signage systems that integrate the scenic routes with specific historical, cultural, environmental, and scenic points of interest – such as Semiahmoo Spit in Drayton Harbor, Sandy Point in Lummi Bay, Lovers Bluff on Lummi Island, Chuckanut Island in Chuckanut Bay, among others. c: Integrate byway routes and points of interest to access parks, public facilities, museums and historical sites, and business districts – especially in Blaine, Ferndale, Bellingham, Fairhaven, Lynden, Nooksack, Sumas, Kendall, and the Mount Baker Highway. d: For bicycle touring enthusiasts, designate appropriate overnight bicycle camping locations along the major routes and byways – such as Lighthouse Marine Park, Hovander Homestead Park, Silver Lake Park, Semiahmoo Spit, Birch Bay State Park, and Larrabee State Park, among others.

Off-road trail systems a: Create a comprehensive system of off-road hike, bike, and horse trails that access scenic, environmental, historical, and open space attributes of Whatcom County – especially including the Nooksack River, original UP, NP, BB&BC, BB&E railroad corridors, old logging and mining roads, and where appropriate, within the road rights-of-way, as well as across cooperating private properties where appropriate. b: Develop a series of trailheads, trailside rest stops, viewpoints, interpretive exhibits, and trail signage systems that integrate the off-road hike, bike, and horse trails with specific historical, cultural, environmental, and scenic points of interest – such as former steam boat landings, fish traps, sawmills, mining sites, farmsteads, railroads, and roads, among others. c: Integrate continuous off-road trail corridors and local spur or loop routes with parks, public facilities, museums and historical sites, and business districts in cities. d: For overnight trail users, develop appropriate overnight camping locations along the major trail corridors – such as Hovander Homestead Park, Silver Lake Park, Semiahmoo Spit, Birch Bay State Park, and Larrabee State Park, among others.

8 Chapter 2: Goals and objectives Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan e: Furnish off-road trails with appropriate supporting trailhead improvements that include interpretive and directory signage systems, rest stops, restrooms, parking and loading areas, water, and other services. f: Where appropriate, locate trailheads at or in conjunction with park sites, schools, and other community facilities to increase local area access to countywide trail systems and reduce duplication of supporting improvements. g: Where appropriate, install telephones, emergency call boxes, or other means by which trail users can summon fire, emergency aid, police, and other safety and security personnel should the need arise. h: Develop trail improvements of a design and development standard that is easy to maintain and access by maintenance, security, and other appropriate personnel, equipment, and vehicles.

Winter trails a: Designate a system of appropriate winter cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling trails that access safe and secure back roads, trail corridors, parks, and public and private lands in Whatcom County – including Skookum Creek. Link the county winter trails system with the more extensive winter trails networks designated on US Forest Service and National Park Service lands in the Mount Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest and North Cascades National Park.

Off-road vehicle and ATV a: Identify, and when and where appropriate, provide coordination for off-road motorcycle, ATC, and 4-wheel drive vehicle riding courses, trails, and areas in Whatcom County.

2.6 Athletic parks

Assume responsibility for the planning of a system of regional athletic park facilities. These facilities may include competitive soccer, softball, and baseball fields that are of most interest to county residents on a countywide or regional scale.

Help coordinate and assist other public and private agencies including the cities, school districts, and regional league organizations. Such coordination will seek to site and sponsor development of major competitive outdoor athletic facilities for all age and skill groups within reasonable geographic service areas of major population centers.

Athletic fields a: Designate a network of sites that can be developed (such as soccer, softball, and baseball fields) that meet the highest quality competitive practice and playing standards and requirements for all age groups, skill levels, and recreational interests – including new possible sites at Bay Horizion Park, Kendall Community Center, and Mt Baker Highway/Nooksack.

2.7 Community centers

Help coordinate the planning, development, and operation of specialized indoor facilities including aquatic facilities, gymnasiums, arts and crafts, classrooms, meeting rooms for special populations, youths and teens, seniors, and the general population that are of major interest to county residents of all ages

Help coordinate and assist other public and private agencies including the Whatcom County Council on Aging, cities, school Districts, YMCA, and Boys & Girls Club, among others, to realize the following effective facilities and services within reasonable geographic service areas of major population centers.

9 Chapter 2: Goals and objectives Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Community centers a: Designate a network of multipurpose community centers that can be developed to provide arts and crafts, music, video, classroom instruction, meeting facilities, eating and health care, daycare, latch key, and other spaces for all age groups including preschool, youth, teens, and seniors on a year-round basis. b: Support the continued development and diversification by the Whatcom County school districts and other organizations of special meeting, assembly, and other community facilities that provide general support to school age populations and the community-at-large at elementary, middle, and high schools within Whatcom County urban growth and community planning areas. c: Develop special outdoor cultural and performing arts facilities that enhance and expand music, dance, drama, cultural and historical interpretations, and other audience and participatory opportunities for the county-at-large – including a festival events area at Hovander Homestead Park.

2.8 Special purpose facilities

Assume some responsibility, including enterprise operations and/or joint efforts where appropriate, for the development and operation of facilities that have special or unique interests, impacts or relevance to residents of Whatcom County that may not be provided by another public or private agency.

Help coordinate and assist other public and private agencies including the Whatcom and Lummi Island Land Trusts, Council on Aging, Historical Society, and Gun Club, among others, on enterprise operations for interpretive centers, museums, gun ranges, and other specialized facilities.

Special enterprises a: Where appropriate and economically feasible (self-supporting), designate and support operation of specialized and special interest recreational facilities like canoe and crew houses, equestrian centers, gun ranges, historical museums and exhibits, retreats and conference centers for these interests in the general population. b: Where appropriate, initiate joint planning and operating programs with other public and private agencies to determine and provide for special activities like marinas, ATV and off-road vehicle courses, and camping on a regional basis.

2.9 Recreational programs

Coordinate, assist, and on occasion program and operate recreational and interpretive programs and outreach activities of special interest to or benefit for county residents at county park sites and community centers.

Coordinate, promote, and link an integrated recreational program system with other public, non-profit, and for-profit agencies, organizations, and vendors. Such programs may include athletic leagues and sports, teen and senior age groups, and special populations where these activities are of major interest and benefit to county residents of all ages.

Recreational programs a: Organize and sponsor the operation of environmental, historical, cultural, and recreational programs providing instruction, volunteerism, and participation in habitat restoration, water-based recreation, trail development and security, interpretation programs, summer and day-camps, maintenance, and other site- specific activities at Whatcom County parks sites and properties. b: Create a central access point and clearinghouse for arts and crafts, classroom instruction in music and dance, physical conditioning and health care, meeting

10 Chapter 2: Goals and objectives Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan facilities, daycare, latch key, and other program activities for all cultural, age, physical and mental capability, and income groups in Whatcom County by all agencies and vendors including the county. c: Designate and land bank appropriate sites, and facilitate development agreements and clearinghouse access to user and league organizations to operate basketball, volleyball, tennis, soccer, baseball, softball, and other instruction and participatory programs for all age, skill level, and income groups in Whatcom County. d: Assist historical and cultural societies to develop and display artifacts, reports, and exhibits; and conduct lectures, classes, and other programs that document and develop awareness of Whatcom County's heritage at county park sites and properties.

2.10 Cultural arts programs and resources

Organize, coordinate, and selectively develop high quality, diversified cultural arts facilities and programs that increase awareness, attendance, and participation opportunities at Whatcom County parks and properties.

Programs a: Support successful collaborations between public agencies, the business community, service groups, schools, arts patrons, and artists that optimally utilize artistic resources and talents at Whatcom County parks and properties.

Artworks a: Where appropriate, incorporate public artworks including paintings, sculptures, exhibits, and other media for indoor and outdoor display to expand resident access and appropriately furnish public places in Whatcom County parks and properties.

2.11 Design and access standards

Design and develop Whatcom County facilities that are accessible, safe, and easy to maintain, with life cycle features that account for long-term costs and benefits.

Accessibility a: Design outdoor picnic areas, trails, playgrounds, courts, fields, parking lots, restrooms, and other active and supporting facilities to be accessible to individuals and organized groups of all physical capabilities, skill levels, age groups, income, and activity interests. b: Design indoor facility spaces, activity rooms, restrooms, hallways, parking lots, and other active and supporting spaces and improvements to be accessible to individuals and organized groups of all physical capabilities, skill levels, age groups, income, and activity interests.

Maintenance a: Design, retrofit, and develop facilities that are of low maintenance and high capacity design to reduce overall facility maintenance and operation requirements and costs. b: Where appropriate, incorporate low maintenance materials, settings or other value engineering considerations that reduce care and security requirements, and retain natural conditions and experiences.

Security, safety, and accessibility a: Implement the provisions and requirements of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and other design and development standards that improve park facility safety and security features for park users, department personnel, and the public- at-large.

11 Chapter 2: Goals and objectives Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan b: Develop and implement safety standards, procedures, and programs that provide proper training and awareness for department personnel. c: Define and enforce rules and regulations concerning park activities and operations that protect user groups, department personnel, and the general public- at-large. d: Where appropriate, use adopt-a-park programs, park watches, park police patrols, and other innovative programs that increase safety and security awareness and visibility.

2.12 Financial resources and coordination

Create effective and efficient methods of acquiring, developing, operating and maintaining Whatcom County facilities and programs that accurately distribute costs and benefits to public and private interests.

Finance a: Investigate innovative available methods, such as growth impact fees, land set-a- side or fee-in-lieu-of-donation ordinances, and inter-local agreements, for the financing of facility development, maintenance, and operating needs in order to reduce costs, retain financial flexibility, match user benefits and interests, and increase facility services. b: Consider joint ventures with other public and private agencies including the cities, school districts, regional, state, federal, and other public and private agencies including for-profit concessionaires, where feasible and desirable.

Public and private resource coordination a: Create a comprehensive, balanced open space, trail, park, and recreation system that integrates Whatcom County facilities and services with resources available from the cities, school districts, and other regional, state, federal, and private park and recreational lands and facilities in a manner that will best serve and provide for Whatcom County resident interests. b: Cooperate with the cities, school districts, regional, state, and federal, and other public and private agencies to avoid duplication, improve facility quality and availability, reduce costs, and represent resident area interests through joint planning and development efforts.

Cost/benefit assessment a: Define existing and proposed land and facility levels-of-service (ELOS/PLOS) that differentiate requirements due to population growth impacts versus improved facility standards, regional versus local nexus of benefit, county versus the combination of city, county, school, and other provider agency efforts in order to effectively plan and program open space, trails, parks, and recreation needs within Whatcom County. b: Create effective and efficient methods of acquiring, developing, operating, and maintaining open space, trail, park, and recreational facilities in manners that accurately distribute costs and benefits to public and private user interests - including the application of growth impact fees where new developments impact potential level-of-service (ELOS) standards inside urban growth and community planning areas. c: Develop and operate recreational programs that serve the broadest needs of the population recovering program and operating costs with a combination of registration fees, user fees, grants, sponsorships, donations, scholarships, volunteer efforts, and the use of general funding.

12 Chapter 2: Goals and objectives Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan d: Where appropriate, provide recreational programs, like equestrian centers, boating facilities, gun ranges, and retreat and conference facilities for those interested groups who are willing to finance the cost through user fees, registration fees, volunteer efforts, or other means and methods.

2.13 Human resources

Develop, staff, train, and support a professional open space, trail, park, and recreation staff that effectively serves Whatcom County in the realization of the above listed goals and objectives.

Personnel a: Employ a diverse, well-trained work force that is motivated to achieve department and countywide goals. b: Encourage teamwork through communications, creativity, positive image, risk taking, sharing of resources, and cooperation toward common goals. c: Where appropriate, provide staff with education, training, technology, equipment and supplies to increase personal productivity, efficiency, and pride.

13 Chapter 2: Goals and objectives Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

14 Chapter 2: Goals and objectives Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Chapter 3: Plan elements - regional

The following proposals concerning elements of the open space, trail, and park plan are based on the results of environmental inventories, field analysis, demand analysis, workshop planning sessions, and the mail-out/phone-back survey of resident households. The proposals outline the vision developed for REGIONAL open space, trails, and parks within Whatcom County for the next 20 years. The proposals are CONCEPTUAL, in some instances, subject to further study and coordination with public and private participants that may modify the eventual project particulars.

The proposals are described referring to a site or property that may provide a major type of open space, trail, or park activity. Any particular site or property may include one or all of the described element plan features. The proposals in each section describe the improvements that will be accomplished under each major type of plan element - see each plan element for a composite description for any particular site.

See the exhibits section describing the current condition of Whatcom County park and conservancy properties, along with possible future improvements. See also the appendix chapters on existing land and facilities or opportunities for a description of each site's current conditions, ownership, and other particulars.

3.1 Conservancies – natural resource areas

Generally, conservancy lands may protect, preserve, and conserve lands that have environmental features of critical area significance (floodplains and landslide hazard), ecological importance (shorelines, wetlands and watersheds), forestland (old growth, woodland cover, and prime productive), farmland (heritage and prime productive), wildlife habitat (threatened and endangered species), and open space to Whatcom County.

To the extent possible and practical, resource conservancy lands may link preserved open spaces (even though these lands may not be publicly accessible) to greenways and open space networks. These linked areas will visually define and separate developing urban areas from each other in accordance with the objectives of the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA).

To the extent practical, some resource conservancy lands may provide nature and interpretive trails, exhibits, and interpretive facilities to increase public awareness and appreciation for significant and visually interesting environmental, wildlife, forest, and farm features. Some supporting services may also be developed including limited trailheads, parking lots, and restrooms.

Resource conservancy activities may be located on independent properties or include portions of other sites provided for resource activities, trail corridors, or other public facilities. Conservancies may also be developed on other publicly owned lands subject to public use agreements or easements; or on lands acquired for other public purposes including storm water management, groundwater recharge, and wastewater treatment.

Vision Resource conservancies may be realized through: ƒ acquisition of title and/or development rights of resource lands - that would otherwise be developed for other rural or urban land uses; and ƒ provision for public access and interpretive use - which would not be possible if the lands remained in private ownership.

15 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Tidelands and saltwater shoreline Existing tideland ownership State tidelands - when Washington State was established on 11 November 1889, the state claimed ownership of all beds and shores of navigable waters up to and including the line of ordinary high water (mean high tide) or the tidelands. This claim included the tidelands or beach between mean high tide and mean low tide that had been used for public access for centuries before the federal government granted these lands to the state.

The 1889 Washington State Legislature authorized the sale of public tidelands including the beach rights to private individuals and adjacent property landowners. From 1889 to 1971, when all sales were discontinued, the state sold approximately 60% of all public tidelands in the state to private owners prior to the discontinuance.

Private ownership allows the owners to use the tidelands as private property that at times have included the right to erect structures, bulkheads, and other obstructions to public passage. Under state law, private property owners also have the right to control the use of privately-owned tidelands - particularly for recreational uses such as picnicking, swimming, camping, fishing, claming, boating, and other activities.

In the early 1970s, the state rescinded the option of selling tidelands and retained tidelands as public property for public use and/or revenue benefit. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the remaining public tidelands within the state.

DNR's public saltwater tideland holdings are classified and mapped by the department based on width of ownership and type of use. Generally, department maps include public use beaches, beaches leased to private parties, environmentally sensitive beaches, and beaches otherwise not suitable for public use. The department does not map tidelands less than 200 feet in length or freshwater ownership.

Uplands - are parts of the almost always-dry beach area located above the high water tide mark - although portions may be covered by extremely high tides or during storms. Uplands may be barren of vegetation and may consist of sand dunes, gravel bars, tide pools, or log and storm debris covered earthen shorelines. Private parties own uplands except where public agencies have acquired title for parks, state uplands, road right-of-way, or other public facilities.

Tidelands - are the beach areas alternately covered and uncovered by the rising and falling tide. Tidelands are barren of vegetation and may consist of sand, gravel, or mud deposits and beaches. Tidelands may be publicly or privately owned. However, even when publicly owned, the upland property may be in private ownership - meaning some public tidelands may be landlocked or not be accessed from other public landholdings.

The swash line - or small floating debris that has been left on the beach when the tide is out – usually mark the boundary of the ordinary high tide. On some waterfront properties, however, the upland ownership extends to the meander line - which is some distance offshore from the line of ordinary high tide. In this instance, the property line will be located beyond the area normally indicated by the swash line.

DNR's public saltwater tideland holdings are classified and mapped by the department based on width of ownership and type of use. Generally, department maps include public use beaches, beaches leased to private parties, environmentally sensitive beaches, and beaches otherwise not suitable for public

16 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan 6,11

5,10

12

1-2

29 32

33

saltwater corridor 25

26-28 9 7 13 34 14-16 8 4 17-18 3 23 19 20-21 24 31 22 30 Conservation – saltwater shoreline

Existing shoreline Proposed shoreline O existing shoreline 1 Birch Bay Shoreline Properties 11 Marine Park 21 Lummi Island Beach 220 5 Semiahmoo Spit O proposed shoreline 2 Birch Bay Tidelands 12 Birch Point Beach 372 22 Carter Point 31 Lily Point --- saltwater corridors 3 Chuckanut Mountain Park 13 Lummi Island Beach 224 23 Chuckanut Rock 32 Point Whitehorn 4 Maple Beach Tidelands 14 Bumstead Spit Beach 223 24 Wildcat Cove 33 Cherry Point 5 Semiahmoo Park/Tidelands 15 Bumstead Spit South 223A 25 Nooksack River at Marietta 34 Lovers Bluff 6 Blaine Harbor 16 Lummi Island Beach 223B 26 Marine Drive at Cliffside 7 Little Squalicum Beach 17 Smugglers Cove Pt Beach 221A 27 Chuckanut Bay 8 Chuckanut Bay Tidelands 18 Smugglers Cove Pt Beach 221 28 Marine Drive at Cliffside 9 Little Squalicum Park 19 Devils Slide Beach 220A 29 Birch Bay State Park 10 Semiahmoo Tidelands 20 Lummi Island NRCA 30 Larrabee State Park

use. The department does not map tidelands less than 200 feet in length or freshwater ownership. DNR maps identify tideland parcels around the county shoreline, with a variety of tidal ranges, from 7.4 to 17.4 feet.

The following are public tidelands indicated to be public access sites by DNR and other public agencies in Whatcom County: Linear feet of saltwater shoreline Whatcom County 1 Birch Bay Collection of shoreline or near shore 909 Shoreline properties located along Birch Bay Drive at Properties Cedar Avenue and Beach Way, Cottonwood Drive, Alderson Road, Jackson Road, and along Terrell Creek. 2 Birch Bay Collection of tidelands located along Birch Tidelands Bay Drive on Birch Bay. Major parcels include properties located north of Cottonwood Drive, north of the intersection of Harborview and Birch Bay Drive, Evergreen Lane south past Cedar Lane, and north of Alderson Road. 3 Chuckanut 11.19-acre Teddy Bear Cove includes 1,257 Mountain Park shoreline on Chuckanut Bay accessed off Chuckanut Drive. 4 Maple Beach Tidelands property located in Point Roberts 2,000 Tidelands on Bay View Drive on Boundary Bay. The property provides access to the tidelands for beach walks, swimming, and shell fishing. 5 Semiahmoo Park 17.9-acre park property located on 8,812 and Tidelands Semiahmoo Spit between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor in Blaine. The property includes shoreline and tideland that provide access to extensive claming beds and beachcombing areas. Port of Bellingham 6 Blaine Harbor 100 acres of tide flats filled with dredge materials to provide about 50.0 acres of land improvements. The remaining 50.0 acres conserves mudflats, shoreline, and wildlife habitat. 7 Squalicum - Little Shoreline corridor located on Roeder Avenue Squalicum Beach between the Port and Tybury Pier adjoining Little Squalicum Creek Park. Bellingham 8 Chuckanut Bay 68.7-acre tidelands conservancy located on Tidelands the north shore of Chuckanut Bay adjacent to estuary conservation sites. 9 Little Squalicum Undeveloped park site with trails located at 200 Park the mouth of the Little Squalicum Creek off Marine Drive. Property includes sandy shoreline on the bay and a wide, flat creek ravine. Park includes some Port and County properties managed by the City.

18 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Linear feet of saltwater shoreline Blaine 10 Semiahmoo Tidelands located on the east and south of Tidelands Semiahmoo Spit and portions of the west shoreline of Drayton Harbor to be dedicated for public use with the development of Semiahmoo Resort and Uplands. 11 Marine Park Waterfront park located across from Blaine Marina with shoreline on Semiahmoo Bay. WA Department of Natural Resources – Access sites 51,240 12 Birch Point Beach Public tidelands site located north of Birch 2,930 372 Point southwest of Blaine with access by boat only and an extensive lower beach, sandy flats, and claming potentials. 13 Lummi Island Public tidelands site located on the 2,805 Beach 224 northeast side of Lummi Island off Nugent Road adjacent to the old county ferry dock right-of-way with eelgrass and claming beds. The site is accessible by boat or by way of the county-owned ferry dock access right-of- way. 14 Bumstead Spit Public tidelands site located on the east side 2,574 Beach 223 of Lummi Island with access by boat only with clamming beds. 15 Bumstead Spit Public tidelands site located on the east side 1,188 South Beach 223A of Lummi Island with access by boat only with clamming beds. 16 Lummi Island Public tidelands site located on the east side 1,104 Beach 223B of Lummi Island with access by boat only with claming beds. 17 Smugglers Cove Public tidelands site located on the east side 4,812 North Beach 221A of Lummi Island with access by boat only to a shoreline located below the bluffs. 18 Smugglers Cove Public tidelands site located on the east side 4,481 Point Beach 221 of Lummi Island with access by boat only to a shoreline located below the bluffs. 19 Devils Slide Beach Public tidelands site located on the west side 3,188 220A of Lummi Island near Lummi Rocks with access by boat only to gravel pocket beaches, rock slides, and intertidal areas. 20 Lummi Island 42.0 acre recreation area located in Reil 2,125 Natural Resource Harbor on the southeast side of Lummi Conservation Area Island overlooking Eliza Island with access (NRCA) by boat only with gravel beaches and overhanging bluffs. 21 Lummi Island Public tidelands site encompasses the Reil 23,533 Beach 220 Harbor Beach/Lummi Island Recreation Site with access to a shoreline featuring gravel and rock beaches. 22 Carter Point 30.0-acre public tidelands site located at the 2,500 south end of Lummi Island adjacent to the US Coast Guard lighthouse reserve property. Following is a list of other significant DNR tidelands holdings with shore and/or boat access opportunities: Tidelands high/extreme 3,200 23 Chuckanut Rock Public tideland located around the complete 1,600 circumference of Chuckanut Rock in Chuckanut Bay. 24 Wildcat Cove Public tideland located in Wildcat Cove 1,600 adjoining Larrabee State Park.

19 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Linear feet of saltwater shoreline Tidelands meander 11,300 25 Nooksack River at Public tideland located on the east side of 1,800 Marietta the east branch of the Nooksack River confluence with Bellingham Bay at Marietta with access from Marine Drive. 26 Marine Drive at Public tideland located on Bellingham Bay 5,000 Cliffside south of Marine Drive and the railroad tracks between Locust Avenue and Cliffside Drive under the Bellingham International Airport flight path. 27 Chuckanut Bay Public tideland located on Chuckanut Bay 4,500 north from Fragrance Creek outfall with access from Chuckanut Drive. Tidelands low/extreme 800 28 Marine Drive at Public tideland located on Bellingham Bay 800 Cliffside west of West Cliffside Drive and adjacent meander tidelands. WA Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC) 11,855 29 Birch Bay State 193.2-acre multi-use state park located on 8,255 Park Birch Bay and Terrell Creek with saltwater shoreline and 14,923 linear feet of freshwater shoreline. 30 Larrabee State 2,683-acre multi-use state park located off 3,600 Park Chuckanut Drive on Wildcat Cove overlooking Chuckanut Bay and the San Juan Islands with tidal pools. Total saltwater shoreline

Proposed tideland acquisitions The following tidelands and saltwater shoreline may be provided conservancy protection through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Linear feet of saltwater shoreline Whatcom County and other participants 5 Semiahmoo Spit – In association with Blaine – acquire Blaine development rights to the spit property located northeast of the existing park. Preserve the tidelands, extend the shoreline trails, and develop a bird watching blind and interpretive exhibit. 31 Lily Point – Point In association with Point Roberts R&RD – Roberts acquire development rights to the parcel located at the end of Seacliff Road to preserve archaeological sites, shoreline, and the wooded upper bluff. 32 Point Whitehorn – In association with Northwest P&RD – Birch Bay acquire development rights to the shoreline properties to preserve the tidelands and extend a shoreline trail between Cherry Point and Birch Bay. 33 Cherry Point Acquire development rights to shoreline properties located at the street-ends at Powder Plant Road, Henry Road, and Aldergrove Road. Preserve the shorelines and develop access trails to the beach and between Cherry Point and Point Whitehorn.

20 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Linear feet of saltwater shoreline 34 Lovers Bluff – In association with the Lummi Island Land Lummi Island Trust – acquire development rights to Lovers Bluff. Preserve the shoreline and provide access trails to the beach. Total saltwater shoreline additions

Freshwater shoreline and water bodies Existing freshwater shoreline and water bodies The following freshwater shoreline and water bodies provide significant resource conservancy potentials of regional or countywide significance. Linear feet of freshwater shoreline Whatcom County 58,067 1 Canyon Lake 2,266.0-acre conservancy site includes 45 4,915 Community Forest acres of water surface on Canyon Lake jointly owned with Western Washington University. 2 Sunnyside Landing 6.6-acre undeveloped park property located 700 on the east shore of Lake Whatcom. 3 Deming 33.0-acre conservancy property located 2,500 Homestead Eagle along the shoreline of the Middle Fork of the Park Nooksack River accessed from Truck Road. 4 Ditrich (East Lake 33.0-acre undeveloped park property 1,600 Samish) Park (formerly known as East Lake Samish Park) located on East Samish Lake Drive on Lake Samish south of Bellingham city limits. 5 Hovander 333.4-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, 11,450 Homestead and park property located on Neilson Road Park/Tennant Lake on the Nooksack River adjacent to Ferndale Interpretive city limits. The property includes shoreline Center on the east shore dike of the Nooksack River. 6 Lake Whatcom 218.0-acre park property located on the 10,991 Park – North northeast shoreline of Lake Whatcom and accessed from North Shore Drive. The park site includes shoreline along the route of the historic Bellingham Bay & Eastern Railroad (BBE) right-of-way (3.0-mile Hertz Trail). 7 Lake Whatcom 79.5-acre park property located on the 6,142 Park – South (Hegg southeast shoreline of Lake Whatcom Park, Zobrist & accessed from South Bay Drive. The site Richards includes shoreline on Lake Whatcom. Properties) 8 Silver Lake Park 412.1-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, 5,699 and recreational park located on Silver Lake and Black Mountain Roads on Silver Lake east of Sumas. The site provides waterfront along the west shore of Silver Lake on what had been a private resort, early-day homestead, and logging site. 9 South Fork Park 3 farmsteads located on the South Fork of 10,770 (Acme, Overby, the Nooksack River off Mosquito Lake Road. and Nesset Farms) East Acme Farm includes 262.2 acres with 8,425 linear feet of river shoreline. Overby Farm property includes 234.8 acres with 7,145 linear feet of river shoreline. The Nesset Farm includes 106.0 acres with 5,200 linear feet of river shoreline.

21 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

8

19 18 freshwater

17

16 5 1 corridors 3

13 15 2 11 6

14

12

9 4 7

10

Conservation – freshwater shoreline

Existing shoreline Proposed shoreline O existing shoreline 1 Canyon Lake Comty Forest 10 Squires Lake Park 1 Canyon Lake Cmty Forest O proposed shoreline 2 Sunnyside Landing 11 Euclid Park 7 Lake Whatcom South --- freshwater corridors 3 Deming Homestead Eagle Park 12 Lake Padden Park 9 Nooksack River – South Fork 4 Ditrich-East Lake Samish Park 13 Sunset Pond Open Space 18 Nooksack River – Lynden 5 Hovander Homestead/Tennant 14 Lake Louise NRCA 19 Nooksack River – Everson 6 Lake Whatcom Park – N 15 Bug Lake 7 Lake Whatcom Park – S 16 Lake Terrell Game Refuge 8 Silver Lake Park 17 Birch Bay State Park 9 South Fork County Park

Linear feet of freshwater shoreline 10 Squires Lake Park 84.2-acre park property located off Old 3,300 Highway 99 on Squires Lake on the Whatcom/Skagit County line. The site includes a 10-acre lake. Approximately 57.2 acres of the site are located within Skagit County. Bellingham 11 Euclid Park 18.6-acre park site with trail and shoreline 700 located on Lake Whatcom with access from Lakeway Drive. The heavily wooded site includes a small stream through the middle of the triangular property emptying into the lake. 2.23 acres owned by Whatcom County with 62.3 linear feet of shoreline. 12 Lake Padden Park 832.0-acre multi-use park located on Samish Way with 152-acre lake, extensive woodland cover, and Padden Creek riparian corridor. 13 Sunset Pond Open 21.5-acre wetland preserve with ponds Space located on James Street. WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 14 Lake Louise DNR Natural Resources Conservation Area Natural Resources located near the west shoreline of Lake Conservation Area Whatcom off Lake Louise Road with (NRCA) woodland cover, wetlands, and beaver pond. WA Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) 15 Bug Lake 9.8-acre natural area located on Squalicum Park Way adjacent to I-5 with lake shoreline. 16 Lake Terrell Game Refuge WA Park & Recreation Commission (P&RC) 14,923 17 Birch Bay State 193.2-acre multi-use state park located on 14,923 Park Birch Bay and Terrell Creek with 8,255 linear feet of saltwater shoreline. Total freshwater shoreline

Proposed freshwater acquisitions The following freshwater shorelines may be provided conservancy protection through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Linear feet of freshwater shoreline Whatcom County and participating agencies 1 Canyon Lake In association with the Whatcom Land Trust Community Forest – acquire development rights along Canyon Creek Road corridor between Mosquito Lake Road and Canyon Lake Community Forest to preserve the riparian habitat along Canyon Creek. 7 Lake Whatcom In association with Bellingham – acquire the South missing trail segment along the railroad corridor and preserve the shoreline around the lake. 9 Nooksack River – Acquire a trail easement on private and DNR South Fork/Acme properties to link the East Acme and Overby Farm Properties and preserve the riverfront. 18 Nooksack River – Acquire development rights to the north Lynden bank of the Nooksack River off River Road at Fishtrap Creek to preserve the woodlands and riverfront.

