3.7 Horse trails

A system of horse trails will be developed to link major environmental assets, park, and recreational facilities throughout Whatcom County. To the extent practical and possible, horse trails will be linked or extended into local communities that have significant horse populations to provide convenient and safe access for riders of all age and skill levels.

Within the developed areas, horse trails will parallel or coincide with other multipurpose trail corridors or be within separate routes using powerline, pipeline, and other alignments of interest to the horse riding population.

Horse trails will be constructed to USDA Forest Service standards of a sand or compacted dirt base with an additional under-story clearance on either side of the trail. When provided within a multipurpose trail corridor, the horse trail will be separated as much as possible from other hiking and biking activities. Riders will be required to dismount at all bridges and other elevated crossings where the horse trail coincides with other trail activities.

Horse trails will generally share trailhead services with other trail users when the horse trail is located within a multipurpose trail corridor. When horse trails are provided in separate locations, trailheads will be provided with parking lots, hitching racks, restrooms, and other services.

Some of the horse trails proposed within this plan have already been developed on an informal basis by horse riding organizations working in conjunction with public and private landowners. Future public horse trail development projects will use the same cooperative, joint venture approach to formally designate and improve existing trails and trailheads.

Vision As described, the horse trails vision will provide or formally designate equestrian access: ƒ to scenic areas and other features of interest, ƒ for riders of all capability levels, ƒ for extended ride duration, and ƒ within close proximity to the extent possible, to horse riding populations.

Backcountry horse trails Existing backcountry horse trails A system of horse 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 Chuckanut, Lookout, Sumas, and Black Mountains. Horse trail miles Whatcom County 18.1 1 Chuckanut Mtn – Dirt