23 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Linear feet of freshwater shoreline 19 Nooksack River – Acquire development rights to the south Everson bank of the Nooksack River off Abbot and Noon Road to preserve the riverfront. Total proposed freshwater shoreline additions

Watersheds Existing regional watershed sites Wetlands perform significant functions retaining, filtering, and recharging ground and surface water capacity and quality. Wetlands are excluded from development or fill under the Growth Management Act.

Watersheds are generally retained in a natural state with forest and vegetative cover to prevent erosion and surface water contamination. As such, wetlands and watersheds protect the water supply for urban settlements, and also provide wildlife habitat, forest cover, and open space opportunities.

The Lake Whatcom Watershed is the most significant watershed in the county, covering some 56 square miles (36,000 acres) and providing drinking water for over 95,000 people in Whatcom County. It contains 23 subwatersheds and is fed by 36 creeks and tributaries.

The following watershed sites provide significant resource conservancy potentials of regional or countywide significance. Acres* Whatcom County 368.7 1 Olsen Property Conservancy site co-owned with Bellingham 368.7 located off Lake Louise Road on Lookout Mountain with trailhead access to upland hiking trails on Lookout Mountain. Bellingham 123.9 2 Nielsen Watershed conservancy located in Sudden 33.9 Valley area. 3 Otto-Wisner Watershed conservation easements – no 90.0 public access. Blaine 200.0 4 Blaine Watershed Dedicated, wooded acreage at the 200.0 headwaters of Dakota Creek conserved for water supply – controlled access to 1.0-mile trail to fish hatchery tanks maintained by Blaine School District. Total watersheds 692.6 * Total site acreage may also provide for other resource or recreational activities.

Proposed regional watershed sites The following watershed sites provide significant resource conservancy potentials of regional or countywide significance that may be protected through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Acres* Bellingham 8,000.0 5 Stewart, Lookout, Preserve and acquire through conveyance, 8,000.0 & Anderson purchase, and easements the state and Mountains private forestlands surrounding Lake Whatcom for watershed protection and recreational activities including hiking, swimming, birding, berry picking, fishing, picnicking, and bicycling. Total proposed watershed additions 8,000.0

24 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Forestlands Existing regional forestland sites Forestlands, including commercial forest properties, provide resources important to economic production and development. Significant forestlands are protected and managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and US Forest Service (USFS) for long-term commercial wood harvest and production viability. As such, forestland management practices protect economic resources, and also provide forest cover, wildlife habitat, and open space opportunities.

Washington State Trust Land – statewide, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages more than 3,000,000 acres of state-owned trust forest, agricultural, range lands, and commercial properties that ear income to build schools, universities, and other state institutions, and help fund local services in many counties. In addition to earning income, trust lands provide habitat for native plant and animal species, clean and abundant water, and public access for outdoor recreation. There are 97,000 acres of DNR-managed state trusts lands in Whatcom County; most of these lands are working forests.

Direction for management of these lands comes from the State Constitution and the Legislature. DNR’s fiduciary duty as trust manager is to generate long-term income for underlying beneficiaries. In Whatcom County, the benefiting trusts include Scientific School (WSU), Common School (K-12 schools), and Forest Board (Whatcom County and local junior taxing districts). State trust lands are managed consistent with Forest Resource Plan (1992), Habitat Conservation Plan (1997), Forest Practices Rules (WAC 222), and DNR policies. Revenue producing activities include harvest of timber and forest products, leasing of agricultural land (orchards, vineyards, crops, grazing), and leasing of minerals, communications sites, and commercial properties.

In addition, under the Multiple Use Act (RCW 79.68) the legislature directs DNR to practice multiple use management where it is in the best interests of the state and the general welfare of the citizens, is consistent with the trust provisions of the lands involved, and is compatible with activities necessary to fulfill the financial obligations of trust management. Multiple uses may include recreation, educational or scientific use, scenic and historic areas, and watershed protection.

State Conservation Areas/Natural Areas – DNR’s land management includes a small, but significant, statewide system of State Natural Resources Conservation Areas (NCRA) and Natural Area Preserves (NAP) that protect native ecosystems and the plant and animal species that depend on them, and provide access for education and low-impact public use, where appropriate.

The following sites have forestland cover that provides significant resource conservancy potentials of regional or countywide significance. Acres* Whatcom County 4,077.2 1 Canyon Lake Conservancy site jointly owned with 2,266.0 Community Forest Western Washington University and improved with a trailhead and 8.7 miles of hiking trails around the lake to overlooks and an old growth forest. 2 Chuckanut Whatcom County’s portion of the Chuckanut 999.8 Mountain Park Mountain Recreational area located between Chuckanut Drive and Old Samish Highway. The total 7,000.0-acre landholding includes the Fish & Wildlife (DFW), Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC), and City of Bellingham properties. Trails link to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Blanchard Forest in Skagit County that offers a variety of recreational experiences in a working forest.

25 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

4

5

watershed

1 2 5 5

Conservation – watersheds

Existing watershed sites Proposed watershed O existing properties 1 Olsen Property 5 Stewart, Lookout & Anderson O proposed properties 2 Nielsen Property Mountains --- watershed boundaries 3 Otto-Wisner Property 4 Blaine Watershed

14

15 4

19

1 7

13 16

9 3 6 11 23-25 5 8 12 22 20 2 21 10

18

17

Conservation – forestlands

Existing forestlands Proposed forestlands O existing forestlands 1 Canyon Lake Comty Forest 9 Euclid Park 1 Canyon Lake Comty Forest 22 Blue Canyon Park Road O proposed forestlands 2 Chuckanut Mtn County Park 10 Lookout Mountain 4 Sumas Mountain - Ostrom 23 Lookout Mountain – CSIE ---- forestland preservation 3 Olsen Property 11 Arroyo Park 17 Lily Point 24 Lookout Mountain – FBT 4 Ostrom Conservation Site 12 Lake Padden Park 18 Lummi Mountain 25 Lookout Mountain - FBP 5 Stimpson Family Reserve 13 Whatcom Falls Park 19 Nooksack River – Lynden 6 Lookout Mountain 14 Lincoln Park 20 Nooksack River – South Fork 7 Airport – Lost Lake 15 Berthusen Park 21 Lake Samish Greenway 8 Portage Island 16 Lake Whatcom Landscape Plan

Acres* 3 Olsen Property Conservancy site co-owned with Bellingham 368.7 located off Lake Louise Road on Lookout Mountain. The site has trailhead access to upland hiking trails on Lookout Mountain. 4 Ostrom Conservancy site located off South Pass 38.7 Conservation Site Road east of Everson leased to the Nooksack Valley School District for outdoor education purposes. The forested property provides trail access and parking. 5 Stimpson Family A resource conservation and natural area 384.0 Nature Reserve located off Lake Louise Road east of and Anderson Bellingham city limits. The site is a Property – cooperative project by the Washington includes Lake Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Louise NRCA Bellingham, and Whatcom Land Trust – and is managed by Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Department. The site has been improved with a 4-mile trail, trailhead, pond overlook and rest areas. 6 Lookout Mountain Undeveloped park property located south of 20.0 Birch Street adjoining City of Bellingham property. 7 Airport – Lost Lake Wetland and woodland habitat conservancy located on Wynn and Curtis Roads between DNR property and Airport’s west boundary. Lummi Nation 8 Portage Island Conservancy connected to the mainland by sand spit with interior wetlands, woodlands, and sand dunes. Bellingham 1,208.7 9 Euclid Park Undeveloped park site with trail and 700 18.6 linear feet of shoreline located on Lake Whatcom with access from Lakeway Drive. The heavily wooded site includes a small stream through the middle of the triangular property emptying into the lake. 10 Lookout Mountain Natural area with dirt mountain bike trails 40.1 adjacent to 20.0 acres owned by Whatcom County located south of Birch Street. 11 Arroyo Park Trails and parking area located east of 67.0 Chuckanut Drive and south of Lake Samish Road at the north end of Chuckanut Mountain – includes Interurban Trail. 12 Lake Padden Park Multi-use park located on Samish Way with -- 832.0 - acre lake, extensive woodland cover, and Padden Creek riparian corridor. 13 Whatcom Falls Multi-use park located on Whatcom Creek off 251.0 Park Woburn Street with riparian corridor and extensive woodland cover. Blaine 28.0 14 Lincoln Park Wooded hillside park and city watershed 28.0 with small drainage creek, a pond, views and vistas of harbor, water storage tank, and treatment facility. Lynden 15 Berthusen Park Wooded hillside park located on Badger Road and Lynnwood Drive west of Lynden on Bertrand Creek.

28 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Acres* WA DNR Forest Board/School Trust 15,700.0 16 Lake Whatcom DNR-managed land in the Lake Whatcom 15,700.0 watershed is managed consistent with legislative direction, the multiple use act, DNR policies, and the Lake Whatcom Landscape Plan (FEIS 2004). This working forest provides economic benefits as well as clean water, wildlife habitat, open space, and recreational opportunities. Total forestlands * Total site acreage may also provide for other resource or recreational activities.

Proposed forestland acquisitions The following forestlands may be provided conservancy protection through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Acres* Whatcom County 1 Canyon Lake In association with the Whatcom Land Trust Community Forest – acquire development rights along Canyon Creek Road corridor between Mosquito Lake Road and Canyon Lake Community Forest to preserve woodlands and riparian habitat along Canyon Creek. 4 Sumas Mountain – Acquire development rights to the property Ostrom Property located adjacent to the Ostrom Property. Preserve the farmstead, woodlands, and in association with DNR, develop access trails and a trailhead to Sumas Mountain. 17 Lily Point – Point In association with Point Roberts R&RD - Roberts acquire development rights to the parcel located at the end of Seacliff Road to preserve the shoreline and woodland bluff. 18 Lummi Mountain – In association with WA DNR – acquire Lummi Island development rights to the private NRCA forestlands located between state forest ownership on Lummi Mountain. Preserve the forests and extend access trails around the mountain and between the ferry landing and Reil Harbor Beach – the Lummi Island Natural Resource Conservation Area (NRCA). 19 Nooksack River – Acquire development rights to the north Lynden bank of the Nooksack River off River Road at Fishtrap Creek. Preserve the woodlands and riverfront and develop access trails and interpretive exhibits. 20 Nooksack River – Acquire a trail easement on private and DNR South Fork/Acme properties to link the East Acme and Overby Farm Properties. Preserve the riverfront and woodlands. 21 Lake Samish In association with the Whatcom Land Trust Greenway - and DNR – acquire development and logging Bellingham rights to preserve the scenic woodland cover of the forestlands located along the I-5 corridor from Skagit County to Lakeway Drive.

29 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Acres* WA DNR School Trust (CSIE) 8,400.0 22 Lake Whatcom Conserve forest cover on DNR trust lands 8,400 23 Reservoir DNR located on the east and west shores of Lake 24 Private Forest Whatcom. 25 Lands

Farmlands Existing regional farmland sites Farmlands, including all variety of crop and livestock productions, provide resources important to economic production and development. Significant farmlands are protected by Whatcom County under a program that acquires development rights (TDR), reduces taxes, and in some instances purchases title to ensure long-term agricultural viability.

As such, agricultural preservation practices protect economic resources, and also provide some wildlife habitat and open space opportunities. The following farmlands (not including TDR properties) provide significant resource conservancy potentials of regional or countywide significance. Acres* Whatcom County Parks Department 1,348.5 1 Hovander Conservancy, historic farmstead, and park 333.4 Homestead property located on Neilson Road on the Park/Tennant Lake Nooksack River adjacent to Ferndale city Interpretive limits. The site conserves the 6,800 square Center foot historic Hovander home, 576 square foot observation tower, 340 square foot milking parlor, 384 square foot drying shed, 1,375 square foot blacksmith shop, and 10,900 square foot barn. The homestead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The barnyard is furnished with antique farm implements and equipment, and a collection of livestock and fowl. 2 Silver Lake Park Conservancy, historic farmstead, and 412.1 recreational park located on Silver Lake and Black Mountain Roads on Silver Lake east of Sumas. Park improvements include a 2,850 square foot storage barn, 2,970 square foot barn and shop, and 1,050 square foot equipment shed.

30 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

prime farmland soils

2

1

3

Conservation – farmlands

Existing farmlands Proposed farmlands O existing farm properties 1 Hovander Homestead 3 Nooksack River – South Fork O proposed farm properties 2 Silver Lake Park --- prime farmland soils 3 South Fork Park

Acres* 3 South Fork Park 3 farmsteads located on the South Fork of 603.0 (Acme, Overby, the Nooksack River off Mosquito Lake Road. and Nesset Farms) East Acme Farm includes 262.2 acres with 8,425 linear feet of river shoreline. Overby Farm property includes 234.8 acres with 7,146 linear feet of river shoreline. The Nesset Farm includes 106.0 acres with 5,200 linear feet of river shoreline along with the historic Nesset homestead that includes the home, garage, 3 sheds, and barn. The Nesset homestead will be restored and used for agricultural interpretive programs. Total farmland conservancies 1,348.5 * Total site acreage may also provide for other resource or recreational activities.

Proposed farmland acquisitions The following farmlands may be provided conservancy protection through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Acres* Whatcom County and participating agencies 3 Nooksack River – Acquire a trail easement on private and DNR South Fork/Acme properties to link the East Acme and Overby Farm Properties. Acquire farmlands in between the South Fork properties to create a consolidated holding to preserve the farms, riverfront, and woodlands. Total proposed farmland additions

Wildlife and other multipurpose resource conservancies Existing regional resource conservancy sites Wildlife habitat, including lands and sites used by threatened and endangered species for foraging, nesting, and migration activities, are protected from degradation and most urban development activities by the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) and federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Significant wildlife habitat and habitat buffers are retained, and may even be restored to a natural state, to provide wildlife support.

As such, wildlife habitat ensures the survivability of important species, and also provides wetlands, riparian corridors, forest cover, farm, and open space opportunities.

The following sites have significant multipurpose resource conservancy potentials including mixtures of shoreline, forestland, farmland, wildlife habitat, and open space of regional or countywide significance that are not included within the categories listed above. Some smaller sites are listed that have associations with larger adjacent conservancy or park parcels with conservancy attributes. Acres* Whatcom County 155.5 1 Birch Bay A wildlife conservancy area located along 45.0 Conservancy Area Point Whitehorn Road. 2 Euclid Park Conservancy parcel on Lake Whatcom and 2.2 (Lakeside Street) adjoining Bellingham conservancy property on the northwest shore of Lake Whatcom off Euclid Avenue. 3 Lookout Mountain Future park and conservancy site located off 20.0 Park Yew Street on Lookout Mountain.

32 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Acres* 4 Sunset Farm Special purpose park property located on 69.5 Equestrian Center Blaine Road in Birch Bay that includes wetlands and woodlands. 5 Turner Jaeger Conservancy site located on Lake Louise 3.8 Property Road south of Bellingham city limits 6 Terrell Creek Conservancy site located on Terrell Creek 15.0 Conservancy Area providing protection to Blue Heron rookery. Port of Bellingham 7 Airport – Passive open space located between Alderwood Open Alderwood Avenue and Marine Drive under Space the Airport’s Runway Protection Zone (RPZ). Lummi Nation 8 Lummi Bay-Aqua Shoreline access located off Kwina Road at Dike the confluence of the Lummi River into Lummi Bay with trails and parking at the edge of the Lummi aquaculture facility. Bellingham 829.9 9 Chuckanut Bay Estuary preserve on Chuckanut Bay located 24.8 North off Chuckanut Drive. 10 Chuckanut Bay Estuary preserve on Chuckanut Bay located 18.0 South off Chuckanut Drive. 11 Chuckanut Bay Tidelands conservancy located on Chuckanut 68.7 Tidelands Bay. 12 Padden Lagoon Estuary with overlook and interpretive 5.3 signage located off Harris Avenue. 13 Fever Creek Natural area with wetlands located along 10.8 Nature Area Railroad Trail adjacent Whatcom Falls Park. 14 Post Point Open Natural area with gravel trails and off-leash 15.3 Space dog area managed by Public Works located at the west end of Harris Avenue. 15 Samish Crest Various disconnected natural areas located 74.6 Nature Area west of Yew Street on Lookout Mountain. 16 Connelly Creek Wetlands preserve with trails located on 26.0 Nature Area Connelly Creek adjoining Happy Valley Park off Donovan and Douglas Avenues. 17 Interurban Trail corridor and natural areas with parking, 98.6 Greenway picnic table, Interurban Trail, Clarita Moore Wayside Trail, Hoag Pond, and wetlands including lands between Old Fairhaven Parkway and Lake Samish Road. 18 Klipsun Trail Trail corridor and natural area with pond 17.5 Greenway located between subdivisions that lay between Barkley Blvd. and Alabama Street and east of Railroad Trail. 19 Lower Padden Trail corridor and natural area with 15.7 Trail Properties Interurban Trail, Lower Padden Trail, and Padden Creek including lands between Post Point and 12th Street. 20 Padden Gorge Woodland riparian corridor extending along 28.4 Padden Creek from Lake Padden Park. 21 Railroad Trail Wooded railroad trail corridor properties 24.5 Greenway extending from St Clair Basin to Whatcom Falls Park. 22 Salmon Park Natural area with trails along Cemetery 35.0 Creek extending from Whatcom Creek to Lakeway Drive, west of Woburn Drive. 23 Squalicum Creek Natural area with creek and wetlands 45.7 Greenway between Cornwall Park and Bellingham Bay.

33 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

34 37

4 1

32

8 7 26 18 22 23 22 21,28 13 prime wildlife 24 33,35 2 25 5 30 16 12 15 3 14 20 31 36 17 19 27 9-11

29

Conservation – wildlife and other multipurpose conservancies

Existing wildlife Proposed wildlife 1 Birch Bay Conservancy Area 13 Fever Creek Nature Area 25 Sehome Hill Arboretum 36 Clark’s Point Open Space 38 Misc Habitat Reserve – TBD 2 Euclid Park – Lakeside St 14 Post Point Open Space 26 Cornwall Park 37 Semiahmoo Open Space 39 Greenway Additions – TBD 3 Lookout Mountain Park 15 Samish Crest Nature Area 27 Fairhaven Park 4 Sunset Farm Equestrian Center 16 Connelly Creek Nature Area 28 Northridge Park 5 Turner Jaeger Property 17 Interurban Greenway 29 WWU – Alger Peat Bog 6 Terrell Creek Conservancy 18 Klipsun Trail Greenway 30 WWU – Hannegan Envtl Cntr 7 Airport – Alderwood 19 Lower Padden Trail Properties 31 Lake Louise NRCA 8 Lummi Bay – Aqua Dike 20 Padden Gorge 32 Clay Pit Ponds 9 Chuckanut Bay North 21 Railroad Trail Greenway 33 Fish Hatchery 10 Chuckanut Bay South 22 Salmon Park 34 Whatcom Land Trust O existing wildlife 11 Chuckanut Bay Tidelands 23 Squalicum Creek Greenway 35 Scudder Pond O proposed wildlife 12 Padden Lagoon 24 Whatcom Creek Greenway -- prime wildlife habitat

Acres* 24 Whatcom Creek Greenway and trail corridor with trails and 19.0 Greenway creek. 25 Sehome Hill Natural area with trails, parking, and 165.0 Arboretum overlook located on Sehome Hill off Mason Street/Bill McDonald Parkway - includes land owned by WWU under city shared management. 26 Cornwall Park Multi-use park with significant woodland 69.0 cover and tributary stream corridors located on Squalicum Creek and Meridian Street. 27 Fairhaven Park Multi-use park located off Chuckanut Drive 17.5 adjoining Arroyo Park with considerable woodland cover. 28 Northridge Park Undeveloped park site located off Barkley 50.5 Boulevard with a pond and extensive wooded hillsides. Western Washington University (WWU) 36.7 29 WWU – Alger Peat Wetland research site located a mile east of 13.5 Bog Alger on Barrel Springs Road. 30 WWU – Hannegan 3,000 square foot interpretive facility 23.2 Environmental located on the corner of Hannegan and Center Bakerview Roads providing class and salmon restoration research space for environmental studies. Includes programs provided by the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association – NSEA. WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 167.7 31 Lake Louise DNR Natural Resources Conservation Area 167.7 Natural Resources located near the west shoreline of Lake Conservation Area Whatcom off Lake Louise Road with woodland cover. WA Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) 32 Clay Pit Ponds Natural area and fishing access site located 16.3 near Tennant Lake 33 Fish Hatchery Hatchery located on Whatcom Creek in Whatcom Falls Park. Privately-owned common property open space 81.0 34 Whatcom Land Wooded natural area located on the south 2.0 Trust bank of Dakota Creek preserved for wildlife habitat. 35 Scudder Pond Wetland preservation area with interpretive 5.0 trail located on the west shoreline of Lake Whatcom adjacent to Whatcom Falls and Bloedel Donovan Parks off Dakin Street. 36 Clark’s Point Open Conservation easement for extensive 74.0 Space wetlands and natural area located on Chuckanut Bay. Homeowner Association open space 37 Semiahmoo Extensive woodland, shoreline, and open space corridors within the Semiahmoo planned residential development. Total wildlife and other conservancy * Total site acreage may also provide for other resource or recreational activities.

Proposed regional resource conservancy sites The following sites may be provided conservancy protection through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants.

35 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Acres* Whatcom County with other participants 38 Misc Habitat Set aside a funding source and develop Reserve priority rating criteria to acquire threatened wildlife habitat, century farms, old growth forests, and scenic viewpoints. Bellingham 500.0 39 Greenway Additional conservation sites or easement 500.0 Additions locations to be acquired along Squalicum, Whatcom, Padden, Connelly, Chuckanut Creeks and/or Bellingham Bay waterfront. Total proposed wildlife and other conservancy addns

36 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

3.2 Conservancies - historical

Resource properties may be protected that retain and preserve significant archaeological, historical, and cultural sites and facilities throughout Whatcom County. Generally, historical conservancy properties may be acquired that conserve and provide interpretive access to significant sites including Native American sites, original homesteads or prominent building sites, commercial or public buildings of unique architectural characteristics, locations of important industrial or resource oriented activities, and other culturally important areas. Lands may also be protected or acquired that conserve significant man-made constructions on the land including bridges, dikes, dams, and other features.

To the extent possible and practical, historical sites and buildings will be linked with other parklands to create activity centers or facilities that reflect the original cultural use. In some instances, the buildings or sites may be adapted to provide supporting services such as trailheads, parking lots, restrooms, and utilities.

To the extent possible and practical, historical buildings and structures will be conserved on their original sites. In some instances, however, the buildings or other improvements may be relocated to other public properties in order to better conserve, display, or provide interpretive access.

To the extent practical and protecting of archaeological significance, historical or archaeological sites may be marked or signed as part of the conservancy park element. Interpretive signs may be located off-site or in areas that do not risk exposure or possible vandalism of underlying archaeological resources or properties (including private lands).

VISION As described herein, historical conservancies may be realized through: ƒ acquisition of title and/or development rights of properties - that would otherwise be destroyed or developed for other land uses; ƒ provision for public access and interpretive use - which would not be possible if the properties remained in private ownership; and ƒ provision for signing and interpretation - subject to appropriate security measures and underlying property owner agreements.

Native American places of significance Existing Native American places of significance The following places provide significant Native American archaeological or cultural conservancy potentials.

Number of Native American sites Whatcom County 2 1 Deming 33.0-acre conservancy property located 1 Homestead Eagle along the shoreline of the North Fork of the Park Nooksack River accessed from Truck Road. The site has been identified as a frequent Native American fish harvesting location. 2 Lake Whatcom 79.5-acre park property located on the 1 Park – South (Hegg southeast shoreline of Lake Whatcom Park and Zobrist accessed from South Bay Drive. The site and Richards includes 7,142 linear feet of shoreline on Properties) Lake Whatcom that has been identified as a frequent Native American summer camp.

37 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

4

6

7

1

3

8

2 5

Conservation – Native American places of significance

Existing sites identified Proposed sites O existing site 1 Deming Homestead-Eagle Park 5 Lily Point – Pt Roberts O proposed site 2 Lake Whatcom Park – South 6 Nooksack River – Lynden 3 Maritime Heritage Park 7 Cherry Point Midden Site 4 Blaine WWTP 8 Lummi Island – Village Point

Number of Native American sites Bellingham 1 3 Maritime Heritage 11.2-acre multi-use park located on 1 Park – Whatcom Whatcom Creek between Holly and DuPoint Creek Streets. Native American salmon harvesting site and place of potlatch importance. Currently developed with fish hatchery, fishing area, and interpretive area with new totem poles. Blaine 1 4 WWTP - 2.0-acre original proposed site for new 1 Wastewater wastewater treatment plant on Semiahmoo Treatment Plant- Spit found to contain Native American burial Semiahmoo Spit grounds and archaeological artifacts. Total existing Native American sites of significance

Proposed Native American sites of significance The following sites provide significant Native American archaeological and cultural conservancy potentials that may be protected through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Number of Native American sites Whatcom County with other participants 3 5 Lily Point – Point In association with Point Roberts P&RD - 1 Roberts acquire development rights to the parcel at the end of Seacliff Road. Preserve archaeological sites and develop interpretive trails along the shoreline and upper bluff. 6 Nooksack River – Acquire development rights to the north 1 Lynden bank of the Nooksack River at Fishtrap Creek – a Native American fishing ground. Preserve woodlands, riverfront and develop access trails and interpretive exhibits. 7 Cherry Point – Acquire development rights to the parcel 1 Midden Site located on Cherry Point. Preserve archaeological sites, and develop access and interpretive trails along the shoreline. 8 Lummi Island - In association with Lummi Indian Nation – 1 Village Point develop boat ramps, handcarry launch sites, waterfront access sites and trails, and interpretive facilities near the original village site on Lego Bay Road. Total proposed additional Native American sites 4

Railroad era sites of significance Existing railroad era sites of significance The following sites provide significant historical railroad conservancy potentials. Number of railroad historical sites Whatcom County 5 1 Bayview Marine 1.4-acre waterfront property located on 1 (Boulevard Park) Bellingham Bay in downtown Bellingham including portions of the former Bellingham Bay & British Columbia (BBBC) Railroad corridor that have been developed into the South Bay Trail. The property is leased to Bellingham for a waterfront park connecting with Taylor Dock. The park has been improved with a trail, interpretive exhibit, benches, and picnic tables.

39 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan 20

NP

GN 5

NP

BB&BC BB&BC

15 17 BB&E 12 6-11 18 4 1 13 BB&E 14 3 16 19

2 GN Interurban

Conservation – railroad era sites of significance

Existing sites Proposed sites O existing site 1 Bayview Marine – Blvd Park 10 BB&BC Depot – Farmers Mkt 19 Lake Whatcom South O proposed site 2 Camp Road 2 11 BB&E/NP Trestle 20 Sumas 3 Chuckanut Mtn – Interurban 12 Main Line Trolley Tracks 4 Lake Whatcom Park North 13 Happy Valley Line 5 Maple Falls/Glacier ROW 14 Arroyo Park Interurban 6 BB&BC Roundhouse 15 Bay to Baker Trail – BB&BC 7 BB&BC Whatcom Creek Bridge 16 Lower Padden Trl - Interurban 8 BB&E Whatcom Creek Bridge 17 Railroad Trl Greenway – BB&E 9 BB&E/NP Tracks 18 South Bay Trail Greenway

Number of railroad historical sites 2 Camp Road 2 2.3-acre portion of an abandoned and 1 Railroad Property undeveloped logging railroad right-of-way extending from the southeastern shoreline of Lake Whatcom (Lake Whatcom Park – South) along Camp Road towards Squires Lake and Anderson Mountain in Skagit County. 3 Chuckanut Whatcom County’s 999.8-acre portion of the 1 Mountain Park – Chuckanut Mountain Recreational area Interurban Trail located between Chuckanut Drive and Old Samish Highway. County lands include the easement from Puget Sound Energy (PSE) for the historic Interurban Trolley Electric Rail Line (now a trail) from Bellingham to Seattle and Tacoma. 4 Lake Whatcom 218.0-acre multi-use park property located 1 Park - North on the northeast shoreline of Lake Whatcom and accessed from North Shore Drive. The park site includes the route of the historic Bellingham Bay & Eastern Railroad (BBE) right-of-way (3.0-mile Hertz Trail). Improvements include an interpretive kiosk, vault toilet, and 3.5 miles of multi-use trail. 5 Maple 117.8-acre historic Bellingham Bay & British 1 Falls/Glacier Trail Columbia (BB&BC) Railroad corridor (Bay to Baker Trail) extending 7.0 miles from Maple Falls eastward and terminating east of Glacier Creek. The undeveloped railroad bed adjoins several spur segments. Improvements include a restroom building and parking in Glacier. Bellingham 13 6 BB&BC 1890s - roundhouse located south of Laurel 1 Roundhouse Street adjacent to the wooden trestle developed into the South Bay Trail. The concrete foundation for the roundhouse maintenance stalls is still visible. 7 BB&BC Whatcom Bellingham Bay & British Columbia Railway 1 Creek Bridge bridge located behind the old Mayflower storage bridge – the access is now used for a pedestrian/bicycle trail. 8 BB&E Whatcom Bellingham Bay & Eastern (BB&E)/Northern 1 Creek Bridge Pacific British Columbia (NPBC) Railway bridge over Whatcom Creek - located between York and Ellis Streets almost parallel and very close to State Street. 9 BB&E/NP Tracks Bellingham Bay & Eastern (BB&E)/Northern 1 Pacific (NP) Railroad tracks - original rail lines are visible in the alley between State Street and Railroad Avenue from Holly to Champion Streets. 10 BB&BC Depot Bellingham Bay & British Columbia (BB&BC) 1 (Bellingham Railroad depot from 1895 - originally located Farmers’ Market) on the east side of Railroad Avenue between Maple and Magnolia Streets now used by the Bellingham Farmers Market.

41 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Number of railroad historical sites 11 BB&E/NP Trestle Bellingham Bay & Eastern (BB&E) 1 Railroad/Northern Pacific (NP) Railroad trestle - located on Railroad Avenue and extending south adjacent to State Street. The old trestle has been refurbished as the South Bay pedestrian and bicycle trail from Railroad Avenue to Fairhaven. 12 Main Line Trolley Main Line trolley tracks – still visible on 11th 1 Tracks Street from Finnegan Way to Douglas Street. 13 Happy Valley Line Happy Valley line tracks are still visible in 1 brick paving in the middle of Harris Avenue between 11th and 14th Streets. 14 Arroyo Park – 67.0-acre multi-use park located east of 1 Interurban Chuckanut Drive and south of Old Lake Samish Road at the north end of Chuckanut Mountain – includes Interurban Trail. 15 Bay to Baker Trail 6.5-acre former RR&BC railroad corridor on 1 properties – old railroad grade between Little Squalicum BB&BC Park and Squalicum Parkway under development for multipurpose trail. 16 Lower Padden 15.7-acre trail corridor and natural area 1 Trail Properties – between Post Point and 12th Street – Interurban includes portion of Interurban Trail. 17 Railroad Trail 24.5-acre former Bellingham Bay & Easton 1 Greenway – BB&E (BB&E) Railroad under development for multipurpose trail corridor. 18 South Bay Trail 9.3-acre former Bellingham Bay & British 1 Greenway Columbia (BB&BC) Railroad corridor development for multipurpose trail connecting downtown to Fairhaven. Total existing railroad era sites 18

Proposed railroad era sites The following sites provide significant railroad era conservancy potentials that may be protected through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Number of railroad historical sites Whatcom County with other participants 2 19 Lake Whatcom In association with Bellingham – acquire the 1 South missing trail segment along the historic BB&E railroad corridor to complete development of the railroad corridor trail conversion around the lake. 20 Sumas Acquire the railroad trestles near Cedar 1 Springs and Sumas Mountain along the historic BB&E railroad corridor. Total proposed additional railroad era sites 2

Farm sites of significance Existing farm sites of significance The following sites provide significant farmstead conservancy potentials. Number of farm sites Whatcom County 4 1 Hovander 333.4-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, 1 Homestead and park property located on Neilson Road Park/Tennant Lake on the Nooksack River adjacent to Ferndale Interpretive city limits. The site conserves the 6,800 Center square foot historic Hovander home, 576 square foot observation tower, 340 square

42 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

2

1

3

Conservation – farm sites of significance

Existing sites Proposed sites O existing site 1 Hovander Homestead 4 TBD O proposed site 2 Silver Lake Park 3 South Fork Park

Number of farm sites Hovander – foot milking parlor, 384 square foot drying continued shed, 1,375 square foot blacksmith shop, and 10,900 square foot barn. The homestead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The barnyard is furnished with antique farm implements and equipment, and a collection of livestock and fowl. 2 Silver Lake Park 412.1-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, 1 and recreational park located on Silver Lake and Black Mountain Roads on Silver Lake east of Sumas. The Gerdrum Home/Museum is located across from the main park entrance and is the site of the original Gerdrum Homestead. The 1,540 square foot 2-story hose was built in the 1890s. 3 South Fork Park 3 farmsteads totaling 603-acres located on 1 (Acme, Overby, the South Fork of the Nooksack River off and Nesset Farms) Mosquito Lake Road. The 106.0 acre Nesset Farm includes the historic Nesset homestead that includes the home, garage, 3 sheds, and barn. The Nesset homestead will be restored and used for agricultural interpretive programs. Total existing farmsteads of significance 3

Proposed farmsteads of significance The following sites provide significant farmstead conservancy potentials that may be protected through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Number of farm sites Whatcom County with other participants 1 4 To be determined When appropriate, acquire development rights to historic farms located in the county to preserve heritage farmsteads. Total proposed additional farmsteads of significance

Other sites of significance Existing other historical/cultural sites of significance The following sites provide significant other cultural, social, and man-made conservancy potentials. Number of other historical sites Whatcom County 7 1 Bay Horizon Park 68.2-care decommissioned WW2 era military 1 radar base with 57,500 square feet of facilities located on Anderson Road in Birch Bay. The property was acquired through Federal surplus and is currently leased to the Lions Foundation for a summer camp and the Birch Bay Lions Club for a hostel. 2 Kickerville Road – 2.6-acre undeveloped property of the former 1 Pleasant Valley Pleasant Valley School site located on School site Kickerville Road south of Bay Street. 3 Monument Park 6.9-acre park site and overlook located on 1 the US/Canadian border on the northwest shoreline of Point Roberts on Marine Drive. The park contains a 19-foot obelisk imported from Scotland an erected by the Joint Boundary Survey Commission in 1861 establishing the US/Canadian border.

44 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan 3 11 5 21 23 6

River Steamer

1 Military Road

2 17 22

12 7

20 18 14-16 4 8 Ferry

10 Ferry 9

19

Ferry Ferry 13

Conservation – other historical sites of significance

Existing sites Proposed sites Historical districts O existing site 1 Bay Horizon Park 9 Fairhaven Library 5 Semiahmoo Park – Blaine 18 Old Town Whatcom O proposed site 2 Kickerville Rd – Pleasant Schl 10 Sehome – WWU 17 Nooksack River Water Trail 19 Fairhaven [ ] historical district 3 Monument Park 11 Semiahmoo Cannery 20 Bellingham 4 Roeder Home 12 Pioneer Park 21 Blaine 5 Semiahmoo Park 13 Point Roberts Schoolhouse 22 Ferndale 6 Silver Lake Park 14 Whatcom Museum – Courthse 23 Lynden 7 Smith & Northwest Sports Flds 15 Whatcom Museum – Syre 8 Mount Baker Theater 16 Whatcom Museum – ARCO

Number of other historical sites 4 Roeder Home 1.0-acre Victor A Roeder historical 1 homestead located at 2600 Sunset Drive in downtown Bellingham. The 7,400 square foot house and 480 square foot garage were built in 1903 and are on the National Historical Registry. The property was donated to the county in 1971 and is used for weddings, receptions, meetings, and fine and cultural arts programs and classes. 5 Semiahmoo Park 17.9-acre park property located on 1 and Tidelands Semiahmoo Spit between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor in Blaine. Several Alaska Packers Association cannery buildings were relocated to the southwest edge of the spit from the northeast cannery site. The site includes a 1,040 square foot building used for an interpretive center and museum, 1,040 square foot building used for restrooms and storage, and a 2,000 square foot 2-story building used as a meeting hall. 6 Silver Lake Park 412.1-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, 1 and recreational park located on Silver Lake and Black Mountain Roads on Silver Lake east of Sumas. The Gerdrum Home/Museum is located across from the main park entrance and is the site of the original Gerdrum Homestead. The 1,540 square foot 2-story house was built in the 1890s. 7 Smith & Northwest 80.0-acre county property located on the 1 Sports Fields southeast corner of Smith and Northwest Roads west of Ferndale. The site includes the historic county hospital that has been converted into an annex for the Public Works and Planning Departments. Bellingham 3 8 Mount Baker 0.8-acre, 32,500 square foot historic 1 Theater performing arts theater complex built in 1927 for vaudeville and movies with stage, lighting and dressing rooms, orchestra pit, pipe organ, film projection, fixed seating, and conference facilities on Commercial Street. Managed under contract. 9 Fairhaven Library 0.2-acre, 10,250 square foot branch 1904 1 library located on 12th Street. Includes auditorium seating 150 people with wood dance floor and limited kitchen facilities. Also includes Children’s and Fireplace Room seating 30-45 people. 10 Sehome – Western Sehome – developed in 1858 around a vein 1 Washington of coal that angled into the bay at the University (WWU) bottom of Sehome Hill. Coal tailings were dumped at the base of the hill and into the bay until the coal vein ran out in 1878. In 1893, Sehome resident and Washington poet laureate Ella Higginson persuaded officials to locate a state normal school (teachers’ college) on the hill above the abandoned mine. The school, which evolved into Western Washington University, occupies the former site of the Higginson home.

46 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Number of other historical sites Blaine 1 11 Semiahmoo A cannery was located on Semiahmoo spit in 1 Cannery 1891 to process sockeye salmon harvested from the surrounding waters. The Alaska Packers Association bought and enlarged the site to provide supplies for the square- riggers that fished the Alaska salmon. 3 original buildings have been relocated to Semiahmoo County Park. Semiahmoo Resort is restoring Tongue Point Warehouse #6 and the rail launching ramps, pier, and docking facilities. Ferndale 1 12 Pioneer Park Multi-use park located on Ferndale Road and 1 Cherry Street on the Nooksack River. The Ferndale Historical Society has collected a variety of early homestead cabins, houses, barns, stables, stores, and other structures at the site. Point Roberts 1 13 Point Roberts The historic former schoolhouse is located 1 Schoolhouse & on Gulf Road and owned by the Point Community Center Roberts Park & Recreation District. The building has been restored and provides a meeting room and kitchen adjacent to a co- located community library. Museums and theaters 3 14 Whatcom Museum Old City Hall – regional historical museum 1 of History & Art displaying historical exhibits, contemporary art, lectures, and performances in the historic 1892 Whatcom County Courthouse located on Prospect Street. Includes Rotunda Room seating 125 people with kitchenette and piano – not available for political, religious, or wedding events. 15 Whatcom Museum Syre Education Center – housed in the 1 of History & Art original central fire station located on Prospect Street, remodeled to house First Nations artifacts, mounted birds, Victorian period rooms, pioneer and logging exhibits, and extensive photo archives. 16 Whatcom Museum ARCO Exhibits Building – 1906 car 1 of History & Art dealership building, extensively remodeled to provide a 3,000 square foot exhibition hall, preparatory area, and meeting room. Total existing other historical sites of significance 16

Proposed other historical/cultural sites of significance The following sites provide other significant cultural, social, and man-made conservancy potentials that may be protected through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Number of other historical sites Whatcom County with other participants 2 5 Semiahmoo Park – In association with Blaine, Blaine Maritime 1 Blaine Museum, and Semiahmoo Resort – move museum to the cannery building at Semiahmoo Resort, and reuse park buildings for retreats, meetings, and special events.

47 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Number of other historical sites 17 Nooksack River In association with Lummi Indian Nation, 1 Water Trail – Ferndale, Lynden, Everson, and Deming – Lummi Indian develop a series of water trail access sites Nation-Ferndale- the length of the Nooksack River from the Lynden-Everson- delta to Deming that reflects the historic Deming river steamer route and landings. Total proposed additional other historical sites 2

Historical districts Existing historical districts containing sites of significance The following historical districts contain privately owned structures of significant cultural, social, and man-made conservancy potentials. Number of historical district sites Bellingham 69 18 Old Town Whatcom – the earliest settlement had a 23 Whatcom neighboring community develop across the Historical District creek after 1880 when 25 Kansas families signed an agreement with local promoters, bought stock in a development company, and arrived to found Washington Colony. The families were like-minded, but had not particular religious or political creed. They built a wharf, sawmill, and a small town on Whatcom Creek. In 1884, confusions over land ownership resulted in the dissolution of the colony in legal challenges. The Whatcom business district continued to develop on pilings and plank roads along the waterfront from Prospect to Broadway Streets. By the 1890s, the railroads arrived and built wharves far out into the bay to service shipping lines. Whatcom Old Town Historical District contains over 23 structures dating from 1856 when Whatcom was established. 19 Fairhaven Fairhaven – was developed in earnest in the 11 Historical District 1880s in expectation of becoming the western terminus of the Great Northern Railway. The central business district housed 135 brick and commercial block buildings including retail stores and fine mansions. The Panic of 1893 dried up investments in Fairhaven. The level of investment was not replicated until private parties initiated restoration efforts in 1973. 20 Bellingham Bellingham – the smallest of the bay’s 35 Historical District settlements, began along the base of Sehome Hill at the Pattle coal claim. Although Bellingham proved to be inconsequential and transitory, the other communities chose the name when they decided to overcome rivalry and merge into a single town. In 1903, the towns of Whatcom, Sehome, Bellingham, and Fairhaven were consolidated into the City of Bellingham. Tideland areas were filled and the Great Northern Railway constructed passenger and freight depots in the Whatcom "Old Town" business district to service the rapidly expanding city.

48 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Number of historical district sites Blaine 21 Blaine Historic 1890’s - began as a fishing harbor populated District by fishermen hailing from Iceland and other northern regions. Ferndale 22 Ferndale Historic 1870’s – began as a river and agricultural District trading area populated by Dutch immigrant farmers who settled the surrounding farm lands. Lynden 23 Lynden Historic 1870’s – established as a logging camp, District later attracted Dutch immigrant farmers who settled and cultivated the rich soils in the lands surrounding the town. Total existing other historical sites of significance

49 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

50 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

3.3 Regional (multi-use) parks

Regional or multi-use parklands may be conserved in Whatcom County that provide public access to significant environmental features. Generally, regional parks may provide access to significant salt and freshwater shorelines, woodlands, and scenic areas.

To the extent possible and practical, regional parklands will be linked with other preserved open spaces (even though these lands may not be publicly accessible) to create greenway corridors and open space networks. These networks will visually define and separate developed urban areas from each other and the surrounding rural landscapes in accordance with the objectives of the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA).

To the extent practical, regional parklands may also be traversed and linked by all types of trail corridors to increase access to and through significant and visually interesting features.

Regional park facilities may be developed that provide public use and enjoyment of appropriate and capable portions of environmental conservancy sites throughout Whatcom County. Water-oriented regional park activity improvements may provide a distribution of swimming sites, fishing piers, docks, and boat launches.

Where appropriate, regional park sites may also be improved with a variety of outdoor facilities including group and individual campsites, picnic facilities, playgrounds, and open grassy play areas. Supporting services may also be developed including parking lots, restrooms, and utilities.

Regional park activities may be located on independent properties or include portions of other sites provided for environmental conservancies, trail corridors, recreational facilities or other public facilities. Regional park activities may also be developed on other publicly-owned lands subject to public use agreements or easements; or on lands acquired for other public purposes including stormwater management detention and retention ponds, and wastewater treatment sites.

VISION As described herein, the regional park vision will be realized through: ƒ acquisition of regional parklands - that would otherwise be developed for other land uses; ƒ provision of public access - and use of natural features which would not be possible if the lands remained in private ownership; and ƒ conservation for public access - and use of unique and available natural features that visually define and separate developing urban areas.

Waterfront access points – fresh and saltwater Existing waterfront access sites - freshwater The following sites provide access to regionally significant freshwater access points in Whatcom County that provide or have been improved to provide fishing access, swimming, and boating activities. Freshwater access sites Whatcom County Parks 14 1 Canyon Lake 2,266-acre conservancy site provides access 1 Community Forest to 45 acres of water surface on Canyon Lake jointly owned with Western Washington University.

51 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan 37 34 47 35 62 9 65 68 67 31 36 33 59 30 45 56 13

48 46 32 5 14 1 53 3 43 40 54 50 69 21 28 23 19 42 52 20 24 16 27 58 15 18 12 71 63 29 17 6 25 41 39 38 61 22 26 66 64 2 8 44 49 55 10 4 7 57 60 51 11

Waterfront access points – freshwater

Existing access 1 Canyon Lake Cmty Forest 13 Terrell Creek Conservancy 25 Boulevard Park 37 Waterfront Park 49 Lake Samish 2 Chuckanut Mountain Park 14 Nugents Corner River Access 26 Lake Padden Park 38 WWU – Alger Peat Bog 50 Squalicum Lake 3 Deming Homestead-Eagle Park 15 Connecticut Street-End 27 Maritime Heritage Park 39 WWU – Lakewood 51 Cain Lake 4 Dittrich-East Lake Samish Park 16 Donald Avenue Street-End 28 Northridge Park 40 WWU – Hannegan Envtl Cntr 52 Bug Lake 5 Hovander Homestead/Tennant 17 Euclid Park 29 Whatcom Falls Park 41 WWU – Lakewood lease 53 Clay Pit Ponds 6 Lake Whatcom Park North 18 George Street-End 30 Nooksack River – Harksell Rd 42 Silver Shores 54 Toad Lake Access 7 Lake Whatcom Park South 19 Lake Whatcom Beach Site 31 Nooksack River – Guide Merdn 43 Lost Lake 55 Lake Whatcom Access 8 Samish Park 20 St Clair Basin 32 Nooksack River – Nugents 44 Blue Canyon Park Road 56 Fish Hatchery – Nooksack Rvr 9 Silver Lake Park 21 Sunset Pond Open Space 33 Nooksack River – Everson 45 Wizer Lake 57 Fish Hatchery – Brannian Crk 10 South Fork Park 22 Interurban Greenway 34 Skallman Park 46 Lake Terrell Game Refuge 58 Fish Hatchery – Whatcom Crk 11 Squires Lake Park 23 Klipsun Trail Greenway 35 Blaine Watershed 47 Silver Lake 59 Birch Bay State Park 12 Sunnyside Landing 24 Bloedel Donovan Park 36 Riverside Park 48 Fazon Lake 60 Larrabee State Park 37 34 47 35 62 9 65 68 67 31 36 33 59 30 45 56 13

48 46 32 5 14 1 53 3 43 40 54 50 69 21 28 23 19 42 52 20 24 16 27 58 15 18 12 71 63 29 17 6 25 41 39 38 61 22 26 66 64 2 8 44 49 55 10 4 7 57 60 51 11

Waterfront access points – freshwater continued

Existing access Proposed access O existing site 61 Beaver Creek Conservation 1 Canyon Lake Cmty Forest O proposed site 62 Whatcom County Land Trust 7 Lake Whatcom South 63 Scudder Pond 10 Nooksack River – South Fork 64 Clark’s Point Open Space 67 Nooksack River – Lynden 65 California Creek Access 68 Nooksack River – Everson 66 Wildwood-Sudden Valley Resort 69 Nooksack River – Delta 70 Misc - TBD 71 Sash-N-Door 72 Waterfront Revolving - TBD

Freshwater access sites 2 Chuckanut 999.8-acre Whatcom County landholdings 1 Mountain Park portion of the Chuckanut Mountain Recreational area that includes 147.0-acre Pine/Cedar Lakes Unit with access to WDFW owned 20-acres of water surface on 2 lakes with 5,000 linear feet of shoreline fishing access. 3 Deming 33.0-acre conservancy property located 1 Homestead Eagle along the shoreline of the North Fork of the Park Nooksack River accessed from Truck Road. 4 Dittrich Park (East 33.0-acre park property (formerly known as 1 Lake Samish) East Lake Samish Park) located on East Samish Lake Drive on Lake Samish includes 1,637 linear feet of shoreline along the eastern shore of the lake. 5 Hovander 333.4-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, 1 Homestead and park property located on Nielson Road Park/Tennant Lake on the Nooksack River adjacent to Ferndale Interpretive city limits. The property includes 11,450 Center linear feet of shoreline on the east shore dike of the Nooksack River. The Tennant Lake conservancy area (former Neilsen Farm) has been improved with a 11,500 square foot boardwalk into the wetlands. 6 Lake Whatcom 218.0-acre park property located on the 1 Park - North northeast shoreline of Lake Whatcom and accessed from North Shore Drive includes 10,991 linear feet of shoreline along the route of the historic Bellingham Bay & Eastern Railroad (BBE) right-of-way (3.0-mile Hertz Trail). 7 Lake Whatcom 79.5-acre park property located on the 1 Park – South (Hegg southeast shoreline of Lake Whatcom Park and Zobrist accessed from South Bay Drive that includes and Richards 6,142 linear feet of shoreline on Lake Properties) Whatcom. 8 Samish Park 30.6-acre park property located on North 1 Lake Samish Drive on the north shoreline of Lake Samish provides 1,214 linear feet of lake shoreline that has been improved with a swimming beach, 1,272 square foot boat dock, 600 square foot fishing dock, 748 square foot shop, boat and canoe rentals. 9 Silver Lake Park 412.1-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, 1 and recreational park located on Silver Lake and Black Mountain Roads on Silver Lake east of Sumas. The site provides 5,699 linear feet of waterfront along the west shore of Silver Lake with a boat landing and swimming beach. 10 South Fork Park 3 farmsteads totaling 603-acres located on 1 (Acme, Overby, the South Fork of the Nooksack River off and Nesset Farms) Mosquito Lake Road. East Acme Farm includes 8,425 linear feet of river shoreline, Overby Farm property includes 7,146 linear feet of river shoreline, and the Nesset Farm includes 5,200 linear feet of river shoreline.

54 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Freshwater access sites 11 Squires Lake Park 84.2-acre park property located off Old 1 Highway 99 on Squires Lake on the Whatcom/Skagit County line includes a 10- acre lake with 3,300 linear feet of shoreline. 12 Sunnyside Landing 6.2-acre park site located on the east shore 1 of North Shore Drive with 830 linear feet of shoreline on Lake Whatcom. 13 Terrell Creek 15.0-acre conservancy site located on Terrell 1 Conservancy Area Creek providing protection to Blue Heron rookery. 14 Nugents Corner 14.0-acre Public Works property providing 1 River Access walk-in access to the Nooksack River located off the Mount Baker Highway at Nugent’s Bridge with 1,198 linear feet of shoreline. Bellingham 15 15 Connecticut 0.5-acre street-end right-of-way with access 1 Street-end to Lake Whatcom. 16 Donald Avenue 0.5-acre street-end right-of-way access to 1 Street-end Lake Whatcom. 17 Euclid Park 18.6-acre conservancy site with trail and 700 1 linear feet of shoreline located on Lake Whatcom with access from Lakeway Drive. The heavily wooded site includes a small stream through the middle of the triangular property emptying into the lake. 18 George Street-end 0.1-acre street-end right-of-way access to 1 Lake Whatcom. 19 Lake Whatcom 1.8-acre site with Lake Whatcom access 1 Beach Site located off Northshore Drive near Britton Road – owned by DNR. 20 St Clair Basin 8.2-acre natural area with detention pond 1 and wetlands used by Public Works for stormwater along Railroad Trail between Klipsun Trail and Barkley Boulevard. 21 Sunset Pond Open 21.5-acre wetland preserve with large pond 1 Space and trails located on James Street. 22 Interurban 98.6-acre trail corridor and natural areas 1 Greenway with parking, picnic table, Interurban Trail, Clarita Moore Wayside Trail, Hoag Pond, and wetlands including lands between Old Fairhaven Parkway and Lake Samish Road. 23 Klipsun Trail 17.5-acre trail corridor and natural area with 1 Greenway pond located between subdivisions that lay between Barkley Blvd. and Alabama Street and east of Railroad Trail. 24 Bloedel Donovan 18.8-acre multi-use park with swimming 1 Park area, beach, and boat launch located on the west shore of Lake Whatcom off Electric Avenue. 25 Boulevard Park 20.5-acre multi-use site with boat dock 1 located on Bellingham Bay off Bayview Drive. 26 Lake Padden Park 832.0-acre multi-use park with ---acre lake 1 with fishing, swimming area, and non- motorized boat launch, located on Samish Way. 27 Maritime Heritage 11.2-acre multi-use park with fish hatchery, 1 Park fishing area, and interpretive area located on Whatcom Creek between Holly and DuPont Streets.

55 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Freshwater access sites 28 Northridge Park 50.5-acre park site located off Barkley 1 Boulevard with a large pond. 29 Whatcom Falls 251.0-acre multi-use park with fishing pond 1 Park and fish hatchery located on Whatcom Creek off Woburn Street. Whatcom County Public Works 4 30 Nooksack River – Street-end access to the west bank of the 1 Harksell Road Nooksack River north of Ferndale. 31 Nooskack River – Roadside access to the south bank of the 1 Guide Meridian Nooksack River at Guide Meridian south of Lynden. 32 Nooksack River – Roadside access to the north bank of the 1 Nugent’s Corner Nooksack River at Mt Baker Highway bridge north of Deming. 33 Nooksack River - Roadside access to the south bank of the 1 Everson Nooksack River at Everson Road Bridge. Blaine 2 34 Skallman Park 2.0-acre small woodland stand with fish 1 pond located at the southern end of a 33.0 acre parcel supporting the Blaine Airport and Public Works Yard. 35 Blaine Watershed 200.0-acre wooded acreage at the 1 headwaters of Dakota Creek conserved for water supply with fish hatchery tanks maintained by Blaine School District. Everson 1 36 Riverside Park Multi-use park with access to the north bank 1 of the Nooksack River at the Everson Road bridge. Sumas 1 37 Waterfront Park Multi-use park with access to Johnson Creek 1 located between Third Street, Sumas Avenue, Cherry Street/SR-9, and Johnson Creek. Western Washington University (WWU) 4 38 WWU – Alger Peat 13.5-acre wetland research site located a 1 Bog mile east of Alger on Barrel Springs Road. 39 WWU – Lakewood 9.8-acre recreational facility located on the 1 west shore of Lake Whatcom managed by the Associated Students with crew facility, boat, kayak, and canoe rental. 40 WWU – Hannegan 23.2-acre interpretive facility located on the 1 Environmental corner of Hannegan and Bakerview Roads Center providing class and salmon restoration research space for environmental studies. Includes programs provided by the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association – NSEA. 41 WWU – Lakewood 0.6-acre 24,000 linear feet of shoreline and 1 lease lakebed leased for research, instruction, and recreational needs. WA Department of Natural Resource (DNR) 3 42 Silver Shores 1.0-acre natural area located on the north 1 end of Lake Whatcom. 43 Lost Lake 160.0-acre school trust land section located 1 between Wynn and Curtis Roads along west boundary of airport with extensive woodlands and wetlands.

56 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Freshwater access sites 44 Blue Canyon, Park 215.0-acre school trust land located on the 1 Roads east shore of Lake Whatcom at the end of Blue Canyon Road and Park Road. WA Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) 14 45 Wizer Lake Fishing and boat launch site located on the 1 north shore of Wizer Lake south of Lynden. 46 Lake Terrell State Fishing and boat launch site located at the 1 Game Refuge end of Lake Terrell Road on the south shore of Lake Terrell. 47 Silver Lake Fishing and boat launch site located on the 1 north end of Silver Lake off Silver Lake Road. 48 Fazon Lake Fishing and boat launch site located on the 1 south shore of Fazon Lake off Hemmi Road – access located across private property. 49 Lake Samish Fishing and boat launch site located on east 1 shore of Lake Samish off Cedar Acres Road. 50 Squalicum Lake Fishing and boat launch site located on the 1 north shore of Squalicum Lake off Squalicum Lake Road east of Bellingham. 51 Cain Lake Fishing and boat launch site located on the 1 west shore of Cain Lake off Alger Drive. 52 Bug Lake 9.8-acre natural area located on Squalicum 1 Park Way adjacent to I-5 with fishing access. 53 Clay Pit Ponds 16.3-acre fishing site located near Tennant 1 Lake 54 Toad Lake Access 8.8-acre fishing and boat launch site located 1 on south shore of Toad Lake with access from Toad Lake Road. 55 Lake Whatcom Fishing and boat launch site located south 1 Access shore of Lake Whatcom off South Bay Road. 56 Fish Hatchery Hatchery located on the North Fork of the 1 Nooksack River near Kendall. 57 Fish Hatchery Trout hatchery located on Brannian Creek 1 north of South Bay Drive. 58 Fish Hatchery Hatchery located on Whatcom Creek in 1 Whatcom Falls Park. WA Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC) 2 59 Birch Bay State 193.2-acre multi-use park located on Birch 1 Park Bay and Terrell Creek with 8,255 linear feet of saltwater and 14,923 linear feet of freshwater shoreline. 60 Larrabee State 2,683.0-acre multi-use park located off 1 Park Chuckanut Drive on Wildcat Cove overlooking Chuckanut Bay and the San Juan Islands with 3,600 linear feet of saltwater shoreline, tidal pools, fishing access, and swimming beach. Whatcom County Land Trust 2 61 Stimpson Family 167.7-acre conservation site located near 1 Nature Reserve Sudden Valley. 62 Whatcom Land 2.0-acre wooded natural area located on the 1 Trust south bank of Dakota Creek. Private common ownership 2 63 Scudder Pond 5.0-acre wetland preservation area with 1 interpretive trail located on the west shoreline of Lake Whatcom adjacent to Whatcom Falls and Bloedel Donovan Parks off Dakin Street.

57 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Freshwater access sites 64 Clark’s Point Open 74.0-acre conservation easement for 1 Space extensive wetlands and natural area located on Chuckanut Bay. Private ownership 2 65 California Creek Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 Access along the banks of California Creek at the confluence with Drayton Harbor. 66 Wildwood-Sudden Recreational vehicle campground located on 1 Valley Resort the west shore of Lake Whatcom. Total existing access sites- freshwater 66

Proposed access site acquisitions - freshwater The following sites with freshwater shoreline may be provided access through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Freshwater access sites Whatcom County and other participants 7 1 Canyon Lake In association with the Whatcom Land Trust 1 Community Forest – acquire development rights along Canyon Creek Road corridor between Mosquito Lake Road and Canyon Lake Community Forest and increase shoreline access. 7 Lake Whatcom Acquire the missing trail segment along the 1 South railroad corridor and provide access to the lake shoreline. 10 Nooksack River – Acquire a trail easement on private and DNR 1 South Fork/Acme properties to link the East Acme and Overby Farm Properties and increase riverfront access. 67 Nooksack River – Acquire development rights to the north 1 Lynden bank of the Nooksack River off River Road at Fishtrap Creek and provide waterfront access. 68 Nooksack River – Acquire development rights to the south 1 Everson bank of the Nooksack River off Abbot and Noon Road and provide shoreline access. 69 Nooksack River Acquire and develop waterfront access sites, 1 Delta Park – and shoreline and beach access trails at a Ferndale- park site on Marine Drive/Main Street. Bellingham 70 Misc In association with Public Works – develop 1 formal trailheads along county roads, bridges, and other access sites to the Nooksack River. Bellingham 2 71 Sash-N-Door Freshwater access to be developed on the 1 north shore of Whatcom Creek when Sash-N- Door site is redeveloped. 72 Waterfront Freshwater sites to be acquired (sites to be 1 Revolving Fund determined) to create greenway access corridors along the Squalicum, Whatcom, Padden, Connelly, and Chuckanut Creeks. Total proposed access sites - freshwater 9

Existing waterfront access sites - saltwater The following sites provide access to regionally significant saltwater access points in Whatcom County that provide or have been improved to provide fishing access, swimming, and boating activities.

58 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Saltwater access sites Whatcom County 10 1 Bayview Marine 1.4-acre waterfront property located on 1 (Boulevard Park) Bellingham Bay in downtown Bellingham. The property is leased to Bellingham for a waterfront park connecting with Taylor Dock. 2 Birch Bay 11.4-acre collection of shoreline or near 1 Shoreline shore properties located along Birch Bay Properties Drive at Cedar Avenue and Beach Way, Cottonwood Drive, Alderson Road, Jackson Road, and along Terrell Creek. The various parcels provide 909 linear feet of shoreline with hand-carry boat access, picnic tables, restroom, and 0.2 miles of shoreline trail and services. 3 Birch Bay A collection of tidelands located along Birch 1 Tidelands Bay Drive providing saltwater shoreline access on Birch Bay. Major parcels include properties located north of Cottonwood Drive, north of the intersection of Harborview and Birch Bay Drive, Evergreen Lane south past Cedar Lane, and north of Alderson Road. 4 Chuckanut 999.8-acre Whatcom County portion of the 1 Mountain Park Chuckanut Mountain Recreational Area located between Chuckanut Drive and Old Samish Highway. Teddy Bear Cove includes 11.2 acres with 1,257 linear feet of shoreline on Chuckanut Bay accessed off Chuckanut Drive. 5 Lighthouse Marine 20.5-acre multi-use park site located on the 1 Park southwest point of Point Roberts on Marine and Edwards Drive with 2,320 linear feet of shoreline on the Strait of Georgia. The site provides a 2-lane boat launch ramp with a 140-foot long finger pier into the Georgia Strait for day use, and shoreline walks, kitchen shelter, observation tower, and picnic areas. 6 Little Squalicum 12.8-acre conservancy properties located in 1 Beach Properties Little Squalicum Creek ravine and Bellingham Bay shoreline. The property is located adjacent to the railroad spur to the Tilbury Pier recently acquired for park use by Bellingham. The site is currently leased to Bellingham Parks for park development. 7 Lummi Island 0.2-acre park property located on Nugent 1 Beach Access Road providing overlook and trail access to the Lummi Point shoreline on Hales Passage. 8 Maple Beach Second class tidelands property with 2,000 1 Tidelands linear feet of shoreline located in Point Roberts on Bay View Drive on Boundary Bay. The property provides tidelands access for beach walks, swimming, and shellfishing. 9 Monument Park 6.9-acre undeveloped park and overlook 1 located on the US/Canadian border on the northwest shoreline of Point Roberts on Marine Drive with 466 linear feet of shoreline on the Strait of Georgia

59 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Saltwater access sites 10 Semiahmoo Park 17.9-acre multi-use park property located on 1 and Tidelands Semiahmoo Spit between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor in Blaine. The property includes 8,812 linear feet of shoreline and tidelands that provide access to extensive clamming beds, picnicking, beachcombing areas, fishing and hand-carry boat access, and 1.5 mile paved multipurpose trail. Port of Bellingham 11 11 Airport - Marine Overlook park with viewpoint and picnic. 1 Drive Trail The park is located on Cliffside Drive under the Airport’s Runway Protection Zone (RPZ). 12 Blaine Harbor Blaine Harbor’s 100 acres of tide flats has 1 been filled with dredge materials to provide about 50.0 acres of land improvements. The site includes a public fishing and crabbing pier and overlook with benches and landscaping. The site also includes a 1.0 mile harbor boardwalk, the Plover historic ferry dock, Lost Sailors Memorial, 2 public boat launch ramps, and shoreline trails. 13 Fairhaven – Terminal provides passenger and vehicle 1 Bellingham Cruise loading from a single finger pier extending Terminal into the south end of Bellingham Bay from Harris Avenue. Public crabbing is allowed off the west side of the pier. 14 Fairhaven - Marine 2.7-acre multi-use park with viewpoint, 1 Park grassy play area, picnic tables, picnic shelter, and restrooms located overlooking the entry into Bellingham Bay at the end of Harris Avenue. 15 Fairhaven - Padden 0.8-acre site with boat launch ramps located 1 Creek Lagoon on the south end of Bellingham Bay with Launch access across BNSF tracks from 5th Street. 16 Squalicum - I&J Potential shoreline access, overlook, and 1 Waterway Park picnic site on the end of I&J Waterway with access from Roeder Avenue and Peninsula Drive. 17 Squalicum - Inner Trail with viewpoints, benches, and 1 Harbor Promenade interpretive signage adjacent to the inner harbor with access to moorage and commercial developments. 18 Squalicum - Little Potential shoreline trail corridor located on 1 Squalicum Beach Roeder Avenue between the Port and Cement Plant Pier adjoining city’s Little Squalicum Creek Park. 19 Squalicum - 3.5-acre site with boat launch ramps located 1 Harbor Boat inside Squalicum Harbor with access from Launch Roeder Avenue and Bellwether Way. 20 Squalicum – Tom 1.2-acre site with plaza, stage with sound 1 Glenn Commons system, and viewpoint located adjacent to Bellwether Hotel on Squalicum Peninsula. 21 Squalicum - 10.7-acre waterfront park with transitory 1 Zuanich Point Park moorage, lawn play area, artworks, picnic tables and benches, playground, Squalicum Boathouse Community Facility, restrooms, and parking lot located on the entry point to Squalicum Harbor.

60 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Saltwater access sites Lummi Nation 6 22 Neptune Beach Undeveloped shoreline access located off 1 Sucia Drive at Neptune Beach with access to shorelines overlooking Georgia Strait, Hale Passage, and Lummi Island. 23 Sandy Point Shoreline access located at the end of Sucia 1 Drive on Sandy Point with trails and parking facilities. 24 Lummi Bay-Aqua Shoreline access located off Kwina Road at 1 Dike the confluence of the Lummi River into Lummi Bay with trails and parking at the edge of the Lummi aquaculture facility. 25 Lummi Beach Shoreline access located on Lummi View 1 Drive on Gooseberry Point with views of Lummi Island and Hale Passage. 26 Portage Island Shoreline access located on the west shore 1 of Portage Island accessible by boat only with trail access to Portage Island beaches. 27 Fish Point Park 2.0-acre shoreline access located off Lummi 1 Shore Drive with trail access to a 1,750 linear foot shoreline overlooking Bellingham Bay and the confluence of the Nooksack River. Bellingham 7 28 Chuckanut Bay 24.8-acre natural area preserve with access 1 North to Chuckanut Bay located off Chuckanut Drive. 29 Chuckanut Bay 18.0-acre natural area preserve with access 1 South to Chuckanut Bay located off Chuckanut Drive. 30 Chuckanut Bay 68.7-acre tidelands conservancy located on 1 Tidelands Chuckanut Bay. 31 Padden Lagoon 5.3-acre estuary with overlook and 1 interpretive signage located off Harris Avenue. 32 Boulevard Park 20.5-acre multi-use site with boat dock, 1 boardwalk, open play area, picnic tables, building, restrooms, playground and parking area located on Bellingham Bay off Bayview Drive. 33 Little Squalicum 22.3-acre undeveloped park site with trails 1 Park located at the mouth of the Little Squalicum Creek off Marine Drive. The property includes 200 linear feet of sandy shoreline on the bay and a wide, flat creek ravine. Park includes some Port and County properties managed by the City. 34 Old Colony Wharf 0.2-acre historic site of Old Colony Wharf – a 1 major landing for steamers and fishing boats. Blaine 3 35 Semiahmoo Tidelands located on the north and south of 1 Tidelands Semiahmoo Spit and portions of the west shoreline Drayton Harbor to be dedicated for public use with the development of Semiahmoo Resort and Uplands. 36 Monfort Park 1.7-acre wooded natural area with Drayton 1 Harbor shoreline, wetlands, 0.2 mile nature trail, and bench.

61 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Saltwater access sites 37 Marine Park 8.6-acre waterfront park located across from 1 Blaine Marina with shoreline on Semiahmoo Bay, 0.4 mile walking trails, bike route, picnic tables, picnic shelters, amphitheater, sculpture, play area, and restrooms. Western Washington University (WWU) 1 38 WWU – Chuckanut 0.7-acre leased site maintained for 1 Rock environmental studies with shoreline access. WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 17 39 Birch Point Beach 2,930 linear feet of public tidelands located 1 372 north of Birch Point southwest of Blaine with access by boat only and an extensive lower beach, sandy flats, and claming potentials. 40 Lummi Island 2,805 linear feet of public tidelands located 1 Beach 224 on the northeast side of Lummi Island off Nugent Road adjacent to the old county ferry dock right-of-way with eelgrass and claming beds. The site is accessible by boat or by way of the county-owned ferry dock. 41 Bumstead Spit 2,574 linear feet of public tidelands with 1 Beach 223 clam beds located on the east side of Lummi Island with access by boat only. 42 Bumstead Spit 1,188 linear feet of public tidelands with 1 South Beach 223A clam beds located on the east side of Lummi Island with access by boat only. 43 Lummi Island 1,104 linear feet of public tidelands with 1 Beach 223B clam beds located on the east side of Lummi Island with access by boat only. 44 Smugglers Cove 4,812 linear feet of public tidelands located 1 North Beach 221A on the east side of Lummi Island with access by boat only to a shoreline located below the bluffs. 45 Smugglers Cove 4,481 linear feet of public tidelands located 1 Point Beach 221 on the east side of Lummi Island with access by boat only to a shoreline located below the bluffs. 46 Devils Slide Beach 3,188 linear feet of public tidelands located 1 220A on the west side of Lummi Island near Lummi Rocks with access by boat only to gravel pocket beaches, rock slides, and intertidal areas. 47 Reil Harbor Recreational site located in Reil Harbor on 1 Beach/Lummi the southeast side of Lummi Island Natural Island NRCA Resource Conservation Area (NRCA) overlooking Eliza Island with 2,125 linear feet of shoreline with access by boat only. The site provides 5 campsites, picnic tables, restrooms, fire pits, and trail access to dramatic views of Hale Passage. 48 Lummi Island 23,533 linear feet of public tidelands 1 Beach 220 encompasses the Reil Harbor Beach/Lummi Island Natural Resource Conservation Area (NRCA) with access to shoreline featuring gravel and rock beaches. 49 Carter Point 2,500 linear feet of public tidelands located 1 at the south end of Lummi Island adjacent to the US Coast Guard lighthouse reserve property. The 30.0-acre site provides dramatic views of Hale Passage, Bellingham Bay, and Eliza Island.

62 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Following is a list of other significant DNR tidelands holdings with shore and/or boat access opportunities: Saltwater access sites 50 Chuckanut Rock 1,600 linear feet of public tidelands located 1 around the complete circumference of Chuckanut Rock in Chuckanut Bay. 51 Wildcat Cove 1,600 linear feet of public tidelands located 1 in Wildcat Cove adjoining Larrabee State Park. 52 Nooksack River at 1,800 linear feet of public tidelands located 1 Marietta on the east side of the east branch of the Nooksack River confluence with Bellingham Bay at Marietta with access from Marine Drive. 53 Marine Drive at 5,000 linear feet of public tidelands located 1 Cliffside on Bellingham Bay south of Marine Drive and the railroad tracks between Locust Avenue and Cliffside Drive under the Bellingham International Airport flight path with access from Port of Bellingham’s Marine Drive Trail. 54 Chuckanut Bay 4,500 linear feet of public tidelands located 1 on Chuckanut Bay north from Fragrance Creek outfall with access from Chuckanut Drive. 55 Marine Drive at 800 linear feet of public tidelands located on 1 Cliffside Bellingham Bay west of West Cliffside Drive and adjacent meander tidelands. WA Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC) 2 56 Birch Bay State 193.2-acre multi-use waterfront park on 1 Park Birch Bay and Terrell Creek with 8,255 linear feet of saltwater and 14,923 linear feet of freshwater shoreline. The park provides a gravel boat ramp, comfort stations, and 2.2 miles of hiking trails. 57 Larrabee State 2,683.0-acre multi-use state park located off 1 Park Chuckanut Drive on Wildcat Cove overlooking Chuckanut Bay and the San Juan Islands. The 3,600 linear foot shoreline provides tidal pools, fishing access, swimming beach, and walking trails on Wildcat Cove. The site has been improved with 2 boat launching ramps. Federal 1 58 Eliza Island Federally-owned lighthouse reserve at the 1 southern tip of this privately-owned island allows public access to the tidelands and uplands for low intensity, recreational use. Privately owned 13 59 Clark’s Point Open 74.0-acre conservation easement for 1 Space South extensive wetlands and natural area located on Chuckanut Bay. 60 Maple Beach Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 off Bay Road on Point Roberts south of the public tidelands provides dramatic overlooks of Semiahmoo Bay. 61 Lily Point Access Privately owned property located at the 1 south end of Apa Road on Point Roberts provides shoreline access overlooking Semiahmoo Bay and Blaine Harbor with trails, parking, and picnic opportunities.

63 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Saltwater access sites 62 Birch Point Privately owned shoreline access located off 1 Semiahmoo Drive and Birch Point Road overlooking Birch Bay and the Georgia Strait. 63 Cherry Point Beach Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 at the end of Henry Road on Cherry Beach provides access to shoreline trails and viewpoints of Georgia Strait. 64 Unick Road Access Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 at the end of Unick Road north of Neptune Beach provides access to shoreline trails and viewpoints of Georgia Strait. 65 Point Migley Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 on West Shore/Nugent Drive on Point Migley on Lummi Island provides shoreline access trails and parking. 66 Bellingham Yacht Leased property located in Inati Bay on the 1 Club east side of Lummi Island off Seacrest Drive. 67 Lover’s Bluff Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 off Legoe Bay Road on the west side of Lummi Island overlooking Legoe Bay. 68 Bancroft Road Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 Access at the end of Bancroft Road at Marietta overlooking Bellingham Bay provides parking and access to a shoreline trail. 69 Locust Road Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 Access at the end of Locust Road overlooking Bellingham Bay provides parking and access to a shoreline trail. 70 Clark’s Point Open Privately owned shoreline access and open 1 Space space property located on Fieldstone Road on Clarks Point overlooks Chuckanut and Bellingham Bays with views of Lummi and the San Juan Islands. The site provides access to the trail system paralleling the BNSF railroad tracks around Chuckanut Bay. 71 Governor’s Point Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 at the end of Pleasant Bay Road on Governor's point on Chuckanut Bay provides parking, picnic, and shoreline trail facilities. Total existing launch sites - saltwater 71

Proposed access site - saltwater The following sites with saltwater shoreline may be provided access through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Saltwater access sites Whatcom County and other participants 6 10 Semiahmoo Spit – In association with Blaine – acquire 1 Blaine development rights to the spit property located northeast of the existing park, Preserve the tidelands, extend the shoreline trails, and develop a bird watching blind and interpretive exhibit. 61 Lily Point – Point In association with Point Roberts R&RD - 1 Roberts acquire development rights to the parcel located at the end of Seacliff Road and develop access and interpretive trails along the shoreline and upper bluff.

64 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Saltwater access sites 67 Lovers Bluff – In association with the Lummi Island Land 1 Lummi Island Trust – acquire development rights to Lovers Bluff. Preserve the shoreline and provide access trails to the beach. 72 Point Whitehorn – In association with Northwest P&RD – 1 Birch Bay acquire development rights to the shoreline properties located around the point. Preserve the tidelands and extend a shoreline trail between Cherry Point and Birch Bay. 73 Cherry Point Acquire development rights to shoreline 1 properties located at the street ends at Powder Plant Road, Henry Road, and Aldergrove Road. Preserve the shorelines and develop access trails to the beach and between Cherry Point and Point Whitehorn. 74 Portage Island In association with the Lummi Indian Nation 1 – designate an appropriate access plan for the island. Port of Bellingham 5 16 Squalicum – I&J Saltwater access and overlook to be 1 Waterway Park developed on the end of I&J Waterway with access from Roeder Avenue and Bellwether Way. 75 Fairhaven – Saltwater viewpoint to be provided to 1 Bellingham Bay undeveloped park for a picnic facility trailhead located in the area between Douglas Avenue and Boulevard Park. 76 Squalicum – GP Saltwater access to be provided at existing 1 Lagoon wastewater treatment lagoon on Whatcom Waterway for boating access. 77 Squalicum – Saltwater access to be provided to street-end 1 Cornwall Avenue into Bellingham Bay at the end of Cornwall Avenue for fishing, swimming, and trail linkage. 78 GP Plant Site Saltwater access to be provided in system of 1 shoreline boardwalks along Whatcom Creek Waterway and around the site. Bellingham 4 33 Little Squalicum Port, county, and city properties to be 1 Park Shoreline consolidated to create continuous shoreline access to fishing and swimming beach. 79 Marine Drive Saltwater access site to be acquired off 1 Access Marine Drive north of Airport to public tidelands along Bellingham Bay. 80 Squalicum – Saltwater access to be provide to recently 1 Tilbury Cement acquired pier into Bellingham Bay with Pier access from Marine Drive. 81 Waterfront Saltwater access sites to be acquired (sites 1 Revolving Fund to be determined) along Bellingham Bay to create a continuous frontage from Little Squalicum Creek to Marine Park. Total proposed access sites – saltwater 15

Hand-carry craft launch sites – fresh and saltwater Existing hand-carry launch sites - freshwater The following sites provide access to regionally significant freshwater hand-carry launch sites for kayak, canoe, and other hand-carry craft.

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Existing access 1 Bayview Marine – Blvd Park 13 Fairhaven Terminal 25 Lummi Beach 37 Marine Park 49 Carter Point 2 Birch Bay Shoreline 14 Fairhaven – Marine Park 26 Portage Island 38 WWU – Chuckanut Rock 50 Chuckanut Rock 3 Birch Bay Tidelands 15 Fairhaven – Padden Lagoon 27 Fish Point Park 39 Birch Point Beach 372 51 Wildcat Cover 4 Chuckanut Mtn County Park 16 Squalicum – I&J Waterway 28 Chuckanut Bay North 40 Lummi Island Beach 224 52 Nooksack River at Marietta 5 Lighthouse Marine Park 17 Squalicum – Inner Harbor 29 Chuckanut Bay South 41 Bumstead Spit Beach 223 53 Marine Drive at Cliffside 6 Little Squalicum Beach 18 Squalicum – Little Beach 30 Chuckanut Bay Tidelands 42 Burmstead Spit South 223A 54 Chuckanut Bay 7 Lummi Island Beach Access 19 Squalicum – Harbor Launch 31 Padden Lagoon 43 Lummi Island Beach 223B 55 Marine Drive at Cliffside 8 Maple Beach Tidelands 20 Squalicum – Tom Glenn 32 Boulevard Park 44 Smugglers Cove North 221A 56 Birch Bay State Park 9 Monument Park 21 Squalicum – Zuanich Park 33 Little Squalicum Park 45 Smugglers Cove Point 221 57 Larrabee State Park 10 Semiahmoo Park 22 Neptune Beach 34 Old Colony Wharf 46 Devils Slide Beach 220A 58 Eliza Island 11 Airport – Marine Drive 23 Sandy Point 35 Semiahmoo Tidelands 47 Lummi Island NRCA 59 Clark’s Point Open Space 12 Blaine Harbor 24 Lummi Bay – Aqua Dike 36 Monfort Park 48 Lummi Island Beach 220 60 Maple Beach 12,37

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23 52,68 11 24 27 69 79 80 53,55 65 6,33 34 16-21 76-78 40 1,32 15 75 7 13-14 67 25 74 31 26 41-43 28-30,54,59,70 8 44-45 4 9 66 38,50 60 71 46 47-48 51 5 61 58 49 57 Waterfront access points – saltwater continued

Existing access Proposed saltwater access O existing site 61 Lily Point Access 10 Semiahmoo Spit – Blaine 78 GP Plant Site O proposed site 62 Birch Point 61 Lily Point – Pt Roberts 80 Marine Drive Access 63 Cherry Point Beach 67 Lover’s Bluff 81 Squalicum – Tilbury Pier 64 Unick Road Access 72 Point Whitehorn 82 Waterfront Revolving - TDB 65 Point Migley 73 Cherry Point 66 Bellingham Yacht Club 74 Portage Island 67 Lover’s Bluff 16 Squalicum – I&J Waterway 68 Bancroft Road Access 33 Little Squalicum Park 69 Locust Road Access 75 Fairhaven 70 Clark’s Point Open Space 76 Squalicum – GP Lagoon 71 Governor’s Point 77 Squalicum – Cornwall Avenue

Freshwater hand-carry launch sites Whatcom County 10 1 Canyon Lake 2,266.0-acre conservancy site provides 1 Community Forest access to 45 acres of water surface on Canyon Lake jointly owned with Western Washington University with trailhead and launch site. 2 Deming 33.0-acre conservancy property located 1 Homestead Eagle along the shoreline of the Middle Fork of the Park Nooksack River accessed from Truck Road with trailhead and launch opportunities. 3 Dittrich Park (East 33.0-acre park property (formerly known as 1 Lake Samish) East Lake Samish Park) located on East Samish Lake Drive on Lake Samish with shoreline suitable for launch site. 4 Hovander 333.4-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, 1 Homestead and park property located on Nielson Road Park/Tennant Lake on the Nooksack River adjacent to Ferndale Interpretive city limits. The property includes the east Center shore dike of the Nooksack River with launch site. 5 Lake Whatcom 218.0-acre park property located on the 1 Park - North northeast shoreline of Lake Whatcom and accessed from North Shore Drive includes shoreline with launch site opportunities. 6 Lake Whatcom 80.3-acre park property located on the 1 Park – South (Hegg southeast shoreline of Lake Whatcom Park and Zobrist accessed from South Bay Drive includes and Richards shoreline on Lake Whatcom with launch site Properties) opportunities. 7 Samish Park 30.6-acre park property located on North 1 Lake Samish Drive on the north shoreline of Lake Samish provides shoreline that has been improved with a swimming beach, 1,272 square foot boat dock, 700 square foot fishing dock, 700 square foot shop, boat and canoe rentals. 8 Silver Lake Park 412.1-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, 1 and recreational park located on Silver Lake and Black Mountain Roads on Silver Lake east of Sumas with waterfront along the west shore of Silver Lake with a boat landing and swimming beach. 9 Sunnyside Landing 6.2-acre park site located on the east shore 1 of North Shore Drive with shoreline on Lake Whatcom and launch site opportunity. 10 Nugents Corner 14.0-acre Public Works property providing 1 River Access walk-in access to the Nooksack River located off the Mount Baker Highway at Nugent’s Bridge with launch site. Whatcom County Public Works 4 11 Nooksack River – Street-end access to the west bank of the 1 Harksell Road Nooksack River north of Ferndale. 12 Nooskack River – Roadside access to the south bank of the 1 Guide Meridian Nooksack River at Guide Meridian south of Lynden.

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Hand-carry launch sites - freshwater

Existing launch sites Proposed launch sites O existing site 1 Canyon Lake Comty Forest 12 Nooksack River – Guide Merdn 23 WWU – Lakewood 6 Lake Whatcom South O proposed site 2 Deming Homestead Eagle Park 13 Nooksack River – Nugents 24 Wizer Lake 33 Blue Canyon, Park Roads 3 Dittrich-East Lake Samish Park 14 Nooksack River – Everson 25 Lake Terrell State Game 33 Nooksack River – Lynden 4 Hovander Homestead 15 Connecticut Street-End 26 Fazon Lake 34 Nooksack River - Everson 5 Lake Whatcom Park – North 16 Donald Avenue Street-End 27 Lake Samish 35 Nooksack River – Delta 6 Lake Whatcom Park – South 17 Euclid Park 28 Squalicum Lake 36 Misc – TBD 7 Samish Park 18 George Street-End 29 Cain Lake 17 Euclid Park 8 Silver Lake Park 19 Lake Whatcom Beach 30 Toad Lake Access 20 Bloedel Donovan Park Crew 9 Sunnyside Landing 20 Bloedel Donovan Park 31 Lake Whatcom Access 10 Nugents Corner Access 21 Lake Padden Park 32 California Creek Access 11 Nooksack River – Harksell Rd 22 Riverside Park

Freshwater hand-carry launch sites 13 Nooksack River – Roadside access to the north bank of the 1 Nugent’s Corner Nooksack River at Mt Baker Highway bridge north of Deming. 14 Nooksack River - Roadside access to the south bank of the 1 Everson Nooksack River at Everson Road Bridge. Bellingham 7 15 Connecticut 0.5-acre street-end right-of-way with access 1 Street-end to Lake Whatcom and launch opportunity. 16 Donald Avenue 0.5-acre street-end right-of-way access to 1 Street-end Lake Whatcom and launch opportunity. 17 Euclid Park 18.6-acre conservancy site with trail and 1 shoreline located on Lake Whatcom with access from Lakeway Drive and launch opportunity. 18 George Street-end 0.1-acre street-end right-of-way access to 1 Lake Whatcom with launch opportunity. 19 Lake Whatcom 1.8-acre site with Lake Whatcom access 1 Beach Site located off Northshore Drive near Britton Road – owned by DNR, with launch opportunity. 20 Bloedel Donovan 18.8-acre multi-use park with swimming 1 Park area, beach, and boat launch located on the west shore of Lake Whatcom off Electric Avenue. 21 Lake Padden Park 832.0-acre multi-use park with 152.0-acre 1 lake with fishing, swimming area, and non- motorized boat launch, located on Samish Way. Everson 1 22 Riverside Park Multi-use park with access to the north bank 1 of the Nooksack River at the Everson Road bridge. Western Washington University (WWU) 1 23 WWU – Lakewood 9.8-acre recreational facility located on the 1 west shore of Lake Whatcom managed by the Associated Students with crew facility, boat, kayak, and canoe rental. WA Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) 8 24 Wizer Lake Fishing and boat launch site located on the 1 north shore of Wizer Lake south of Lynden. 25 Lake Terrell State Fishing and boat launch site located at the 1 Game Refuge end of Lake Terrell Road on the south shore of Lake Terrell. 26 Fazon Lake Fishing and boat launch site located on the 1 south shore of Fazon Lake off Hemmi Road – access provided across private property. 27 Lake Samish Fishing and boat launch site located on the 1 east shore of Lake Samish off Cedar Acres Road. 28 Squalicum Lake Fishing and boat launch site located on the 1 north shore of Squalicum Lake off Squalicum Lake Road east of Bellingham. 29 Cain Lake Fishing and boat launch site located on the 1 west shore of Cain Lake off Alger Drive. 30 Toad Lake Access 8.8-acre fishing and boat launch site located 1 on south shore of Toad Lake with access from Toad Lake Road.

70 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Freshwater hand-carry launch sites 31 Lake Whatcom Fishing and boat launch site located on 1 Access south shore of Lake Whatcom off South Bay Road. Private ownership 1 32 California Creek Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 Access along the banks of California Creek at the confluence with Drayton Harbor with launch opportunity. Total existing hand-carry launch sites - freshwater 32

Proposed hand-carry launch site access acquisitions - freshwater The following sites may be provided access to regionally significant freshwater hand-carry launch sites for kayak, canoe, and other hand-carry craft through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Freshwater hand-carry launch sites Whatcom County and other participants 6 6 Lake Whatcom In association with Bellingham – acquire the 1 South missing link along the railroad corridor and provide launch sites to the lake shoreline from Blue Canyon Road. 33 Blue Canyon, Park 215.0-acre school trust land located on the 1 Roads east shore of Lake Whatcom at the end of Blue Canyon, Park Roads with launch opportunity. 34 Nooksack River – Acquire development rights to the north 1 Lynden bank of the Nooksack River off River Road at Fishtrap Creek and provide launch site. 35 Nooksack River – Acquire development rights to the south 1 Everson bank of the Nooksack River off Abbot and Noon Road and provide launch site. 36 Nooksack River Acquire and develop waterfront launch, 1 Delta Park – access sites, and shoreline and beach access Ferndale- trails at a park site on Marine Drive/Main Bellingham Street. 37 Misc In association with Public Works – develop 1 formal trailheads along county roads, bridges, and other access sites to the Nooksack River. Bellingham 2 17 Euclid Park Hand-carry access to be developed into Lake 1 Whatcom from Lakeway Drive. 20 Bloedel Donovan Crew facility to be developed to create a 1 Park kayak and canoe center at the former powerboat launch ramp. Total proposed hand-carry launch sites – freshwater 8

Existing waterfront hand-carry launch sites - saltwater The following sites provide access to regionally significant saltwater hand-carry launch sites for kayak, canoe, and other hand-carry craft. Saltwater hand-carry launch sites Whatcom County 7 1 Bayview Marine 1.4-acre waterfront property located on 1 (Boulevard Park) Bellingham Bay in downtown Bellingham leased to Bellingham for a waterfront park connecting with Taylor Dock with hand-carry launch capability.

71 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Saltwater hand-carry launch sites 2 Birch Bay 6.7-acre shoreline or near shore properties 1 Shoreline located along Birch Bay Drive at Cedar Properties Avenue and Beach Way, Cottonwood Drive, Alderson Road, Jackson Road, and along Terrell Creek with hand-carry launch capability. 3 Birch Bay A collection of tidelands located along Birch 1 Tidelands Bay Drive and providing linear feet of saltwater shoreline on Birch Bay. Major parcels include properties located north of Cottonwood Drive, north of the intersection of Harborview and Birch Bay Drive, Evergreen Lane south past Cedar Lane, and north of Alderson Road with launch capability. 4 Lighthouse Marine 20.5-acre multi-use park site located on the 1 Park southwest point of Point Roberts on Marine and Edwards Drive with a 2-lane boat launch ramp with a 140-foot long finger pier into the Georgia Strait. 5 Maple Beach Second class tidelands property with 1 Tidelands shoreline located in Point Roberts on Bay View Drive on Boundary Bay with launch capability. 6 Monument Park 6.9-acre undeveloped park site and overlook 1 located on the US/Canadian border on the northwest shoreline of Point Roberts on Marine Drive on the Strait of Georgia with launch capability. 7 Semiahmoo Park 17.9-acre multi-use park property located on 1 and Tidelands Semiahmoo Spit between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor in Blaine tidelands with hand-carry boat access. Port of Bellingham 7 8 Blaine Harbor 50.0 acres of land improvements includes 2 1 public boat launch ramps with hand-carry launch access. 9 Fairhaven – Marine 2.7-acre multi-use park with viewpoint, 1 Park grassy play area, picnic tables, picnic shelter, and restrooms located overlooking the entry into Bellingham Bay at the end of Harris Avenue with hand-carry capability. 10 Fairhaven - Padden 0.8-acre site with boat launch ramps located 1 Creek Lagoon on the south end of Bellingham Bay with Launch access across BNSF tracks from 5th Street. 11 Squalicum – I&J Potential shoreline launch site located on the 1 Waterway Park end of I&J Waterway with access from Roeder Avenue and Bellwether Way. 12 Squalicum - Little Potential shoreline trail corridor located on 1 Squalicum Beach Roeder Avenue between the Port and Cement Plant Pier adjoining city’s Little Squalicum Creek Park with access capability. 13 Squalicum - 3.5-acre site with boat launch ramps and 1 Harbor Boat hand-carry launch capability located inside Launch Squalicum Harbor with access from Roeder Avenue and Bellwether Way. 14 Squalicum - 10.7-acre waterfront park with transitory 1 Zuanich Point Park moorage and hand-carry launch access located on the entry point to Squalicum Harbor.

72 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Saltwater hand-carry launch sites Lummi Nation 4 15 Sandy Point Shoreline access site located at the end of 1 Sucia Drive on Sandy Point with hand-carry capability. 16 Lummi Bay-Aqua Shoreline access site located off Kwina Road 1 Dike at the confluence of the Lummi River into Lummi Bay with hand-carry capability. 17 Lummi Beach Shoreline access site located on Lummi View 1 Drive on Gooseberry Point with hand-carry access. 18 Fish Point Park 2.0-acre shoreline access site located off 1 Lummi Shore Drive with hand-carry capability. Bellingham 3 19 Boulevard Park 20.5-acre multi-use site with boat dock and 1 hand-carry launch located on Bellingham Bay off Bayview Drive. 20 Little Squalicum 22.3-acre undeveloped park site located at 1 Park the mouth of the Little Squalicum Creek off Marine Drive on the bay with hand-carry capability. Park includes some Port and County properties managed by the City. 21 Old Colony Wharf 0.2-acre historic site of Old Colony Wharf – a 1 major landing for steamers and fishing boats with hand-carry access. Blaine 1 22 Marine Park 8.6-acre waterfront park located across from 1 Blaine Marina with shoreline on Semiahmoo Bay and hand-carry access. WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 1 23 Lummi Island 2,805 linear feet of public tidelands located 1 Beach 224 on the northeast side of Lummi Island off Nugent Road adjacent to the old county ferry dock right-of-way with eelgrass and clam beds. The site is accessible by boat or by way of the county-owned ferry dock. WA Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC) 2 24 Birch Bay State 193.2-acre multi-use waterfront park on 1 Park Birch Bay and Terrell Creek with a gravel boat ramp, and hand-carry access. 25 Larrabee State 2,683.0-acre multi-use state park located off 1 Park Chuckanut Drive on Wildcat Cove overlooking Chuckanut Bay and the San Juan Islands with 2 boat launching ramps and hand-carry access. Privately owned 7 26 Lily Point Access Privately owned property located at the 1 south end of Apa Road on Point Roberts with hand-carry capability. 27 Unick Road Access Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 at the end of Unick Road north of Neptune Beach with hand-carry capability. 28 Point Migley Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 on West Shore/Nugent Drive on Point Migley on Lummi Island with hand-carry capability. 29 Bellingham Yacht Privately owned property located in Inati Bay 1 Club on the east side of Lummi Island off Seacrest Drive with hand-carry capability.

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Saltwater hand-carry launch sites 30 Bancroft Road Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 Access at the end of Bancroft Road at Marietta overlooking Bellingham Bay with hand-carry capability. 31 Locust Road Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 Access at the end of Locust Road overlooking Bellingham Bay with hand-carry capability. 32 Governor’s Point Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 at the end of Pleasant Bay Road on Governor's point on Chuckanut Bay with hand-carry capability. Total existing hand-carry launch sites - saltwater 32

Proposed hand-carry access sites - saltwater The following sites with regionally significant saltwater hand-carry launch site capability for kayak, canoe, and other hand-carry craft may be provided access through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Saltwater hand-carry launch sites Whatcom County and other participants 3 33 Point Whitehorn – In association with Northwest P&RD – 1 Birch Bay acquire development rights to the shoreline properties located around the point and develop hand-carry access. 34 Cherry Point Acquire development rights to shoreline 1 properties located at the street ends at Powder Plant Road, Henry Road, and Aldergrove Road and develop hand-carry access. 35 Lovers Bluff – In association with the Lummi Island Land 1 Lummi Island Trust – acquire development rights to Lovers Bluff and develop hand-carry access. Port of Bellingham 6 11 Squalicum – I&J Hand-carry launch site to be developed at 1 Waterway Park the end of I&J Waterway with access from Roeder Avenue and Bellwether Way. 12 Squalicum – Little Hand-carry launch site to be developed next 1 Squalicum Beach to mill at the end of Roeder Avenue. 37 Squalicum – GP Hand-carry launch site to be developed into 1 Lagoon Whatcom Waterway and/or BP Lagoon with access from F Street. 38 Squalcium – Hand-carry launch site to be developed into 1 Cornwall Avenue Bellingham Bay from Cornwall Avenue. 39 Squalicum – BP Hand-carry launch sites to be developed 1 Plant Site along the Whatcom Waterway and around the plant shoreline. Bellingham 4 21 Old Colony Wharf Hand-carry launch site to be developed into 1 Whatcom Waterway from Old Colony Wharf at C Street. 40 Marine Drive Hand-carry launch site to be developed into 1 Bellingham Bay from access site north of Airport on Marine Drive. 41 Citizens Dock – Hand-carry launch site to be developed into 1 Central Avenue Whatcom Waterway from Central Avenue at old Citizens Dock landing.

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Hand-carry launch sites - saltwater

Existing launch sites Proposed shoreline 1 Bayview Marine/Blvd Park 12 Squalicum – Little Beach 23 Lummi Island Beach 224 11 Squalicum – I&J Waterway 41 Citizen’s Dock 2 Birch Bay Shoreline 13 Squalicum – Boat Launch 24 Birch Bay State Park 12 Squalicum - Little Beach 42 Tilbury Pier 3 Birch Bay Tidelands 14 Squalicum – Zuanich Park 25 Larrabee State Park 21 Old Colony Wharf 4 Lighthouse Marine Park 15 Sandy Point 26 Lily Point Access 33 Point Whitehorn 5 Maple Beach Tidelands 16 Lummi Bay – Aqua Dike 27 Unick Road Access 34 Cherry Point 6 Monument Park 17 Lummi Beach 28 Point Migley 35 Lover’s Bluff 7 Semiahmoo Park 18 Fish Point Park 29 Bellingham Yacht Club 36 Fairhaven – Industrial Park 8 Blaine Harbor 19 Boulevard Park 30 Bancroft Road Access 37 Squalicum – GP Lagoon 9 Fairhaven – Marine Park 20 Little Squalicum Park 31 Locust Road Access 38 Squalicum – Cornwall Avenue 10 Fairhaven – Padden Lagoon 21 Old Colony Wharf 32 Governor’s Point 39 Squalicum – GP Plant Site O existing site 11 Squalcium – I&J Waterway 22 Marine Park 40 Marine Drive O proposed site

Saltwater hand-carry launch sites 42 Tilbury Pier Hand-carry launch site to be developed into 1 Bellingham Bay from the pier site. Total proposed hand-carry launch sites – saltwater 13

Boat launch ramps – fresh and saltwater Existing powerboat launch ramps - freshwater The following sites provide access to regionally significant freshwater boat launch ramps. Freshwater boat launch ramps Whatcom County 3 1 Hovander 333.4-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, 1 Homestead and park property located on Nielson Road Park/Tennant Lake on the Nooksack River adjacent to Ferndale Interpretive city limits on the east shore dike of the Center Nooksack River with a boat ramp in the north corner of the property. 2 Samish Park 30.6-acre multi-use park property located on 1 North Lake Samish Drive on the north shoreline of Lake Samish with a 1,140 square foot boat dock, 600 square foot fishing dock, and 748 square foot shop, boat and canoe rentals. 3 Silver Lake Park 412.1-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, 1 and recreational park located on Silver Lake and Black Mountain Roads on Silver Lake east of Sumas with a boat launch ramp and landing, and swimming beach. Bellingham 2 4 Bloedel Donovan 18.8-acre multi-use park with swimming 1 Park area, beach, and boat launch located on the west shore of Lake Whatcom off Electric Avenue. 5 Lake Padden Park 832.0-acre multi-use park located on Samish 1 Way with 152.0-acre lake and boat launch ramps. WA Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) 3 6 Samish Lake Fishing and boat launch ramp located on 1 Access east shore of Lake Samish. 7 Toad Lake Access 8.8-acre site with fishing and boat launch 1 ramp located on south shore of Toad Lake with access from Toad Lake Road. 8 Whatcom Lake Fishing and boat launch ramp located south 1 Access shore Lake Whatcom off South Bay Road. Private 1 9 Giles Pond 4.0-acre private pond used for water skiing 1 lessons and competitions located on Giles Road east of I-5. Total boat launch ramps – freshwater 9

Proposed boat launch ramps - freshwater The following sites with regionally significant freshwater boat launch ramp capability may be provided access through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Freshwater boat launch ramps Whatcom County and other participants 7 1 Hovander Expand boat ramp and trailer parking on the 1 Homestead – north end of the park on the Nooksack River. Ferndale

76 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Freshwater boat launch ramps 10 Village Point – Develop boat launch ramp near the original 1 Lummi Island village site on Lego Bay Road. 11 Fishtrap Creek Acquire and develop boat launch ramp on a 1 Park – Nooksack regional multi-use park site on River Road. River – Lynden 12 Nooksack River Acquire and develop boat launch ramp on a 1 Park – Everson regional multi-use park site on Abbot and Noon Roads. 13 Lake Whatcom Develop a non-motorized boat ramp on 1 North – North Shore Drive. Bellingham 14 Lake Whatcom Develop swimming beach, boat launch ramp 1 South – Sudden and dock on South Bay Drive. Develop a Valley satellite hand-carry launch and campsite on the southeast shoreline. 15 Dittrich Park – Develop hand-carry launch site, swimming 1 East Lake Samish beach and access site on East Lake Samish Drive. Total proposed boat launch ramps – freshwater 7

Existing boat launch ramps - saltwater The following sites provide access to regionally significant saltwater boat launch ramps. Saltwater boat launch ramps Whatcom County 2 1 Lighthouse Marine 20.5-acre multi-use park site located on the 2 Park southwest point of Point Roberts on Marine and Edwards Drive on the Strait of Georgia with a 2-lane boat launch ramp with a 140- foot long finger pier into the Georgia Strait for day use. Port of Bellingham 5 2 Blaine Harbor 50.0 acres of land improvements includes 2 marine support and dry boat storage facility, 2 public boat launch ramps, transient boat moorage, pump-out, parking areas, and restrooms. 3 Fairhaven - Padden 0.8-acre boat launch ramp located on the 1 Creek Lagoon Boat south end of Bellingham Bay with access Launch across BNSF tracks from 5th Street. Mooring buoys are anchored off shore from May to October for transient boats. Launching access is subject to tides and is affected by continued silting from Padden Creek. 4 Squalicum - 3.5-acre boat launch ramps located inside 2 Harbor Boat Squalicum Harbor with access from Roeder Launch Avenue and Bellwether Way. Lummi Nation 1 5 Sandy Point Marina located at the end of Sucia Drive on 1 Marina Sandy Point provides wet moorage berths and a boat launch ramp and hoist. The site is under federal trust as part of the Lummi Indian Reservation. Bellingham 1 6 Boulevard Park 20.5-acre multi-use park located on 0 Bellingham Bay off Bayview Drive with day- use boat dock. 7 Old Colony Wharf Historic boat landing located on Whatcom 0 Waterway with floating platform.

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Boat launch ramps – freshwater

Existing ramps Proposed ramps O existing site 1 Hovander Homestead 1 Hovander Homestead O proposed site 2 Samish Park 10 Village Point 3 Silver Lake Park 11 Nooksack River - Fishtrap Crk 4 Bloedel Donovan Park 12 Nooksack River – Everson 5 Lake Padden Park 13 Lake Whatcom Park – North 6 Samish Lake Access 14 Lake Whatcom Park – South 7 Toad Lake Access 15 Dittrich-East Samish Lake Park 8 Whatcom Lake Access 9 Giles Pond

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Boat launch ramps – saltwater

Existing ramps Proposed ramps O existing site 1 Lighthouse Marine Park 1 Lighthouse Marine Park O proposed site 2 Blaine Harbor 11 Cherry Point Park 3 Fairhaven - Padden Lagoon 12 Village Point 4 Squalicum – Harbor Launch 3 Fairhaven – Padden Lagoon 5 Sandy Point Marina 4 Squalicum Harbor Boat Launch 6 Boulevard Park 13 Squalicum – GP Lagoon 7 Old Colony Wharf 14 Squalicum – Cornwall 8 Tilbury Pier 15 Lummi Bay Marina 9 Birch Bay State Park 16 Hale Passage East 10 Larrabee State Park

Saltwater boat launch ramps 8 Pacific Concrete – Recently acquired pier extending into 1 Tilbury Pier Bellingham Bay adjacent to Little Squalicum Creek with day-use boat landing. WA Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC) 3 9 Birch Bay State 193.2-acre multi-use waterfront park on 1 Park Birch Bay and Terrell Creek with a gravel boat ramp. 10 Larrabee State 2,780.0-acre multi-use state park located off 2 Park Chuckanut Drive on Wildcat Cove overlooking Chuckanut Bay and the San Juan Islands with 2 boat launching ramps on Wildcat Cove. Total existing boat launch ramps – saltwater 12

Proposed boat launch ramps - saltwater The following sites with regionally significant saltwater boat launch ramp capability may be provided access through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Saltwater boat launch ramps Whatcom County and other participants 3 1 Lighthouse Marine Expand property to allow reorganization of 0 Park – Point boat ramp and event parking area. Roberts 11 Cherry Point Park Acquire and develop boat launch ramps on a 2 – Birch Bay regional park site to be located at Powder Plant Road, Henry Road, or Aldergrove Road. 12 Village Point – Develop a boat launch ramp near the 1 Lummi Island original village site on Lego Bay Road. Port of Bellingham 0 3 Fairhaven – Silting problem and difficult railroad access -2 Padden Creek may force closure of this site for powerboat Lagoon Boat launch ramps – mooring buoys will remain Launch viable. 4 Squalicum Harbor Inner harbor marine congestion and traffic -2 Boat Launch and parking overflow onto Bellwether Way and Roeder Avenue may force relocation of this facility. 13 Squalicum – GP Boat launch ramps to be developed into 2 Lagoon Whatcom Waterway and/or GP Lagoon with access from F Street. 14 Squalicum – Boat launch ramps to be developed into 2 Cornwall Bellingham Bay from the end of Cornwall Avenue. Lummi Nation 2 15 Lummi Bay Marina Boat launch ramp may be developed into 2 Lummi Bay by the Lummi Nation. Port of Bellingham 2 16 Hale Passage East Boat launch ramp may be developed on the 2 east shore of Lummi Island by private parties – does not conform with land use plans. Total proposed launch ramps – saltwater 7

Marinas Existing marina wet and dry moorage slips The following sites provide regionally significant wet and dry moorage, transient moorage, and boat launch hoist, and other services.

80 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Wet and dry moorage slips Port of Bellingham 2,703 1 Blaine Harbor Blaine Harbor’s 100 acres of tide flats has 863 been filled with dredge materials to provide about 50.0 acres of land improvements. The site includes a public fishing and crabbing pier and overlook with benches and landscaping, commercial boat docking terminal, commercial marine fisheries support and industrial area. The marina includes 113 commercial fishing boat berths, 629 pleasure boat slips, harbor retail and office use area, harbormaster office, lockers, and meeting room. The site also includes a 1.0 mile harbor boardwalk, the Plover historic ferry dock, Lost Sailors Memorial, marine support and dry boat storage facility, 2 public boat launch ramps, transient boat moorage, pump-out, parking areas, and restrooms. 2 Fairhaven – Terminal provides passenger and vehicle 0 Bellingham Cruise loading from a single finger pier extending Terminal into the south end of Bellingham Bay from Harris Avenue. The east side of the pier loads the Alaska Ferry, the west side passenger cruise ships including the Zodiac and Star of Victoria. 3 Squalicum – 1,800 wet moorage berths for recreational 1,840 Marina boats and 40 transient slips in the inner and outer harbor areas with fuel and repair services, pump-out stations, gatehouses, showers, and harbormaster administrative offices in Marina Square. Lummi Nation 30 4 Sandy Point Marina located at the end of Sucia Drive on 30 Marina Sandy Point provides 30 wet moorage berths. The site is under federal trust as part of the Lummi Indian Reservation. The Lummi Tribe does not plan on expanding. Private 1,616 5 Point Roberts Privately owned marina located in the 940 Marina sheltered inlet at the south end of Point Roberts provides 900 wet moorage berths and 40 transient berths. 6 Semiahmoo Privately owned marina located on the south 320 Marina end of Semiahmoo Spit adjacent to Resort Semiahmoo provides 300 wet moorage berths, 10 dry moorage berths, and 10 transient or visitor slips. 7 Birch Bay Village Privately owned marina located in a dredged 156 Marina inlet off Birch Bay adjacent to the Birch Bay Village resort development provides 150 wet moorage berths and 6 transient slips exclusively for local village property owners. 8 Hilton Harbor Privately owned marina located on Hilton 200 Marina Avenue in the Lettered Streets marine dry industrial park between I&J and Whatcom Creek Waterways provides upland dry storage for 200 vessels. Total existing wet and dry moorage slips 4,349

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Existing marinas Proposed marinas O existing site 1 Blaine Harbor 9 Squalicum - I&J Waterway O proposed site 2 Fairhaven – Terminal 10 Squalicum - GP Lagoon 3 Squalicum Marina 11 Whatcom Creek Waterway 4 Sandy Point Marina 12 Squalicum – GP Plant Site 5 Point Roberts Marina 13 Lummi Bay Marina 6 Semiahmoo Marina 14 East Sandy Point Marina 7 Birch Bay Village Marina 5 Point Roberts Marina 8 Hilton Harbor Marina 6 Semiahmoo Marina 7 Birch Bay Village Marina 8 Hilton Harbor Marina

Proposed marina wet and dry moorage slips The following sites with regionally significant wet and dry moorage, transient moorage, and boat launch hoist, and other service capacity may be provided to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Wet and dry moorage slips Port of Bellingham 225 9 I&J Waterway The shoreline and Port-owned intertidal 225 mudflats along I&J Waterway could be dredged and protected with an 800 foot rubblemound breakwater to provide wet moorage berths for up to 225 vessels 27 feet or longer. This proposal has not been developed or submitted for review. 10 GP Lagoon The lagoon could be redeveloped to provide unk wet berths and dry storage off I&J or Whatcom Creek Waterways. 11 Whatcom Creek The south bank of Whatcom Waterway could unk Waterway be redeveloped to provide moorage for larger boats and transient craft. 12 GP Site - Industrial The south side of Whatcom Waterway could unk Marine be redeveloped to provide moorage. Lummi Nation 700 13 Lummi Bay Marina Proposed marina site will be located in 400 Lummi Bay adjacent to the aquaculture complex. The proposed project will provide 400 commercial berths reserved first for the tribe's purse seine and gillnet fishing vessels, and thereafter for other non-treaty commercial fishing. The project, which is undergoing environmental reviews, requires the dredging of a 7,300 linear foot long navigation channel through ell grass habitat. 14 East Sandy Point Potential marina site located at the end of 300 Marina Sandy Point could be developed to provide up to 300 wet moorage berths. However, the site does not conform to local land use and shoreline management plans. Private 1,320 5 Point Roberts Privately owned marina located in the 200 Marina sheltered inlet at the south end of Point Roberts could be expanded to provide an additional 200 wet moorage berths or 1,140 in total. However, the expansion would not conform to current local land use or shoreline management plans. 6 Semiahmoo Privately owned marina located on the south 520 Marina end of Semiahmoo Spit adjacent to Resort Semiahmoo could be expanded to provide an additional 500 wet moorage berths and 20 visitor slips or 840 in total. However, marina slips are provided primarily for the use of summertime moorage customers who reside in the adjoining Semiahmoo residential developments. Approximately 85% of the slips are occupied during the winter months. Marina operators do not plan on expanding the facility until all existing berths have been sold.

83 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Wet and dry moorage slips 7 Birch Bay Village Privately owned marina located in a dredged 150 Marina inlet off Birch Bay adjacent to the Birch Bay Village resort development provides 150 wet moorage berths and 6 transient slips or 156 in total exclusively for local village property owners. The marina could be expanded into adjacent waters to provide 150 additional wet moorage berths or 306 in total. However, the expansion would not conform to local land use or shoreline master plans. 8 Hilton Harbor Privately owned marina located on Hilton 450 Marina Avenue in the Lettered Streets marine dry industrial park between I&J and Whatcom Creek Waterways could be expanded to provide a stacked storage structure capable of supporting an additional 450 vessels or 650 in total. The upland expansion would not require shoreline management program or other agency reviews and approvals. Total proposed wet and dry moorage slips 2,245

Day-use areas Existing day-use facilities The following sites provide regionally significant day-use facilities with picnic and group use areas, lodges, retreat and conference centers. Day-use facility square footage Whatcom County 20,832 1 Hovander Conservancy, historic farmstead, and park 2,000 Homestead property located on Nielson Road on the Park/Tennant Lake Nooksack River adjacent to Ferndale city Interpretive limits. Site improvements include a 2,000 Center square foot open picnic shelter, 112 square foot restroom building, 324 square foot office and visitor information building. 2 Lighthouse Marine 20.5-acre multi-use park site located on the 3,262 Park southwest point of Point Roberts on Marine Drive. The park provides a combination 3,262 square foot covered picnic shelter, group day-use picnic area, and camp. 3 Samish Park Park property located on North Lake Samish 1,995 Drive on the north shoreline of Lake Samish south of Bellingham. The park has been improved with a 1,995 square foot day-use lodge with a food service area, meeting room, and outdoor decks. 4 Silver Lake Park 412.1-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, 12,575 and recreational park located on Silver Lake and Black Mountain Roads on Silver Lake east of Sumas. The active park area includes a 6,700 square foot building housing a concession area and kitchen, meeting room, restrooms, office, apartment, and 3- bedroom overnight lodge. Attached to the building is a 2,700 square foot outdoor deck. The active area also includes a 3,025 square foot picnic shelter. An equestrian camp in the northern portion of the park has two 675 square foot covered kitchen shelters. The group camp area has a 1,500 square foot kitchen shelter.

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Day-use areas

Existing day-use areas Proposed day-use areas O existing site 1 Hovander Homestead 10 Lake Padden Park 1 Hovander Homestead O proposed site 2 Lighthouse Marine Park 11 Whatcom Falls Park 16 Cherry Point Park 3 Samish Park 12 Marine Park 17 Nooksack River – Lynden 4 Silver Lake Park 13 Waterfront Park 18 Nooksack River – Everson 5 Ted Edwards Park 14 Peach Arch Heritage Area 19 Lake Whatcom Park – North 6 Fairhaven – Marine Park 15 Birch Bay State Park 20 Lake Whatcom Park – South 7 Squalicum – Zuanich Park 21 Dittrich-East Lake Samish Park 8 Bloedel Donovan Park 22 Nooksack River – South Fork 9 Fairhaven Park

Day-use facility square footage 5 Ted Edwards Park Park property located off Oriental Avenue 1,000 and Lakeway Drive adjacent Bellingham city limits (formerly known as Truax Park). The site has been improved with picnic tables and a 1,000 square foot river rock shelter building. Port of Bellingham 3,400 6 Fairhaven - Marine Viewpoint, grassy play area, picnic tables, 1,400 Park 1,400 square foot picnic shelter, and restrooms located overlooking the entry into Bellingham Bay at the end of Harris Avenue. 7 Squalicum - Waterfront park with transitory moorage, 2,000 Zuanich Point Park lawn play area, artworks, picnic tables and benches, playground, Zuanich Park 2,000 square foot community facility, restrooms, and parking lot located on the entry point to Squalicum Harbor. Bellingham 12,828 8 Bloedel Donovan Swimming area, beach, boat launch, open 5,700 Park play area, 5,000 square foot community building, and parking area located on the west shore of Lake Whatcom off Electric Avenue. The 700 square foot Pavilion seats 50 with kitchen service. 9 Fairhaven Park Mowed field with picnic tables, 2 picnic 3,384 shelters, rose garden, and parking area located off Chuckanut Drive. Fairhaven’s 1,000 square foot Pavilion seats 60 with full kitchen services. Large 984 square foot picnic shelter seats 64 with utilities and restrooms, small 400 square foot shelter seats 32 with water services only. 10 Lake Padden Park 152.0-acre lake, trails and parking area 1,600 located on Samish Way. 960 square foot playground shelter seats 48 with water services, 640 square foot Rotary shelter seats 32 with no services. 11 Whatcom Falls Fishing pond, picnic tables, 2 picnic shelters, 2,144 Park fish hatchery, historic stone bridge, trails, and parking area located on Whatcom Creek off Woburn Street. Large 1,344 square foot picnic shelter seats 72 with utilities, small 800 square foot shelter seats 24 with water and electric services only. Blaine 1,200 12 Marine Park Waterfront park located across from Blaine 1,200 Marina with shoreline on Semiahmoo Bay with 6 picnic tables, two 600 square foot picnic shelters, amphitheater w/stage, sculpture, play area, and restrooms. Sumas 1,200 13 Waterfront Park Grassy play area, two 600 square foot picnic 1,200 shelters, picnic tables, and restrooms with access to Johnson Creek located between Third Street, Sumas Avenue, Cherry Street/SR-9, and Johnson Creek.

86 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Day-use facility square footage WA Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC) 8,000 14 Peace Arch 20.0-acre international facility extending 5,600 Heritage Area across US/Canadian border with Peace Arch monument, grassy play field, one 4,000 square foot group kitchen shelter, two 800 square foot picnic shelters, 100 picnic tables, benches, walking path, formal gardens and overlooks, 2 restrooms, and 0.9 miles of trail. 15 Birch Bay State 193.2-acre multi-use waterfront park on 2,400 Park Birch Bay and Terrell Creek providing 194 picnic tables and stoves and three 800 square foot picnic shelters. Total existing day-use facility square footage 47,460

Proposed day-use facilities The following sites have regionally significant facility potential for day-use picnic and group use areas, lodges, retreat and conference centers that may be provided to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Day-use facility square footage Whatcom County Tbd 1 Hovander Develop a special event parking and Tbd Homestead – multipurpose activity area with picnic Ferndale shelters between the woodlands and the floodplain in the middle of the site. 16 Cherry Point Park Acquire and develop multi-use regional park Tbd – Birch Bay site at Powder Plant Road, Henry Road, or Aldergrove Road and develop group picnic facilities, multipurpose area, and lodge with meeting facilities. 17 Fishtrap Creek Acquire and develop a multi-use regional Tbd Park – Nooksack park on River Road to provide group picnic River – Lynden facilities, multipurpose area, and lodge with meeting facilities. 18 Nooksack River Acquire and develop a multi-use regional Tbd Park – Everson park on Abbot and Noon Roads to provide group picnic facilities, multipurpose area, and lodge with meeting facilities. 19 Lake Whatcom In association with Bellingham, develop Tbd North – group picnic facilities and lodge with Bellingham meeting facilities on North Shore Drive. 20 Lake Whatcom Develop group picnic facilities and lodge Tbd South – Sudden with meeting rooms on South Bay Drive. Valley Develop a satellite handcarry launch and campsite on the southeast shoreline. 21 Dittrich Park – Develop group picnic facilities and Tbd East Lake Samish multipurpose area on East Lake Samish Drive. 22 Nooksack River Acquire and develop a multi-use regional Tbd Park – South Fork park on Mosquito Lake Road to provide – Acme group picnic facilities and multipurpose area. Total proposed day-use facility square footage Tbd Tbd = to be determined

87 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Campgrounds Existing campground facilities The following sites provide regionally significant campground facilities with day- use picnic and group use areas, tent and recreational vehicle campsites, yurts and cabins, day-use lodges, retreat and conference centers. Campsites and cabins Whatcom County 154 campsites 6 cabins 1 Chuckanut 999.8-acre Whatcom County portion of the 6 Mountain Park Chuckanut Mountain Recreational area located between Chuckanut Drive and Old Samish Highway. County land provides access to DFW Pine/Cedar Lakes Unit of 147.0 acres on the 2 lakes with fishing access, primitive campsites, and 2.0 miles of hiking trails. 2 Lighthouse Marine 20.5-acre multi-use park site located on the 25 Park southwest point of Point Roberts on Marine and Edwards Drive with 2,320 linear feet of shoreline on the Strait of Georgia. The park has 25 recreational vehicle campsites and a combination group camp and picnic area. 3 Silver Lake Park 412.1-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, 123 and recreational park located on Silver Lake 6 cabin and Black Mountain Roads on Silver Lake east of Sumas. The active area includes 6 lakeside rental cabins totaling 2,350 square feet. Camping is provided in 3 separate areas of the park and includes the main 65- site recreational vehicle campground with 35 improved sites with electricity and water, a 200-square foot bunkhouse, shower, and restroom buildings, and sanitary dump station. An equestrian camp in the northern portion of the park has 28 improved campsites, and 2 horse stables totaling 7,000 square feet. The group camp area has water and electrical hookups for 30 units. WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 5 4 Reil Harbor Recreational site located in Reil Harbor on 5 Beach/Lummi the southeast side of Lummi Island Natural Island Natural Resource Conservation Area (NRCA) Resource overlooking Eliza Island with access by boat Conservation Area only. The site provides 5 campsites, picnic (NRCA) tables, restrooms, fire pits, and trail access to dramatic views of Hale Passage with gravel beaches and overhanging bluffs. WA Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC) 292 5 Birch Bay State 193.2-acre multi-use waterfront park on 207 Park Birch Bay and Terrell Creek providing 147 standard campsites, 20 trailer hook-up sites, 40 person primitive group camp, a dump station, and showers. The site also provides 194 picnic tables and stoves, 3 picnic shelters, a gravel boat ramp, comfort stations, 408 parking spaces, 8 fire rings, 7 restrooms, and 2.2 miles of hiking trails. 6 Larrabee State 2,683.0-acre multi-use state park located off 85 Park Chuckanut Drive on Wildcat Cove overlooking Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. The park provides overnight

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Campgrounds

Existing campgrounds Proposed campgrounds O existing site 1 Chuckanut Mountain Park 9 Plaza Park RV 2 Lighthouse Marine Park O proposed site 2 Lighthouse Marine Park 10 Beachside RV Park 14 Cherry Point Park 3 Silver Lake Park 11 Seabreeze RV Park 15 Hovander Homestead 4 Lummi Island NRCA 12 Wildwood – Sudden Valley Rsrt 16 Nooksack River – Lynden 5 Birch Bay State Park 13 Bellingham RV Park 17 Nooksack River – Everson 6 Larrabee State Park 18 Lake Whatcom Park – South 7 Lynden KOA 19 Nooksack River – South Fork 8 Thousand Trails/NACO West

Campsites and cabins Larrabee State camping, saltwater and freshwater access, Park - continued and miles of hiking trails. The park has trails to hike and bicycle on, a boat launch ramp, numerous picnic sites with tables and braziers, 85 campsites (26 with utility hook- ups), a dump station, showers, and restroom services. Private 7 Lynden KOA -acre commercial campground facility located north of Lynden providing tent and recreational vehicle campsites with hook- ups, support facilities, store, and swim pool. 8 Thousand Trails & 5.0-acre commercial campground facility NACO West located on Harbor View Drive north of Anderson Road providing tent and recreational vehicle campsites with hook- ups, support facilities, store, and swim pool. 9 Plaza Park RV 3.0-acre commercial campground located on Birch Bay-Lynden Road east of Harbor View Drive providing recreational vehicle campsites with hook-ups and facilities. 10 Beachside RV Park 2.0-acre commercial campground facility located on Birch Bay Road providing tent and recreational vehicle campsites with hook- ups, support facilities, and picnic area. 11 Seabreeze RV Park 2.0-acre commercial campground facility located on Anderson Road providing recreational vehicle campsites with hook- ups, support facilities, clubroom with ping pong, grassy play area with volleyball, lockers, and showers. 12 Wildwood - Recreational vehicle campground located on Sudden Valley Lake Whatcom. Resort 13 Bellingham RV Recreational vehicle campground located on Park Bennett Drive. Total existing campsites and cabins 457

Proposed campground facilities The following sites have regionally significant campground facility potential for day-use picnic and group use areas, tent and recreational vehicle campsites, yurts and cabins, day-use lodges, retreat and conference centers that may be provided to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Campsites and cabins Whatcom County Tbd 2 Lighthouse Marine Expand property to allow reorganization of Tbd Park – Point boat ramp and event parking area, and Robers enlargement of tent and RV campground. 14 Cherry Point Park Acquire and develop multi-use regional park Tbd – Birch Bay site at Powder Plant Road, Henry Road, or Aldergrove Road and develop boat ramps, shoreline access sites, beach trails, tent and RV campgrounds, group picnic facilities and campsite, multipurpose area, and lodge with meeting facilities.

90 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Campsites and cabins 15 Hovander Expand boat ramp parking and develop a RV Tbd Homestead – campground on the north end. Develop a Ferndale special event parking and multipurpose activity area with picnic shelters between the woodlands and the floodplain in the middle of the site. 16 Fishtrap Creek Acquire and develop a multi-use regional Tbd Park – Nooksack park on River Road to provide hand-carry River – Lynden boat launch, waterfront access sites, woodland and waterfront access trails, tent and RV campgrounds, group picnic facilities and campsite, multipurpose area, and lodge with meeting facilities. 17 Nooksack River Acquire and develop a multi-use regional Tbd Park – Everson park on Abbot and Noon Roads to provide hand-carry boat launch, waterfront access sites, woodland and waterfront access trails, tent and RV campgrounds, group picnic facilities and campsite, multipurpose area, and lodge with meeting facilities. 18 Lake Whatcom Develop swimming beach, boat ramp and Tbd South – Sudden dock, swimming beach and access site, Valley woodland and waterfront access trails, trailhead for lakeshore trail, group picnic facilities, and lodge with meeting facilities on South Bay Drive. Develop a satellite handcarry launch and campsite on the southeast shoreline. 19 Nooksack River Acquire and develop a multi-use regional Tbd Park – South Fork park on Mosquito Lake Road to provide – Acme waterfront access site, waterfront and woodland access trails, group picnic facilities, and multipurpose area. Total proposed additional campsites and cabins Tbd Tbd = to be determined

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92 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

3.4 Water trails

A water access system will be developed for hand-carry boat activities. The water trails will provide access to salt and freshwater bodies that are not readily accessible or suitable for powerboats or other larger watercraft.

Where possible, water trailheads will be located to coincide with and use other trail corridors, resource conservancies, and other park and recreational facility services including parking lots, restrooms, and utilities. When provided on separate sites, water trailheads may be improved with launch ramps or landings, picnic tables, parking lots, restrooms, and other services.

Water trail enthusiasts working in conjunction with public agencies and other private water trail interest groups identified most of the routes proposed in this plan. Future water trail development projects will use the same cooperative, joint venture approach to formally designate and improve launch sites and trailheads and/or to develop new launch sites, rest stops, and other water trail services.

VISION As described, the water trail vision may increase and promote public access: ƒ to the area's significant fresh and saltwater resources - particularly for car-top boating enthusiasts, ƒ to scenic natural areas and features of interest that cannot be accessed from other trail systems, ƒ for boating enthusiasts of all skill levels, and ƒ for extended boating duration including the possibility of overnight trips.

Freshwater trail – Lake Whatcom Existing freshwater trailheads A freshwater trail system will be developed to provide day-use and overnight kayak, canoe, dory, and other hand-carry watercraft trail excursions around the complete Lake Whatcom shoreline. The following sites provide access, launch sites, boat launch ramps, docks, and landings that support the lake trail system. Freshwater trailheads Whatcom County 0 1 Lake Whatcom 218.0-acre park property located on the 0 Park - North northeast shoreline of Lake Whatcom and accessed from North Shore Drive – largely undeveloped. 2 Lake Whatcom 80.3-acre park property located on the 0 Park – South (Hegg southeast shoreline of Lake Whatcom Park, Zobrist- accessed from South Bay Drive – Richards undeveloped. Properties) Bellingham 1 3 Bloedel Donovan 18.8-acre multi-use park with swimming 1 Park area, beach, and boat launch located on the west shore of Lake Whatcom off Electric Avenue – heavily used. Western Washington University (WWU) 1 4 WWU – Lakewood 9.8-acre recreational facility located on the 1 west shore of Lake Whatcom managed by the Associated Students with crew facility, boat, kayak, and canoe rental – heavily used. Total existing trailheads – freshwater 2

Proposed trailhead improvements The following sites will be developed to provide access and launch sites, and in some cases, boat launch ramps, docks, and landings, and camping to support the lake trail system.

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Lake Whatcom Nooksack River O existing site

Existing trailheads Existing access Existing trailheads Existing access O proposed site 1 Lake Whatcom Park – North 5 Sunnyside Landing 15 Nugent’s Corner River Access 21 Nooksack River – Harksell Rd 2 Lake Whatcom Park – South 6 Connecticut Street-End 16 Hovander Homestead 22 Nooksack River – Guide Merdn 3 Bloedel Donovan Park 7 Donald Avenue Street-End 17 Riverside Park 23 Nooksack River - Everson

4 WWU – Lakewood 8 Euclid Park Proposed trailheads Proposed access

Proposed trailheads 9 George Street-End 15 Nugent’s Corner River Access 24 Misc - TBD 1 Lake Whatcom Park – North 10 Lake Whatcom Beach Site 16 Hovander Homestead 2 Lake Whatcom Park – South 11 Lake Whatcom Access 18 Nooksack River – Everson 3 Bloedel Donovan Park 12 Wildwood-Sudden Valley Rsrt 19 Nooksack River – Lynden

Proposed access 20 Nooksack River - Delta 13 Lake Whatcom South 14 Blue Canyon, Park Roads

Freshwater trailheads Whatcom County 2 1 Lake Whatcom Develop boat launch ramps, pier, and dock 1 Park - North with kayak and canoe facility and rentals to access the east shoreline. 2 Lake Whatcom Develop boat launch ramps, pier, and dock 1 Park – South (Hegg with kayak and canoe facility and rentals to Park and Zobrist access the south shoreline. Consider and Richards developing a satellite boat camping site on Properties) the southeast corner of the property away from other park activities. Bellingham - 3 Bloedel Donovan Develop crew facility for kayaks and canoes - Park adjacent to the powerboat launch ramp. Total proposed trailheads 2

Existing freshwater trail access sites The following sites provide designated and informal freshwater trail access around the Whatcom Lake shoreline in support of a lake trail system. Freshwater trail access sites Whatcom County 1 5 Sunnyside Landing 6.2-acre park site located on the east shore 1 of North Shore Drive. Bellingham 5 6 Connecticut 0.5-acre street-end right-of-way to Lake 1 Street-end Whatcom. 7 Donald Avenue 05.-acre street-end right-of-way to Lake 1 Street-end Whatcom. 8 Euclid Park 18.6-acre conservancy site located on Lake 1 Whatcom with access from Lakeway Drive . 9 George Street-end 0.1-acre right-of-way to Lake Whatcom. 1 10 Lake Whatcom 1.8-acre site with Lake Whatcom access 1 Beach Site located off Northshore Drive near Britton Road – owned by DNR. WA Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) 1 11 Lake Whatcom Fishing and boat launch site located south 1 Access shore of Lake Whatcom off South Bay Road. Private 1 12 Wildwood-Sudden Recreational vehicle campground located on 1 Valley Resort Lake Whatcom for private user launches. Total existing freshwater trail access sites 8

Proposed freshwater trail access sites The following sites may be acquired, designated, and improved to provide water trail access for kayak, canoe, and other hand-carry craft through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Freshwater trail access sites Whatcom County 1 13 Lake Whatcom In association with Bellingham – acquire the 1 South missing link along the railroad corridor and provide additional launch sites to the lake shoreline from Blue Canyon Road. WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 1 14 Blue Canyon/Park 215.0-acre school trust land located on the 1 Roads east shore of Lake Whatcom at the end of Blue Canyon/Park Roads – develop additional launch sites to the east lake shoreline. Total proposed freshwater trail access sites 2

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Freshwater trail – Nooksack River Existing freshwater trailheads A water trail system will be developed to provide day-use and overnight kayak, canoe, dory, and other hand-carry watercraft along the complete navigable length of the North, Middle, and South Forks of the Nooksack River. The following sites provide access, launch sites, boat launch ramps, and landings. Freshwater trailhead opportunities Whatcom County 2 15 Nugent’s Corner 14.0-acre Public Works property providing 1 River Access walk-in access to the Nooksack River located off Mount Baker Highway at Nugent’s Bridge with launch site. 16 Hovander 333.4-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, 1 Homestead and park property located on Neilson Road Park/Tennant Lake on the Nooksack River adjacent to Ferndale Interpretive city limits on the east shore dike of the Center Nooksack River with boat launch site. Everson 1 17 Riverside Park Multi-use park with access to the north bank 1 of the Nooksack River located at the Everson Road bridge. Total existing freshwater trailheads 3

Proposed freshwater trailhead improvements The following sites will be developed to provide access and launch sites, and in some cases, boat launch ramps, docks, and landings, and camping through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Freshwater trailhead opportunities Whatcom County 3 15 Nugent’s Corner Develop hand-carry access and launch site, - River Access expand boat ramps, and develop tent and recreational vehicle campsites. 16 Hovander Expand boat ramps and launch site and - Homestead develop campsites at the north end of the Park/Tennant Lake park across from Lynden’s Pioneer Park. Interpretive Develop a footbridge across the river to Center Pioneer Park to access the south bank. 18 Nooksack River – Acquire and develop hand-carry launch and 1 Everson boat ramps, and develop campsites on the south bank of the Nooksack River off Abbot and Noon Road. 19 Nooksack River – Acquire and develop hand-carry launch and 1 Lynden boat ramps, and develop campsites on the north bank of the Nooksack River off River Road at Fishtrap Creek. 20 Nooksack River Acquire and develop hand-carry launch and 1 Delta Park – boat ramps, and develop campsites at a park Ferndale site on Marine Drive/Main Street. Total proposed freshwater trailheads 3

Existing freshwater trail access sites The following sites provide designated and informal water trail access to the Nooksack water trail. Freshwater trail access sites Whatcom County Public Works 3 21 Nooksack River – Street-end access to the west bank of the 1 Harksell Road Nooksack River north of Ferndale.

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Freshwater trail access sites 22 Nooskack River – Roadside access to the south bank of the 1 Guide Meridian Nooksack River at Guide Meridian. 23 Nooksack River – Roadside access to the south bank of the 1 Everson Nooksack River at Everson Road Bridge. Total freshwater trail access sites 3

Proposed freshwater trail access sites The following sites may be acquired, designated, and improved to provide water trail access for kayak, canoe, and other hand-carry craft through easements, land use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Freshwater trail access sites Whatcom County 1 24 Misc In association with Public Works – develop 1 formal trailheads along county roads, bridges, and other access sites to the Nooksack River. Total proposed freshwater trail access sites 1

Saltwater trail – Cascade Marine Trail Existing saltwater trailheads A saltwater trail system will be developed to provide day-use and overnight hand- carry watercraft camping along the complete shoreline of Drayton Harbor, Semiahmoo, Birch, Lummi, Bellingham, and Chuckanut Bays. The saltwater trail will compliment the Cascade Marine Trail that currently extends through Puget Sound from Vancouver to Olympia. The following sites provide launch sites, boat launch ramps, and landings along the Cascade Marine Trail. Saltwater trailhead opportunities Whatcom County 1 1 Lighthouse Marine 20.5-acre multi-use park site located on the 1 Park southwest point of Point Roberts on Marine and Edwards Drive on the Strait of Georgia. The site provides a 2-lane boat launch ramp with a 140-foot long finger pier into the Georgia Strait. The park has a camp and picnic area on the shoreline that can be used for primitive pull-in. 2 Semiahmoo Park 17.9-acre multi-use park property located on 0 and Tidelands Semiahmoo Spit in Blaine with hand-carry boat access. Port of Bellingham 0 3 Squalicum – Little 22.3-acre park site located at the mouth of 0 Squalicum Beach the Little Squalicum Creek off Marine Drive on Roeder Avenue between the Port and Tilbury Pier adjoining Bellingham’s Little Squalicum Creek Park with access capability. Lummi Nation 0 4 Sandy Point Shoreline access site located at the end of 0 Sucia Drive on Sandy Point with hand-carry capability – undeveloped. 5 Lummi Beach Shoreline access site located on Lummi View 0 Drive on Gooseberry Point with hand-carry access – undeveloped. Bellingham 0 6 Tilbury Cement Recently acquired pier and upland cement 0 Pier plant property located north of Little Squalicum Beach – undeveloped for recreational uses.

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Existing trailheads Proposed trailheads Proposed access 1 Lighthouse Marine Park 2 Semiahmoo Park 14 Birch Bay Shoreline 26 Old Colony Wharf 38 Point Whitehorn 2 Semiahmoo Park 11 Cherry Point 15 Birch Bay Tidelands 27 Boulevard Park 39 Lover’s Bluff 3 Little Squalicum Beach 3 Little Squalicum Beach 16 Teddy Bear Cove 28 Chuckanut Bay 20 Squalicum – I&J Waterway 4 Sandy Point 4 Sandy Point 17 Blaine Harbor 29 Lummi Island Beach 224 26 Old Colony Wharf 5 Lummi Beach 5 Lummi Beach 18 Fairhaven – Marine Park 30 Lily Point Access 40 Fairhaven – Industrial Park 6 Tilbury Pier 6 Tilbury Pier 19 Fairhaven – Padden Lagoon 31 Cherry Point Beach 41 Squalicum – GP Lagoon 7 Marine Park 7 Marine Park 20 Squalicum – I&J Waterway 32 Unick Road Access 42 Squalcium – Cornwall Avenue

8 Lummi Island NRCA Existing access 21 Squalicum – Harbor Launch 33 Point Migley 43 Squalicum – GP Plant Site 9 Birch Bay State Park 12 Monument Park 22 Squalicum – Zuanich Park 34 Inati Yacht Club 44 Marine Drive 10 Larrabee State Park 13 Maple Beach Tidelands 23 Lummi Bay – Aqua Dike 35 Bancroft Road Access 45 Citizen’s Dock – Central Ave 24 Fish Point Park 36 Locust Road Access O existing site 25 Portage Island 37 Governor’s Point O proposed site

Saltwater trailhead opportunities Blaine 1 7 Marine Park 8.6-acre waterfront park located across from 1 Blaine Marina with shoreline on Semiahmoo Bay and hand-carry access. WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 1 8 Reil Harbor Recreation facility located in Reil Harbor on 1 Beach/Lummi the southeast side of Lummi Island Natural Island (NRCA) Resource Conservation Area (NRCA) overlooking Eliza Island with access by boat only. The site provides 5 campsites, picnic tables, restrooms, and fire pits. WA Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC) 2 9 Birch Bay State 193.2-acre multi-use waterfront park on 1 Park Birch Bay and Terrell Creek with gravel boat ramp, and hand-carry access. The park provides 147 standard campsites, 20 trailer hook-up sites, a 40-person primitive group camp, a dump station, and showers. 10 Larrabee State 2,780.0-acre multi-use state park located off 1 Park Chuckanut Drive on Wildcat Cove overlooking Chuckanut Bay and the San Juan Islands with 2 boat launch ramps, and hand- carry access. The site has been improved with 90 campsites (26 with utility hookups), dump station, showers, and restroom services. Total saltwater trailheads 4

Proposed saltwater trailhead improvements The following sites will be developed to provide access, launch sites, boat launch ramps, docks, and landings, and camping along the Cascade Marine Trail. Saltwater trailhead opportunities Whatcom County 2 2 Semiahmoo Park Designate an overnight campsite for bad 1 and Tidelands weather pull-in adjacent to the building complex at the southwest end of the park. 11 Cherry Point Park Acquire and develop boat ramps, shoreline 1 – Birch Bay access sites, beach trails, tent and RV campgrounds, group picnic facilities and campsite on a regional park site at Powder Plant Road, Henry Road, or Aldergrove Road. Lummi Nation 2 4 Sandy Point Develop an overnight campsite for bad 1 weather pull-in at the end of Sucia Drive on Sandy Point. 5 Lummi Beach Develop an overnight campsite for bad 1 weather pull-in on Lummi View Drive on Gooseberry Point. Bellingham 1 6 Tilbury Cement Develop an overnight campsite adjacent to 1 Pier the pier landing located north of Little Squalicum Beach.

99 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Saltwater trailhead opportunities Blaine 1 7 Marine Park Designate an overnight campsite for bad 1 weather pull-in along the west end of the waterfront park adjacent to old water tank. Total proposed saltwater trailheads 7 Existing saltwater trail access sites The following sites provide designated and informal saltwater trail access along the Cascade Marine Trail. Saltwater trail access sites Whatcom County 5 12 Monument Park 6.9-acre undeveloped park site and overlook 1 located on the US/Canadian border on the northwest shoreline of Point Roberts on Marine Drive. 13 Maple Beach Second class tidelands property located in 1 Tidelands Point Roberts on Bay View Drive on Boundary Bay with launch capability. 14 Birch Bay 6.7-acre collection of shoreline properties 1 Shoreline located along Birch Bay Drive at Cedar Properties Avenue and Beach Way, Cottonwood Drive, Alderson Road, Jackson Road, and along Terrell Creek with hand-carry launch capability. 15 Birch Bay A collection of tidelands located along Birch 1 Tidelands Bay Drive north of Cottonwood Drive, north of the intersection of Harborview and Birch Bay Drive, Evergreen Lane south past Cedar Lane, and north of Alderson Road with launch capability. 16 Teddy Bear Cove 9.5-acre site includes shoreline on 1 Chuckanut Bay accessed off Chuckanut Drive with launch capability. Port of Bellingham 6 17 Blaine Harbor Blaine Harbor’s 50.0 acres of land 1 improvements includes 2 public boat launch ramps with hand-carry launch access. 18 Fairhaven – Marine 2.7-acre multi-use park overlooking the 1 Park entry into Bellingham Bay at the end of Harris Avenue with hand-carry launch capability. 19 Fairhaven - Boat 0.8-acre site with boat launch ramps located 1 Launch on the south end of Bellingham Bay with access across BNSF tracks from 5th Street. 20 Squalicum – I&J Potential shoreline launch access on the end 1 Waterway Park of I&J Waterway with access from Roeder Avenue and Bellwether Way. 21 Squalicum - 3.5-acre site with boat launch ramps and 1 Harbor Boat hand-carry launch capability located inside Launch Squalicum Harbor with access from Roeder Avenue and Bellwether Way. 22 Squalicum - 10.7-acre waterfront park with visitor 1 Zuanich Point Park moorage and hand-carry launch access located on the entry point to Squalicum Harbor. Lummi Nation 3 23 Lummi Bay-Aqua Shoreline access site located off Kwina Road 1 Dike at the confluence of the Lummi River into Lummi Bay with hand-carry capability.

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Saltwater trail access site 24 Fish Point Park 2.0-acre shoreline access site located off 1 Lummi Shore Drive with hand-carry capability. 25 Portage Island Shoreline access site located on the west 1 shore of Portage Island accessible by boat only with trail access to Portage Island beaches. Bellingham 3 26 Old Colony Wharf 0.2-acre historic site of Old Colony Wharf – a 1 major landing for steamers and fishing boats with hand-carry access. 27 Boulevard Park 20.5-acre multi-use site with boat dock and 1 hand-carry launch located on Bellingham Bay off Bayview Boulevard. 28 Chuckanut Bay 111.5-acre natural area preserves and 1 North, South, and tidelands located on Chuckanut Bay with Tidelands access from Chuckanut Drive and hand-carry launch capability. WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 1 29 Lummi Island Public tidelands located on the northeast 1 Beach 224 side of Lummi Island off Nugent Road adjacent to the old county ferry dock right- of-way with eelgrass and claming beds. The site is accessible by boat or by way of the county-owned ferry dock access right-of-way. Privately owned 8 30 Lily Point Access Privately owned property located at the 1 south end of Apa Road on Point Roberts provides shoreline access overlooking Semiahmoo Bay and Blaine Harbor with hand-carry capability. 31 Cherry Point Beach Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 at the end of Henry Road on Cherry Beach with hand-carry capability. 32 Unick Road Access Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 at the end of Unick Road north of Neptune Beach with hand-carry capability. 33 Point Migley Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 on West Shore/Nugent Drive on Point Migley on Lummi Island with hand-carry capability. 34 Inati Bay Yacht Privately owned property located in Inati Bay 1 Club on the east side of Lummi Island off Seacrest Drive with hand-carry capability. 35 Bancroft Road Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 Access at the end of Bancroft Road at Marietta in Bellingham Bay with hand-carry capability. 36 Locust Road Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 Access at the end of Locust Road overlooking Bellingham Bay with hand-carry capability. 37 Governor’s Point Privately owned shoreline access site located 1 at the end of Pleasant Bay Road on Governor's point on Chuckanut Bay with hand-carry capability. Total existing saltwater trail access sites 26

Proposed saltwater trail access sites The following sites may be acquired, designated, and improved to provide water trail access for kayak, canoe, and other hand-carry craft through easements, land

101 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan use agreements, or acquisitions subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Saltwater trail access sites Whatcom County 2 38 Point Whitehorn – In association with Northwest P&RD – 1 Birch Bay acquire development rights to the shoreline properties located around the point and designate hand-carry access. 39 Lovers Bluff – In association with the Lummi Island Land 1 Lummi Island Trust – acquire development rights to Lovers Bluff and designate hand-carry access. Port of Bellingham 5 20 Squalicum – I&J Develop hand-carry launch at the end of I&J 1 Waterway Park Waterway with access from Roeder Avenue and Bellwether Way. 40 Fairhaven – Boat Improve hand-carry launch into Bellingham 1 Launch Bay. 41 Squalicum – GP Develop hand-carry launch into Whatcom 1 Lagoon Waterway and/or BP Lagoon with access from F Street. 42 Squalcium – Develop hand-carry launch into Bellingham 1 Cornwall Avenue Bay from Cornwall Avenue. 43 Squalicum – GP Develop hand-carry launch along the 1 Plant Site Whatcom Waterway and around the plant shoreline. Bellingham 3 26 Old Colony Wharf Develop hand-carry launch into Whatcom 1 Waterway from Old Colony Wharf at C Street. 44 Marine Drive Develop hand-carry launch into Bellingham 1 Bay from access site north of Airport on Marine Drive. 45 Citizens Dock – Develop hand-carry launch site into 1 Central Avenue Whatcom Waterway from Central Avenue at old Citizens Dock landing. Total proposed saltwater trail access sites 10

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3.5 Multipurpose trails

Multipurpose trails may be developed to link major environmental assets, park and recreational facilities, community centers, and historical features in Whatcom County. Generally, multipurpose trails may be developed to provide for several modes of recreational and commuters use where appropriate.

To the extent possible, multipurpose trails may be developed within corridors separate from vehicular or other motorized forms of transportation. For example, multipurpose trails may be located on utility easements or in separate property alignments. In some instances, the trail may be developed as improvements within the right-of-way of established vehicular or other transportation corridors.

Typically, multipurpose trails may be developed to Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) trail standards. The trails may be concrete, asphalt or very fine crushed rock base, handicap accessible and usable by all age and skill groups.

Trail corridors may be improved with trailhead services including rest stops, parking lots, restrooms, water, and air utilities. Where the trail is located in association with another park and recreational improvement or public facility, the trailhead may be improved with active picnic, playgrounds, and play areas.

Multipurpose trail corridors may be independent properties or include portions of other sites provided for resource conservancies, resource activities, athletic facilities, and other park and recreational or public facility properties. Linked with resource conservancies and resource activities, the multipurpose trails element plans may create a system of interconnected greenways to integrate and define the developed portions of the urban area in accordance with the Growth Management Act's (GMA) provisions for urban separators.

Multipurpose trail corridors may be developed on other publicly-owned lands using public use agreements or special easements; or on lands owned as portions of road and highway right-of-way, stream corridor conservation or buffer zones of independent title.

VISION As described, the multipurpose trails vision may be realized by providing recreational trail opportunities that: ƒ conserve natural features, ƒ define urban identities, ƒ link community facilities, ƒ serve persons with varied physical abilities and skills, and ƒ promote commuter and other more functional transportation methods.

Multipurpose trails – countywide system Existing multipurpose trails The following multipurpose trail systems have been developed to provide combined hike, bike, and some horse trail opportunities across the county on former railroad, logging road, and other established corridors. (Trails on Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) properties are subject to seasonal closures due to user and wildlife recreational use conflicts.) Multipurpose trail miles Whatcom County 30.8 1 Bay to Baker Trail - Multipurpose gravel trail in 41.6-acre 7.0 Maple Falls-Glacier historic Bellingham Bay & British Columbia ROW Segment (BB&BC) Railroad corridor extending from Maple Falls east of Glacier Creek. The

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Existing trails Proposed trails 1 Bay to Baker – Maple Falls 11 Railroad Trail 1 Bay to Baker – linkage 23 Lake Whatcom/Chuckanut 29 Silver Creek-Cordata-Spring 2 Nooksack River – Hovander 12 Railroad Trail – South 3 Coast Millennium – linkage 24 BNSF Rail Trail – Blaine 30 Toad Creek Trail 3 Coast Millennium – Semiahmoo 13 Whatcom Creek Trail 7 Lake Whatcom – Blue Canyon 25 BNSF Rail Trail – Cherry Pt 31 Lookout Mtn Trail 4 Interurban – Chuckanut Mtn 14 Blaine/Lynden Trail 26 Semiahmoo-Drayton Harbor 32 Samish Hill-Lake Padden 5 Chuckanut Mtn – Hemlock 15 Sandy Point 27 BNSF Spur Trail 6 Chuckanut Mtn – Lost Lake 16 Bellingham Bay 28 Mtn View Trail 7 Lake Whatcom – Hertz 17 Lummi Island 1 Bay to Baker – Bellingham 8 Lake Whatcom/Samish 18 Nooksack – Delta-Everson 2 Interurban – Bellingham 1 Bay to Baker – Bellingham 19 Nooksack – Goshen-Deming 9 South Bay Trail 4 Interurban – Bellingham 20 Nooksack – North Fork 10 North Bay Trail 9 South Bay Trail 21 Nooksack – Middle Fork 11 Railroad Trail – North Segment __ existing trails 10 North Bay Trail 22 Nooksack – South Fork 13 Whatcom Creek Trail ---- proposed trails

Multipurpose trail miles Bay to Baker Trail - undeveloped railroad bed adjoins several continued spur segments including a restroom building and parking lot in Glacier. 2 Nooksack River – Multipurpose gravel trail on top of the dike 2.2 Hovander Dike along the east bank of the Nooksack River Trail Segment between Hovander Homestead and Slater Road with trailhead in Hovander Park. 3 Coast Millennium Multipurpose asphalt trail along the inner 0.8 Trail - Semiahmoo Drayton Harbor shoreline from Semiahmoo Spit Segment Resort to the west end of the park with trailheads at the building complex and resort. 4 Interurban Trail – Multipurpose gravel trail in former 5.9 Chuckanut Mtn Interurban Electric Railway corridor from Segment Chuckanut Bay to Larrabee State Park with a trailhead at Larrabee State Park. 5 Chuckanut Multipurpose dirt trail across the Chuckanut 3.5 Mountain - Mountain Trail system from Chuckanut Drive Hemlock Trail southeast and around Pine/Cedar Lakes to Segment the Old Samish Road trailhead. 6 Chuckanut Multipurpose dirt trail through the heart of 4.6 Mountain - North the Chuckanut Mountain trail system from Lost Lake Trail Chuckanut Drive/Hemlock Trail south to Segment Lost Lake and Chuckanut Drive at Clayton Beach trailhead. 7 Lake Whatcom - Multipurpose gravel trail in historic 3.1 Hertz Trail Bellingham Bay & Easton (BB&E) railroad Segment corridor on old Blue Canyon mine railroad grade along the east shores of Lake Whatcom from North Shore Drive and Lake Whatcom County Park South trailhead. 8 Lake Multipurpose gravel trail on old Camp Road 3.7 Whatcom/Samish 2 railroad grade from the trailhead on Old Trail – Squires Highway 99 around Squires Lake and Beaver Lake Segment Pond. Bellingham 12.1 1 Bay to Baker Trail Multipurpose gravel trail in historic 1.3 – Bellingham Bellingham Bay & British Columbia (BB&BC) Segment corridor extending from Squalicum Parkway to Northwest Avenue with trailheads at Little Squalicum Park, Bellingham Technical College, and Birchwood Park. 4 Interurban Trail – Multipurpose paved trail along former 1.4 Bellingham Interurban Electric Railway track from segment Larrabee State Park to Fairhaven with trailheads at Larrabee State Park, Arroyo Park, Fairhaven Park, and Fairhaven Square. 9 South Bay Trail Multipurpose gravel trail from Fairhaven 2.0 Town Square to Railroad Avenue along the historic BB&BC railroad track with trailheads at Fairhaven Square, Boulevard Park, and Railroad Avenue with interpretive signage and scenic views of Bellingham Bay. 10 North Bay Trail Multipurpose paved trail along Roeder 1.8 Avenue and Marine Drive from Whatcom Creek Waterway to Little Squalicum Park with connections to Squalicum Harbor Boardwalks.

105 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Multipurpose trail miles 11 Railroad Trail Multipurpose gravel trail from Sunnyland 2.0 Memorial Park to Bloedel Donovan Park in former Bellingham Bay & Easton (BB&E) railroad corridor with trailheads at Sunnyland Memorial Park, Fever Creek Nature Area, Whatcom Falls Park, and Bloedel Donovan Park. 12 Railroad Trail – Multipurpose paved trail in BB&E railroad 1.0 South Segment corridor from York to Kentucky Street with a trailhead at Whatcom Creek and Railroad Avenue. 13 Whatcom Creek Multipurpose paved and gravel trail along 2.6 Trail – Lower and Whatcom Creek from Maritime Heritage Upper Center to Railroad Avenue with a trailhead at Maritime Heritage Park. Gravel hiking trail continues along Whatcom Creek from Racine Steet to Woburn and Whatcom Falls Park with trailheads in Whatcom Falls Park. Total existing multipurpose trails 42.9

Proposed multipurpose trails The following multipurpose trail system may be developed to provide combined hike, bike, and some horse trail opportunities across the county subject to feasibility studies with appropriate public and private participants. The trails generally follow railroad, river dike, utility right-of-way, and public road corridors, but may be relocated onto public and/or private property where owners approve. Multipurpose trail miles Whatcom County 153.4 1 Bay to Baker Trail Develop multipurpose trail from the end of 28.0 – Bellingham- the Bay to Baker Trail segment in Bellingham Maples Falls north on the historic BB&BC railroad corridor Segment across Everson-Goshen Road and Smith Road to Goshen. From Goshen, continue north to the Everson-Goshen Bridge in Everson and a connection with the Nooksack River Trail. From Everson, continue north across Badger Road into Sumas. From Sumas, continue east across the Sumas River and past Haystack Hill to Kendall. From Kendall, continue eastto the North Fork of the Nooksack River and a connection with the existing trail at Maple Falls. Designate trailheads at Everson- Goshen Road, Everson-Goshen Bridge and Riverside Park in Everson, Howard Bowne Memorial Park & Rodeo Grounds in Sumas, South Pass Road, Kendall, and Maple Falls. Develop a trailhead at the proposed Nooksack River multi-use park in Goshen. 3 Coast Millennium Complete multipurpose gravel and asphalt 23.0 Trail trail from the end of Semiahmoo Spit south to Birch Bay on Semiahmoo Drive Trail and Shintaffer Road, then south on Birch Bay Drive to Birch Bay State Park. From Birch Bay State Park, continue south on Point Whitehorn Road, then east on Alder Grove Road to Kickerville Road, then south on Rainbow Road to Lake Terrell Road and the State Game Refuge. From the State Game

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Multipurpose trail miles Coast Millennium Refuge, continue south on Lake Terrell Road Trail - continued to North Red River Road to Haton Way, then south on Lummi Shore Drive to Marine Drive and Marietta. From Marietta, continue south on Marine Drive to Little Squalicum Park. Designate trailheads at Semiahmoo Spit, Brich Bay Road, Birch Bay State Park, Lake Terrell State Game Refuge, Marietta, and Little Squalicum Park. 7 Lake Whatcom Complete development of the multipurpose 3.0 Trail – Blue Lake Whatcom Trail on historic BB&E railroad Canyon Road corridor from Hertz Trail at the end of Lake Segment Whatcom County Park North along the railroad corridor to Wickersham. Designate trailheads at Blue Canyon, Lake Whatcom County Park South, and Wickersham. 14 Blaine/Lynden Develop multipurpose trail from downtown 10.0 Trail Blaine to Lynden within a corridor parallel to Blaine Lynden, Hayne, and West Badger Road. Designate trailheads in downtown Blaine, Berthusen Park, and downtown Lynden. 15 Sandy Point Trail Develop multipurpose trail from the Coast 3.0 Millennium Trail west from Lake Terrell Road west on Slater Road to Neptune Beach, then south on Sucia Drive to Sandy Point. Designate trailheads at Lummi Nation access points to Neptune Beach and Sandy Point Marina. 16 Bellingham Bay Develop multipurpose trail from the Coast 7.2 Trail Millennium Trail south from Marine Drive on Lummi Shore Drive to Gooseberry Point and the County Ferry. Designate trailheads at Fish Point Park, Lummi Beach, and Gooseberry Point. 17 Lummi Island Trail Develop multipurpose trail from the 2.4 Bellingham Bay Trail at Gooseberry Point, cross Hale Passage on the ferry to Nugent Road and the Lummi Island Grange, then south in road right-of-way on Nugent Road past Lovers Bluff and the church on Tuttle Lane to the Lummi Village site. Designate trailheads at Lummi Island Grange, Lovers Bluff, and the end of Legoe Bay Road at Village Point. 18 Nooksack River Develop multipurpose trail on top south 17.0 Trail – Marietta to river dike from Marietta to Slater Road and Everson the current trail on top of the dike through Hovander Park. From Hovander Park, continue north on top of south river dike to Guide Meridian. From Guide Meridian, continue on top of the dikes on both sides of the river to the Everson-Goshen Road Bridge and connect with Bay to Baker Trail. Develop trailheads at the proposed multi-use park sites at Marietta and Fish Trap Creek. Designate trailheads at Hovander Park, Guide Meridian, Hannegan Road, and Everson-Goshen Bridge in Everson.

107 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Multipurpose trail miles 19 Nooksack River Develop multipurpose trail from the Bay to 6.6 Trail – Goshen to Baker Trail at Goshen east parallel to Deming Cedarville Road to Mt Bakery Highway bridge at Nugent’s Corner. From Nugent’s Corner, cross the bridge and parallel the railroad and river to Deming. Designate trailheads at Nugent’s Corner and Deming Homestead (Eagle Park). 20 Nooksack River Develop multipurpose trail from Homestead 7.6 Trail – North Fork Park in Deming north between the river and Mt Baker Highway to Kendall and a connection with the Bay to Baker Trail. Designate trailheads at Deming Homestead, Mosquito Lake Road, and Kendall. 21 Nooksack River Develop multipurpose trail from the 10.6 Trail – Middle Fork Nooksack River North Fork Trail at Mt Baker Highway east between the river and Mosquito Lake Road to the end of Porter Creek Road. From Porter Creek Road, continue east on old logging roads into Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and an eventual connection with National Park Trail 696. Designate trailheads at Mt Baker Highway, Porter Creek, the Diversion Dam at the end of Porter Creek Road, and the USFS gate. 22 Nooksack River Develop multipurpose trail from Deming 10.4 Trail – South Fork Homestead (Eagle Park) south parallel to the river and railroad to Van Zandt, Standard, Acme, and Wickersham. Designate trailheads at Deming Homestead, Van Zandt, Standard,s Acme, Doran, and Wilkersham. 23 Lake Whatcom- Develop multipurpose trail from the south 7.6 Samish-Chuckanut end of Lake Whatcom at Blue Canyon Road Trail west parallel to South Bay Road through Lake Whatcom County Park South. From the county park, continue south on Camp Road 2 logging railroad corridor past Cain Lake to Squires Lake. From Squires Lake, continue north parallel to Highway 99 to the overpass to I-5 to East Lake Samish Road, then north to North Lake Samish Road and Samish Park. From Samish Park, continue west into Chuckanut Mountain Recreation Area and a connection with the Chuckanut Trail at Pine Lakes. Designate trailheads at Lake Whatcom County Park South, DFW Cain Lake Access, Squires Lake, Dittrich Park (East Samish Lake), and Samish Lake Park. 24 BNSF Rail Trail – Develop multipurpose rail trail from 10.6 Ferndale-Blaine Hovander Park in Ferndale parallel and west of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad track north to the Semiahmoo-Drayton Harbor Loop Trail. Designate trailheads at Hovander Park, Grandview Road, Birch Bay- Lynden Road, and Blaine Road at California Creek.

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Multipurpose trail miles 25 BNSF Rail Trail – Develop multipurpose rail trail from Custer 6.4 Cherry Point parallel and north of the BNSF railroad tracks west to Kickerville Road, then south to the Coast Millennium Trail at Alder Grove Road. From Alder Grove Road, continue west on Coast Millennium Trail on Alder Grove Road to Powder Plant Road, then south to Gulf Road and the proposed multi-use park on Cherry Point. Designate trailheads at Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Kickerville Road. Develop trailhead at the proposed Cherry Point multi-use park site on Gulf Road. Blaine 6.4 26 Semiahmoo- Complete multipurpose asphalt trail from 6.4 Drayton Harbor the end of Semiahmoo Spit around the inner Loop Trail Drayton Harbor shoreline on Drayton Harbor and Blaine Roads, Peace Portal and Marine Drives to the Blaine Marina and across to the resort and the other end of the trail on the Plover historic ferry. Designate trailheads at Harborview Road, California Creek, Shipyard Road, and Marine Drive Park. Lynden 5.4 27 BNSF Spur Trail Develop multipurpose rail trail from the Bay 5.4 to Baker Trail at Hampton parallel and south of BNSF Railroad track west to Lynden to 4th and Main Streets. From 4th Street, continue south through the historic business district on Front Street across Judson Alley and the hillclimb to the north bank and the Nooksack River Trail. Designate trailheads at Northwood Road, 4th Street-Centennial Park, and the Nooksack River Trail at Hannegan Road. Ferndale 3.6 28 Mtn View Trail Develop multipurpose trail from Hovander 3.6 Park across the Nooksack Trail on the proposed footbridge to Pioneer Park, then around the historic district on Main Street west along Mtn View Road to Lake Terrell Road and a connection with the Coast Millennium Trail. Designate trailheads at Hovander Park, Pioneer Park, and Lake Terrell State Game Refuge. Bellingham 48.3 1 Bay to Baker Trail Extend multipurpose gravel trail from Little 7.5 – Bellingham Squalcium Beach along BB&BC railroad right- Segment of-way and then parallel to Baker Highway through Cornwall Park, Bug Lake, Sunset Pond, and DNR parcels to Squalicum Lake – local portion of proposed 48.6 mile trail to Austin Pass on Mount Baker. 2 Interurban Trail – Multipurpose paved trail to be improved and 7.0 Bellingham extended from Skagit County line north past Segment Larrabee State Park, Teddy Bear Cove County Park, Arroyo Park, and Fairhaven Park to Fairhaven Village Green and Padden Creek and South Bay Trails.

109 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Multipurpose trail miles 9 South Bay Trail Multipurpose paved trail extension from 1.0 Extension Marine Park north along active railroad through Fairhaven Industrial Park to 10th Street to the existing South Bay Trail on former BB&BC railroad grade. Then continue from Morse Hardware on Railroad Avenue and through downtown to Whatcom Creek and the Railroad Trail. 10 North Bay Trail Multipurpose trail to be developed adjacent 4.6 to Marine Drive from Central Avenue at Maritime Heritage Park north across Little Squalicum Creek and Marine Drive Overlook to the Nooksack River Trail. 11 Railroad Trail – Multipurpose paved trail to be improved and 4.1 North Segment extended from Squalicum Parkway across I-5 and along the former railroad grade through Broadway Park, Sunnyland Memorial Park, Fever Creek Natural Area, to Bloedel Donovan Park on Lake Whatcom. 13 Whatcom Creek Multipurpose gravel trail to be improved and - Trail Improvement expanded from Maritime Heritage Park east along Whatcom Creek corridor past City Hall, and through Whatcom Falls park to Bloedel Donovan Park on Lake Whatcom. 29 Silver Creek- Develop multipurpose trail from the 6.9 Cordata-Spring Nooksack River Trail at Hovander Park east Creek Trail on Hovander Road, Smith Road, and along Silver Creek to Northwest Avenue at Smith & Northwest Sports Park. From Northwest Sports Park, continue south through Cordata Business Park, Bellis Fair Mall, and Whatcom County Community College to Horton Road. From Horton Road, continue south past Sunset Pond and Sunnyland Memorial Park to the Railroad Trail. Designate trailheads at Hovander Park, Northwest Sports Park, Cordata Business Park, Sunset Pond, and Sunnyland Memorial Park. 30 Toad Creek Trail Develop multipurpose trail from Cordata 8.0 east along Smith Road and Toad Creek to the Bay to Baker Trail, then south to the Lake Whatcom Trail and Bloedel Donovan Park. Designate trailheads at Cordata Business Park, Squalicum High School, and Bloedel Donovan Park. 31 Lookout Mtn Trail Develop multipurpose trail from Whatcom 6.5 Falls Park south to Lake Padden Park and DNR forest parcels located at the south end of Lake Whatcom off South Bay Road. Designate trailheads at Whatcom Falls Park, Lake Padden Park, and Lake Whatcom County Park South. 32 Samish Hill-Lake Develop multipurpose trail from Whatcom 2.7 Padden Trail Creek Park and Civic Field south across Samish Hill to Padden Creek Park. Designate trailheads at Whatcom Creek Park, Civic Field, and Lake Padden Park. Total proposed multipurpose trails 217.1

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Multipurpose trails in parks and greenway corridors Existing multipurpose trails The following multipurpose trail systems have been developed to provide combined hike, bike, and some horse trail opportunities within major parks and greenway corridors. Multipurpose trail miles Whatcom County 8.6 1 Huckleberry Point Multipurpose dirt spur trail from Hemlock to 0.4 Trail the mountaintop with views of Sehome Hill and Lake Padden. 2 Salal Trail Multipurpose dirt spur trail through the cliffs 1.2 and dense forest of Chuckanut Mountain system between Hemlock and North Lost Lake Trails. 3 Madrone Crest Multipurpose dirt spur trail off Salal Trail in 0.7 Trail the middle of the Chuckanut Mountain trail system. 4 Pine and Cedar Multipurpose dirt spur trail from Hemlock 2.5 Lakes Trail Trail on an old railroad grade through the Chuckanut Mountain trail system and around Cedar and Pine Lakes. 5 Deming Multipurpose gravel trail along the north 0.3 Homestead Eagle fork of the Nooksack River through bald Park eagle and salmon habitat on Truck Road off Mt Baker Highway milepost 14. 6 Hovander/Tennant Multipurpose gravel trail between the big 0.4 Lake Connector red barn at Hovander Homestead and the Trail Tennant Lake Interpretive Center. 7 Black Mountain Multipurpose dirt trail from the horse camp 1.7 Trail at Black Mountain to the logging road system. 8 Lookout Trail Multipurpose dirt trail loop through Silver 1.0 Lake Park from the trailheads at site 10. 9 Horse Camp Trail Multipurpose gravel trail from the horse 0.4 camp on Black Mountain to the main park facility in Silver Lake Park. Bellingham trails in corridors and greenways 3.7 10 Illinois Street Trail Multipurpose gravel trail in Illinois Street 0.4 right-of-way. 11 Lakeway Drive Multipurpose paved trail from Lakeway Drive 0.5 Trail to Whatcom Creek Trail. 12 Lower Padden Multipurpose gravel trail along Padden 0.8 Creek Trail Creek from 10th Street west to 4th Street with a trailhead at Fairhaven Park. 13 Moore-Pacific- Multipurpose paved trail to connect Railroad 0.7 Racine Trail Trail and Bay to Baker Trail through the Mt Baker neighborhood from Moore Street to Barkley Boulevard. 14 Old Village Trail Multipurpose paved trail from Elizabeth Park 0.5 to Maritime Heritage Park. 15 Padden Gorge Multipurpose gravel trail from Lake Padden 0.4 Trail Park to 36th Street. 16 Peters Street Trail Multipurpose gravel trail in Peters Street 0.4 right-of-way from Maryland Street to Big Rock Park and Silver Beach ES. Total existing multipurpose trail miles 12.3

Proposed trails – Bellingham urban area The following trail system may be developed to provide combined hike, bike, and some horse trail opportunities between the Bellingham UGA and the countywide

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7-9

6 21 5 24 17 22-23 20 13 10 18 14 11,16

12

19 15 1-4

Multipurpose trails – in parks and greenway corridors

Existing trails Proposed trails __ existing trails 1 Huckleberry Point Trail 10 Illinois Street Trail 13 Moore-Pacific-Racine ---- proposed trails 2 Salal Trail 11 Lakeway Drive Trail 17 Airport Trail System 3 Madrone Crest Trail 12 Lower Padden Creek Trail 18 Big Rock Park-Klipsun 4 Pine & Cedar Lakes Trail 13 Moore-Pacific-Racine 19 Padden Trail 5 Deming Homstead Eagle Park 14 Old Village Trail 20 Squalicum Mtn Trail 6 Hovander/Tennant Lake 15 Padden Gorge Trail 21 Smith Road Trail 7 Black Mountain Trail 16 Peters Street Trail 22 Sunset Trail 8 Lookout Trail 23 Toad Creek Trail 9 Horse Camp Trail 24 West Silver Creek Trail

system subject to feasibility studies with appropriate public and private participants. The trails generally follow public road and utility right-of-way corridors, but may be relocated onto public and/or private property where owners approve. Multipurpose trail miles Bellingham 16.6 13 Moore-Pacific- Multipurpose paved trail to be developed 0.7 Racine Trail from Railroad Trail and Bay to Baker Trail through the Mt Baker neighborhood from Moore Street to Barkley Boulevard. 17 Airport Trail Multipurpose gravel trail to be developed 2.7 System from Cliffside Overlook on Marine Drive through Airport and DNR Lost Lake properties to the Nooksack River Trail and Slater Road. 18 Big Rock Park- Multipurpose gravel trail to be extended 0.9 Kilpsun Trail from Railroad Trail through Big Rock Park and Silver Beach ES to the north end of Lake Whatcom. 19 Padden Trail Multipurpose gravel trail to be improved and 2.7 extended from Lake Padden Park along Padden Creek across I-5 to the Interurban Trail. 20 Squalicum Multipurpose gravel hiking and off-road 2.7 Mountain Trail mountain bike trail to be developed from Toad Lake DFW Access east to Squalicum Valley and Agate Bay. 21 Smith Road Trail Multipurpose gravel trail to be developed 2.3 from Smith & Northwest Sports Park east across I-5 to the Nooksack River Trail. 22 Sunset Trail Multipurpose gravel trail to be developed 1.0 from Railroad Trail north through Mount Baker neighborhood to Bay to Baker Trail. 23 Toad Creek Trail Multipurpose gravel trail to be developed 1.0 from Northridge Trail east from Squalicum HS and Northern Heights ES to Toad Lake DFW Access and Smith Trail.. 24 West Silver Creek Multipurpose trail to be developed from 2.6 Trail Bakerview Road north to Smith Road and Smith Road Trail. Total proposed trail miles 16.6

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3.6 Walking and hiking trails

Walking and hiking trails may be developed to link major environmental assets, park and recreational facilities, community centers, and historical features throughout Whatcom County. Generally, walking and hiking trails may be developed as dirt or bark surfaced routes on interior alignments through environmental features. Portions of the system within the more densely developed areas, however, may be developed as sidewalks or boardwalks with urban streetscape furnishings and amenities.

Walking and hiking trails may be developed, where possible, in alignments separate from vehicular or other motorized forms of transportation. For example, walking and hiking trails may be located within natural drainage corridors, wooded ravines, and utility easements. In some instances and for short duration, walking and hiking trail systems may be developed as improvements within the right-of-way of established vehicular or other transportation corridors.

Generally, walking and hiking trails may be developed to Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) or US Forest Service (USFS) walking trail standards with a crushed rock, bark or compacted dirt base. Trail segments may be handicap accessible and usable by all age and skill groups. In the most urban or park sites, walking and hiking trails may be developed with an asphalt or concrete surface, handicap accessible and usable by all age and skill groups.

Walking and hiking trail corridors may be located to coincide with other park and recreational improvements or public facilities to access rest stops, parking lots, restrooms, and other services.

Walking and hiking trail corridors may be independent properties or include portions of other sites provided for resource activities, athletic facilities, and other park and recreational or public facility properties. Linked with conservation areas and resource activities, the walking and hiking trails may create a system of interconnected greenways to integrate and define the urban and natural portions of the county in accordance with the Growth Management Act's (GMA) provisions for urban separators.

VISION As described, the walking and hiking trails vision may be realized by providing recreational trail opportunities on Whatcom County that: ƒ access natural features that may not be available otherwise, ƒ link open spaces and other conservation areas into a greenway system, ƒ serve persons with varied physical abilities and skills, ƒ establish high visibility and volume pedestrian routes through the most developed urban areas and park sites, ƒ expand the park system to connect with public properties, and ƒ expand roadway corridors to provide recreational and commuter trail opportunities.

Shoreline trails - beach, boardwalk, and over-water Existing beach, boardwalk, and over-water shoreline trails A system of shoreline trails have been designated on an informal basis across public and some private tidelands (subject to property owner permission) along Whatcom County shorelines and between various destinations along Drayton Harbor, Birch, Bellingham, and Chuckanut Bays.

Most public tideland ownership are narrow bands located between the mean low tide about +3.0 feet above the mean lower low tide of 0.0 feet and the extreme low tide -4.5 feet below the mean lower low tide of 0.0 feet, for a total range of 7.4 feet. A more extensive tideland definition extends from mean high tide +13.0 feet

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8 4 26 24

38 5-6

35

39

13-14

15 31-32,34 18 9-12,20,40-45,47

46 19 27 16 21 17 22 23,30,33 7

1-3,37

28-29 36 Shoreline trails – beach, boardwalk, and over water

Existing trails Proposed trails __ existing trails 1 Point Roberts – Monument Pk 13 Lummi Bay – Neptune Beach 25 Semiahmoo Bay-Marine Park 37 Point Roberts – connections ---- proposed trails 2 Point Roberts – Lighthouse 14 Lummi Bay – Sandy Point 26 Birch Bay – Beach 372 38 Birch Point 3 Point Roberts – Maple Beach 15 Lummi Bay – Aqua Dike 27 Lummi Island – Beach 224 39 Cherry Point 4 Semiahmoo Bay 16 Hales Passage – Lummi Beach 28 Lummi Island – Beach 220 40 Bellingham Bay-Delta/Tilbury 5 Birch Bay Shoreline 17 Portage Island 29 Lummi Island – Carter Point 41 Bellingham Bay-Baker Plywood 6 Birch Bay Tidelands 18 Bellingham Bay – Fish Point 30 Chuckanut Bay – Wildcat Cove 42 Bellingham Bay-Outer Harbor 7 Chuckanut Bay/Mtn/Cove 19 Bellingham Bay – Tilbury Pier 31 Bellingham Bay/Nooksack Rvr 43 Bellingham Bay-I&J Waterway 8 Drayton/Blaine Harbor 20 Bellingham By-Little Squalicum 32 Bellingham Bay – Marine Drive 44 Bellingham Bay-BST 9 Bellingham Bay- Squalicum 21 Taylor Dock/Boulevard Park 33 Chuckanut Bay 45 Bellingham Bay-GP Site 10 Bellingham By-Little Squalicum 22 Bellingham Bay-Post Point 34 Bellingham Bay – Marine Drive 46 Bellingham Bay-Lummi Rsvrtn 11 Bellingham Bay-Tom Glenn 23 Chuckanut Bay Tidelands 35 Birch Bay State Park 47 Cornwall Ave/Boulevard Park 12 Bellingham Bay-Fairhaven 24 Drayton Harbor/Semiahmoo 36 Larrabee State Park

above the mean lower low tide of 0.0 feet and the extreme low tide -4.5 feet below the mean lower low tide of 0.0 feet for a total range of 17.4 feet.

In some instances, shoreline trails cross over numerous private tidelands (where property owners are agreeable) located between the public holdings – generally on sand and gravel shoreline below steep bluffs isolated and buffered from residential developments.

Boardwalks have also been developed over-water and on top of jetty breakwaters to provide access to waterfront activities and viewpoints within the developed portions of Bellingham Bay. Shoreline trail miles Whatcom County 7.3 1 Point Roberts 6.9-acre undeveloped park site and overlook 0.1 Shoreline - located on the US/Canadian border on the Monument Park northwest shoreline of Point Roberts on Marine Drive. The property includes 500 linear feet of shoreline on the Strait of Georgia from the border south towards Lighthouse Marine Park. 2 Point Roberts Park site located on the southwest point of 0.3 Shoreline - Point Roberts on Marine and Edwards Drive Lighthouse Marine with 2,500 linear feet of shoreline on the Park Strait of Georgia. Shoreline trails extend the length of the park shoreline and north towards Monument Park, and east towards Point Roberts Marina. 3 Point Roberts Second class tidelands property with 2,000 0.4 Shoreline - Maple linear feet of shoreline located in Point Beach Tidelands Roberts on Bay View Drive on Boundary Bay. The property provides access to the tidelands for beach walks, swimming, and shell fishing. 4 Semiahmoo Bay – 17.9-acre conservancy park property is 3.0 Semiahmoo Park located on Semiahmoo Spit between and Tidelands Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor in Blaine. The property includes 11,935 linear feet of shoreline and tidelands that provide access to extensive claming beds, swimming beaches, picnicking, beachcombing areas, fishing and hand-carry boat access, and 1.5 mile paved multipurpose trail. 5 Birch Bay – 6.7-acre collection of shoreline or near shore 0.2 Shoreline properties located along Birch Bay Drive at Properties Cedar Avenue and Beach Way, Cottonwood Drive, Alderson Road, Jackson Road, and along Terrell Creek. The various parcels provide 1,200 linear feet of shoreline with hand-carry boat access, picnic tables, and restroom. 6 Birch Bay – Collection of interspersed tidelands located 3.0 Tidelands along Birch Bay Drive and providing saltwater shoreline on Birch Bay. Major parcels include properties located north of Cottonwood Drive, north of the intersection of Harborview and Birch Bay Drive, Evergreen Lane south past Cedar Lane, and north of Alderson Road.

117 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Shoreline trail miles 7 Chuckanut Bay – 999.8-acre Whatcom County portion of the 0.3 Chuckanut Chuckanut Mountain Recreational Area Mountain Park – includes 9.5 acres in Teddy Bear Cove with Teddy Bear Cove 1,400 linear feet of shoreline on Chuckanut Bay accessed off Chuckanut Drive. Port of Bellingham 2.5 8 Drayton Harbor - 100.0-acres of Blaine Harbor tide flats and 1.2 Blaine Harbor land improvements includes a public fishing and crabbing pier and overlook with benches and landscaping, a 1.0 mile harbor boardwalk, and 0.2 mile shoreline trail along the mudflats. 9 Bellingham Bay, Walk with viewpoints, benches, and 0.6 Squalicum - Inner interpretive signage adjacent to the inner Harbor Promenade harbor with access to moorage, commercial developments, and Marina Square with customs office for seaplanes and boat passengers. 10 Bellingham Bay, Potential shoreline trail corridor located on 0.2 Squalicum - Little Roeder Avenue between the Port and Tilbury Squalicum Beach Pier adjoining Bellingham’s Little Squalicum Creek Park. 11 Bellingham Bay, 1.2-acre plaza, stage with sound system, and 0.4 Squalicum – Tom viewpoint located adjacent to Bellwether Glenn Commons Hotel on Squalicum Peninsula with access around the point. 12 Bellingham Bay, Terminal provides passenger and vehicle 0.1 Fairhaven – loading from a single finger pier extending Bellingham Cruise into the south end of Bellingham Bay from Terminal Harris Avenue with public access allowed off the west side of the pier. Lummi Nation 11.3 13 Lummi Bay - Shoreline access located off Sucia Drive at 2.0 Neptune Beach Neptune Beach includes shorelines overlooking Georgia Strait, Hale Passage, and Lummi Island. 14 Lummi Bay - Sandy Shoreline access located at the end of Sucia 1.0 Point Drive on Sandy Point with parking facilities and trails extending around Sandy Point Shores. 15 Lummi Bay - Aqua Shoreline access located off Kwina Road at 3.0 Dike the confluence of the Lummi River into Lummi Bay with parking and trail opportunities around the Lummi aquaculture facility. 16 Hales Passage - Shoreline access located on Lummi View 1.0 Lummi Beach Drive on Gooseberry Point extends to the sand spit connection to Portage Island. 17 Portage Island Shoreline access, when tides permit, around 4.0 Portage Island including interior sand dunes and Brant Point. 18 Bellingham Bay - 2.0-acre shoreline access located off Lummi 0.3 Fish Point Park Shore Drive including 1,750 linear foot shoreline overlooking Bellingham Bay and the confluence of the Nooksack River.

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Shoreline trail miles Bellingham 2.4 19 Bellingham Bay - Former Tilbury Cement Plan pier into 0.2 Tilbury Pier Bellingham Bay to be refurbished for fishing, scuba diving, hand-carry boat launch, transitory boat moorage, and other activities with viewpoints, benches, and interpretive signage. 20 Bellingham Bay - Undeveloped park site located at the mouth 0.1 Little Squalicum of the Little Squalicum Creek off Marine Park Drive includes sandy shoreline on the bay. Park includes some Port and County properties managed by the City. 21 Bellingham Bay - Over-water shoreline boardwalk provides 0.7 Taylor Dock & access in place of original railroad jetty and South Bay Over- dock from 10th Street (former Taylor Dock) water Walk to Boulevard Park. 22 Bellingham Bay - Shoreline trail provides access along the 0.4 Post Pointe Open beach from an under-crossing adjacent to Space Beach Walk Marine Park south along railroad tracks towards Clark’s Point. 23 Chuckanut Bay - 68.7-acre tidelands conservancy located on 1.0 Tidelands the north shore of Chuckanut Bay adjacent to estuary conservation sites. Blaine 0.9 24 Drayton Harbor – Tidelands located on the north and south of 0.5 Semiahmoo Semiahmoo Spit and portions of the west Tidelands shoreline of Drayton Harbor to be dedicated for public use with the development of Semiahmoo Resort and Uplands. 25 Semiahmoo Bay - 8.6-acre waterfront park located across from 0.4 Marine Park Blaine Marina with shoreline on Semiahmoo Bay with walking trails, picnic tables and shelters. WA Department of Natural Resources 8.7 26 Birch Bay - Birch 2,930 linear foot public tidelands site 0.6 Point Beach 372 located north of Birch Point southwest of Blaine with access by boat only and an extensive lower beach, sandy flats, and claming potentials. 27 Lummi Island - 2,805 linear foot public tidelands site 0.5 Beach 224 located on the northeast side of Lummi Island off Nugent Road adjacent to the old county ferry dock right-of-way with eelgrass and clam beds. The site is accessible by boat or by way of the county-owned ferry dock access right-of-way. 28 Lummi Island - 23,533 linear foot public tidelands site 4.5 Beach 220 encompasses the Reil Harbor Beach/Lummi Island NRCA with access to a shoreline featuring gravel and rock beaches. 29 Lummi Island - 30.0-acre 2,500 linear foot public tidelands 0.5 Carter Point site located at the south end of Lummi Island adjacent to the US Coast Guard lighthouse reserve property. The site provides dramatic views of Hale Passage, Bellingham Bay, and Eliza Island. 30 Chuckanut Bay - 1,600 linear foot public tideland located in 0.3 Wildcat Cove Wildcat Cove adjoining Larrabee State Park.

119 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Shoreline trail miles 31 Bellingham Bay - 1,800 linear foot public tideland located on 0.3 Nooksack River at the east side of the east branch of the Marietta Nooksack River confluence with Bellingham Bay at Marietta with access from Marine Drive. 32 Bellingham Bay - 5,000 linear foot public tideland located on 0.9 Marine Drive at Bellingham Bay south of Marine Drive and Cliffside the railroad tracks between Locust Avenue and Cliffside Drive under the Bellingham International Airport flight. 33 Chuckanut Bay 4,500 linear foot public tideland located on 0.9 Chuckanut Bay north from Fragrance Creek outfall with access from Chuckanut Drive. 34 Bellingham Bay - 800 linear foot public tideland located on 0.2 Marine Drive at Bellingham Bay west of West Cliffside Drive Cliffside and adjacent meander tidelands. WA Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC) 2.3 35 Birch Bay State 193.2-acre multi-use state park located on 1.6 Park Birch Bay and Terrell Creek with 8,255 linear feet of saltwater shoreline with hiking trails, picnic tables, boat ramp, and campgrounds. 36 Chuckanut Bay - 2,780.0-acre multi-use state park located off 0.7 Larrabee State Chuckanut Drive on Wildcat Cove Park overlooking Chuckanut Bay and the San Juan Islands. The 3,600 linear foot shoreline provides tidal pools, fishing access, swimming beach, and walking trails on Wildcat Cove. Total existing shoreline trail miles 35.4

Proposed shoreline trails The following shoreline trails will be designated on tidelands between park and public land holdings. In some instances, shoreline trails may also cross over private tidelands located between the public holdings – generally below steep bluffs isolated and buffered from residential developments (if property owners are agreeable). Shoreline trail miles Whatcom County 18.1 37 Point Roberts – Designate continuous shoreline trail from 6.7 connecting Monument Park on the west shore south segments around Lighthouse Marine Park, east around Point Roberts Marina and Lily Point, and north to Maple Beach Tidelands. Designate trailheads at Monument Park, Lighthouse Marine Park, Lily Point, and Maple Beach. 38 Birch Point Designate continuous shoreline trail from 2.0 Semiahmoo Spit around Birch Point to Birch Point Road with trailheads at Semiahmoo Park and Birch Point Road. 39 Cherry Point - Designate continuous shoreline trail from 6.0 Point Whitehorn to Birch Bay State Park around Point Whitehorn Neptune Beach and south to Neptune Beach. Designate trailheads at Birch Bay State Park, the proposed Cherry Point multi-use park, and Neptune Beach.

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Shoreline trail miles 40 Bellingham Bay – Designate continuous shoreline trail from 3.4 Marletta to Tilbury Marletta south along Bellingham Bay to the Pier Tilbury Pier with trailheads at the proposed Marletta multi-use park, Marine Drive access, and Tilbury Pier. Port of Bellingham 3.7 41 Bellingham Bay, Walk to be developed around the peninsula 0.5 Squalicum, Baker occupied by Baker Plywood to link with Little Plywood Squalicum Beach Walk on the north and Promenade Squalicum Outer Harbor Promenade on the south with viewpoints, benches, and interpretive signage. 42 Bellingham Bay, Walk to be developed around the Outer 0.8 Squalicum – Outer Harbor to link with Baker Plywood Harbor Promenade Promenade on the north and Squalicum Outer Harbor Promenade on the south with viewpoints, benches, and interpretive signage and access to adjacent moorage and Bellingham Yacht Club. 43 Bellingham Bay, Walk to be developed along the south side 1.1 Squalicum – I&J of I&J Waterway, the outside of GP Lagoon, and Whatcom and the north side of Whatcom Waterway to Waterway link with Squalicum Inner Harbor Promenade Promenade on the north and Central Avenue on the south with viewpoints, benches, and interpretive signage adjacent waterfront activity areas. 44 Bellingham Bay, Walk of limited and controlled access to be 0.5 Squalicum – BST developed along the south side of Whatcom Promenade Waterway to the end of Cornwall Avenue on the south with viewpoints, benches, and interpretive signage. 45 Bellingham Bay – Boardwalk to be developed along the south 0.8 GP Plant edge of Whatcom Waterway to link with BST Redevelopment Promenade on the south with viewpoints, benches, and interpretive signage adjacent waterfront activity areas. Lummi Nation 4.0 46 Bellingham Bay – Designate continuous shoreline trail from 4.0 Lummi Portage Channel north to the Nooksack River Reservation delta with trailheads at Lummi Beach and Fish Point Park. Bellingham 0.5 47 Cornwall Avenue – Boardwalk to be developed from the south 0.5 Boulevard Park end of Cornwall Avenue along the shoreline Boardwalk to connect with Boulevard Park with viewpoints, benches, and interpretive signage. Total proposed shoreline trail miles 26.3

Day-use trails Existing day-use trails A system of day-use trails has been developed and in some instances, designated on an informal basis, across public and some private lands (subject to property owner permission) on Point Roberts, Lummi Island, and Chuckanut, Lookout, Sumas, and Black Mountains.

121 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Miles of day-use trails Bellingham parks 35.8 1 Arroyo Park Trail Dirt walking trail on a narrow footpath along 0.7 Chuckanut Creek through steep terrain, dense woods, and natural park area with connection to the Interurban Trail. 2 Cornwall Park Gravel and paved trail through the park 1.5 Trail interior – dirt trails and paths through the wooded areas of the park. 3 Lake Padden Loop Gravel loop-trail around the circumference of 2.6 Trail Lake Padden with access to picnic facilities, waterfront access, and natural areas - horses not allowed. 4 Lake Padden Trails Gravel trail through the woods and across 11.7 some hilly terrain along the outer boundary of Lake Padden Park. 5 Sehome Hill Unpaved walking trails from Bill McDonald 5.3 Arboretum Trail Parkway or Jersey Street in WWU through steep wooded hillsides with some paved sections on the summit. Observation tower near the upper parking lot provides views of Bellingham and Nooksack River. 6 Whatcom Falls Gravel and dirt walking trails from Lakeway 5.5 Park Trail Drive through rolling hillside with some steep grades. Scenic trails located along the north bank of the creek to the east and west of the concrete WPOA bridge to the lower parking lot. Includes connections with Scudder Pond Trail, Silver Beach Trail, and the trail from St Clair Park. 7 Whatcom Falls Gravel trail along Whatcom Creek from 0.8 Waterline Trail Bloedel Donovan Park through Whatcom Falls Park. 8 Lookout Mountain Dirt trail between Whatcom Creek Park and 3.5 Trail Lake Padden Park across Lookout and Galbraith Mountains – avoids mountain bike course trails. 9 Lower Padden Gravel trail along Padden Creek from 10th 0.8 Creek Trail Street west to 4th Street with a trailhead at Fairhaven Park. 10 Lower Whatcom Paved and gravel trail along Whatcom Creek 0.5 Creek Trail from Maritime Heritage Center to Railroad Avenue with a trailhead at Maritime Heritage Park. 11 Upper Whatcom Gravel hiking trail along Whatcom Creek 2.9 Creek Trail from Racine Street to Woburn and Whatcom Falls Park with trailheads in Whatcom Falls Park. Blaine 1.0 12 Blaine Watershed Dirt hiking trail through dedicated, wooded 1.0 acreage at the headwaters of Dakota Creek to fish hatchery tanks maintained by Blaine School District. Whatcom County 35.4 13 Teddy Bear Cove Dirt trail from Chuckanut Drive downhill 0.9 Trail across railroad tracks to Chuckanut Bay. 14 Chuckanut Mtn – Dirt trail from Arroyo Park southeast to main 3.5 Hemlock Trail east-west connector through the Chuckanut trail system to the Pine & Cedar Lakes Trail.

122 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan 12 53

54 23 50 24-26 52 55

48 27 42 22 46,49, 41 30

59 2,29 47 10-11 56 6-7 8 45 61 9 5,40 43 3-4,44 31 28 62 38 1 57 13 14-19 20 51

32-37 60 58

39 21 Day-use trails

Existing trails 13 Teddy Bear Cove Trail 26 Silver Lake – Horse Camp 39 Clayton Beach Trail - PSE 51 South Fork County Park

1 Arroyo Park Trail 14 Chuckanut Mtn – Hemlock 27 Smith & Northwest Sports Proposed trails 52 Bertrand Creek-Berthusen 2 Cornwall Park Trail 15 Chuckanut Mtn – Huckleberry 28 Stimpson Family Nature 40 Connelly Creek-Sehome 53 South Pass Road 3 Lake Padden Loop Trail 16 Chuckanut Mtn – Salal 29 Bug Lake Trail 41 Cordata Trail 54 Black-Bald Mountain 4 Lake Padden Trails 17 Chuckanut Mtn – Madrone 30 Toad/Emerald Lake Trail 42 King-Queen Mountain 55 Nooksack River – North 5 Sehome Hill Arboretum Trail 18 Chuckanut Mtn – Pine & Cedar 31 DNR Lookout-Galbraith Mtn 43 Lookout-Galbraith 56 Nooksack River – Middle 6 Whatcom Falls Park Trail 19 Chuckanut Mtn – Lost Lake 32 Larrabee State Park–Ridge 44 Padden Trail 57 Skookum Creek Trail 7 Whatcom Falls Waterline Trail 20 Samish Park Trail 33 Larrabee State Park–Cleator 45 Samish Hill Trail 58 Stewart Mountain 8 Lookout Mountain Trail 21 Squires Lake Trail 34 Larrabee State Park-Fragrance 46 Silver Creek Headwaters 59 Airport Trail System 9 Lower Padden Creek Trail 22 Canyon Lake Cmty Forest 35 Larrabee State Park-Lost Lake 47 Squalicum Mtn Trail 60 Chuckanut Mtn-East/West 10 Lower Whatcom Creek Trail 23 Ostrom Conservation Forest 36 Larrabee State Park-Cyrus 48 Smith Road Trail 61 Olsen Property 11 Upper Whatcom Creek Trail 24 Silver Lake – Black Mountain 37 Larrabee State Park-Summit 49 West Silver Creek Trail 62 Lummi Island 12 Blaine Watershed 25 Silver Lake – Lookout 38 Clark’s Point Open Space 50 Sunset Equestrian Park __/---- existing/proposed trails

Miles of day-use trails 15 Chuckanut Mtn – Dirt trail spur from Hemlock Trail east to 0.4 Huckleberry Point Huckleberry Point Viewpoint providing vistas Trail of Sehome Hill and Lake Padden. 16 Chuckanut Mtn – Dirt trail from North Lost Lake Trail across 1.2 Salal Trail Larrabee State Park through the cliffs and dense forest of Chuckanut Mountain between Hemlock and North Lost Lake Trails. 17 Chuckanut Mtn – Dirt trail spur from Salal Trail south to 0.7 Madrone Crest Madrone Crest viewpoint. Trail 18 Chuckanut Mtn – Dirt trail from Old Samish Road south to 2.5 Pine & Cedar Hemlock Trail and Cedar and Pine Lakes with Lakes Trail primitive campsites around the lake and old railroad grades. 19 Chuckanut Mtn – Dirt trail from Arroyo Park and Hemlock Trail 4.6 North Lost Lake south through the heart of the Chuckanut Trail Mountain trail system to Lost Lake and Chuckanut Drive at Clayton Beach. 20 Samish Park Trail Dirt trail along shoreline and looped into 0.7 hillsides. 1.3 21 Squires Lake Trail Dirt hiking trails on an old railroad grade 3.7 from the trailhead on Old Highway 99 to viewpoints and fishing sites located around Squires Lake and Beaver Pond perimeter. 22 Canyon Lake Dirt trail around the lake to overlooks and 8.7 Community Forest old growth forest. 23 Ostrom Dirt trails from trailhead on South Pass Road Conservation Site onto school district interpretive sites and DNR lands on Sumas Mountain. 24 Silver Lake - Black Dirt trail from the horse camp at Silver Lake 1.7 Mountain Trail to Black Mountain. 25 Silver Lake Park - Dirt trail loop through Silver Lake Park. 1.0 Lookout Trail 26 Silver Lake Park - Gravel trail from the horse camp to the main 0.4 Horse Camp Trail park facility in Silver Lake Park. 27 Smith & Northwest Dirt walking trail around the baseball and 1.1 Sports Complex soccer athletic field complex. 28 Stimpson Family Dirt hiking trails from trailhead on Lake 3.0 Nature Reserve Louise Road onto DNR, city, county, and land trust near Lake Whatcom. Washington State agencies 23.0 29 Bug Lake Trail Dirt walking trail around Bug Lake with 0.8 fishing access sites – may not be passable during high water seasons. 30 Toad/Emerald Dirt hiking trail from Britton Road turn-off to 1.0 Lake Trail Toad Lake access and fishing dock. 31 DNR Lookout- Undesignated dirt mountain and single track 10.0 Galbraith trails complex across and around DNR and Mountain Trails private forestlands on Galbraith Mountain with access from Whatcom Creek Park and Birch Street on the north, and Padden Lake Park and Galbraith Lane on the south – user maintained. 32 Larrabee State Dirt hiking trail from Arroyo Park, Hemlock, 3.3 Park – Chuckanut and North Lost Lake Trails south through the Ridge Trail state park along the ridge line to South Lost Lake Trail.

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Miles of day-use trails 33 Larrabee State Dirt trail extension from the south end of 2.1 Park – Cleator Cleator Road around Fragance Lake to South Road Lost Lake Trail then southwest to the parking lot at Clayton Beach. 34 Larrabee State Dirt hiking trail from Larrabee State Park 1.9 Park – Fragrance campgrounds east up the hillside to 0.8 Lake Trail Fragrance Lake with a lake loop trail 0.3 including wetlands boardwalk, and a trail spur to a scenic overlook. 35 Larrabee State Dirt trail from the end of Cleator Road east 1.6 Park – South Lost around Cyrus Gates Overlook to Lost Lake. Lake Trail 36 Larrabee State Dirt hiking trial from the end of Cleator Road 0.6 Park – Cyrus Gates and South Lost Lake Trail east to Cyrus Overlook Gates Overlook. 37 Larrabee State Dirt trail from the parking lot at Clayton 0.6 Park – South Beach and Cleator Road south to DNR Summit Trail forestlands. Other publicly accessible 1.6 38 Clark’s Point Open Privately-owned dirt trail with steep access 0.9 Space Trail to Chuckanut and Bellingham Bay shorelines. 39 Clayton Beach Gravel trail in Interurban right-of-way from 0.7 Trail – PSE Interurban Trail to Clayton Beach Dirt at the Whatcom/Skagit County line. Existing day-use trails miles 96.8

Proposed day-use trailss The following trail system may be developed to provide day-use trails opportunities on a countywide or regional basis subject to feasibility studies with appropriate public and private participants. The trails generally follow public road and utility right-of-way corridors, but may be relocated onto public and/or private property where owners approve. Miles of day-use trails Bellingham 29.1 40 Connelly Creek- Dirt walking trail to be improved and 2.3 Sehome extended from Arroyo Park north to Padden Arboretum Trail Trail then through Happy Valley Park, Connelly Creek Natural Area, Happy Valley Community Garden, Sehome HS to Sehome Hill Arboretum Trails. 41 Cordata Trail Paved and gravel trail to be developed from 1.0 Bellis Fair Mall north through Cordata Business Park, Whatcom County Community College, and adjacent residential neighborhoods to Silver Creek Headwaters Trail. 42 King-Queen Dirt hiking trail to be developed from Bay to 3.7 Mountain Trail Baker Trail through Northridge Park, DNR forest parcels, and around King and Queen Mountains to Silver Creek Headwaters Trail. 43 Lookout-Galbraith Dirt hiking to be improved from Whatcom 6.5 Mountain Trail Falls Park south to Lake Padden Park (4.6 miles) and DNR forest parcels located at the south end of Lake Whatcom off South Bay Road (6.5 miles). 44 Padden Trail Gravel trail to be improved and extended 2.7 from Lake Padden Park along Padden Creek across I-5 and through Happy Valley Park, and Fairhaven Park to the Interurban Trail.

125 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Miles of day-use trails 45 Samish Hill Trail Gravel trail to be developed from Whatcom 2.7 Creek Trail and Civic Field south to Padden Creek Park. 46 Silver Creek Gravel trail to be developed from Northwest 2.6 Headwaters Trail Avenue east along Silver Creek to Smith & Northwest Sports Park. 47 Squalicum Gravel hiking trail to be developed from 2.7 Mountain Trail Toad Lake DFW Access east to Squalicum Valley and Agate Bay. 48 Smith Road Trail Gravel trail to be developed from Smith & 2.3 Northwest Sports Park west across I-5 to the Nooksack River Trail. 49 West Silver Creek Gravel trail to be developed from Bakerview 2.6 Trail Road north to Smith Road and Smith Road Trail. Whatcom County 78.4 50 Sunset Equestrian Dirt hiking trail to be developed around 1.0 Park wooded and wetland area on the park and west towards Birch Bay. 51 South Fork Park Dirt hiking trail to be developed along the 4.0 riverfront and through wooded areas between Acme, Overby, and Nesset Farms. 52 Bertrand Creek- Dirt hiking trail to be developed from the 5.0 Berthusen Park- proposed park site on the Nooksack River Fish Trap Creek north to Berthusen Park, then east to Fish Trail Trap Creek trail in Lynden. 53 South Pass Road Dirt hiking trail to be extended north from 4.0 Trail the Bay to Baker Trail along South Pass Road to the border viewpoints. 54 Black-Bald Dirt hiking trail to be developed from Silver 6.5 Mountain Trail Lake Park east on old logging roads across Black and Bald Mountain into Mt Baker National Park on USFS Trail 689. 55 Nooksack River Dirt hiking trail to be developed on the 10.0 North Fork South south side of the North Fork of the Side Trail Nooksack River from the fish hatchery at Horse Race Creek east to Glacier and the Bay to Baker Trail. 56 Nooksack River Dirt hiking trail to be developed from the 4.0 Middle Fork Trail end of the Middle Fork multipurpose trail east into Mt Baker National Park on Trail 697. 57 Skookum Creek Dirt hiking trail to be developed from the 8.0 Trail fish hatchery on the South Fork east along Skookum Creek into Mount Baker Wilderness and National Park trails. 58 Stewart Mountain Dirt hiking trails to be developed on old 8.0 logging roads and under powerlines across the ridgeline of Stewart Mountain from Lake Whatcom County Park South to Park North. 59 Airport Trail Gravel trail to be developed from Cliffside 2.7 System Overlook on Marine Drive through Airport and DNR Lost Lake properties to the Nooksack River Trail and Slater Road. 60 Chuckanut Dirt hiking and off-road mountain biking 3.1 Mountain Trail East Trail to be upgraded and separated 5.1 East and South according to user and skill requirements and extended from Arroyo Park south over Chuckanut Mountain and past Pine and

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Miles of day-use trails Chuckanut Cedar Lakes to Lake Samish Park. South trail Mountain Trail to be developed from Arroyo Park south over East and South - Chuckanut Mountain to Pigeon Point and the continued Interurban Trail. 61 Olsen Property Dirt hiking trail to be developed from 5.0 trailhead on Lake Louise Road onto DNR and private forestlands on Lookout Mountain. 62 Lummi Island Dirt hiking trail to be developed from Village 12.0 Point north around Point Migley then south on Seacrest Drive and across the island and through private forestlands to Carter Point then north. Total proposed day-use trails miles 107.5

Multipurpose trails - cross county day-hiking segments Existing multipurpose trails As described in section 3.5, the following multipurpose trail systems have been developed that provide day-hiking opportunities across the county on former railroad, logging road, and other established corridors. Multipurpose trail miles Whatcom County 30.8 1-8 Whatcom County Existing multipurpose trail corridors include 30.8 Bay to Baker Trail from Maple Falls to Glacier, Nooksack River on Hovander Dike, Coast Millennium on Semiahmoo Spit, Interurban, Chuckanut Mountain Hemlock and Lost Lake, Lake Whatcom Hertz Trail and Squires Lake. Bellingham 12.1 9- Bay to Baker Trail Existing multipurpose trail corridors include 12.1 13 – Bellingham Bay to Baker and Interurban in Bellingham, Segment South and North Bay Trails, Railroad Trail, and Whatcom Creek Trail Lower and Upper Segments. Total existing multipurpose trails 42.9

Proposed multipurpose trails As described in section 3.5, the following multipurpose trail system may be developed to provide day-hiking opportunities across the county subject to feasibility studies with appropriate public and private participants. The trails generally follow railroad, river dike, utility right-of-way, and public road corridors, but may be relocated onto public and/or private property where owners approve. Multipurpose trail miles Whatcom County 143.4 14- Whatcom County Complete and initiate development of the 143.4 23 Trail Systems Bay to Baker and Millennium Coast Trails, Sandy Point Trail, Bellingham Bay Trail, Lummi Island, Nooksack River, Lake Whatcom, and BNSF Rail Trails. Blaine 6.4 24 Semiahmoo- Complete trail development from the end of 6.4 Drayton Harbor Semiahmoo Spit around the inner Drayton Loop Trail Harbor shoreline. Lynden 5.4 25 BNSF Spur Trail Develop multipurpose rail trail from the Bay 5.4 to Baker Trail at Hampton parallel and south of BNSF Railroad track west to Lynden.

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14 27 26 24 3 1 25 18

19 20 3 28

1 2 30 29 15 21 3 1 11-12 16 13 10 23 22 7 17 9 32

31 6 7 5 8 4

Day-hiking - multipurpose trail segments

Existing trails Proposed trails __ existing trails 1-8 Whatcom County 14-25 Whatcom County Systems ---- proposed trails 9-13 Bay to Baker - Bellingham 26 Semiahmoo/Drayton Harbor 27 BNSF Spur Trail 28 Mtn View Trail 29-32 Bellingham Trail Systems

Multipurpose trail miles Ferndale 3.6 26 Mtn View Trail Develop multipurpose trail from Hovander 3.6 Park across the Nooksack Trail to Lake Terrell Road and a connection with the Coast Millennium Trail. Bellingham 48.3 27- Bellingham Trail Complete and initiate development of the 48.3 30 Systems Bay to Baker, Interurban, South and North Bay, Railroad Trail, Whatcom Creek, Silver Spring-Cordata-Spring Creek, Toad Creek, Lookout Mountain, and Samish Hill-Lake Padden Trails. Total proposed multipurpose trails 207.1

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130 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan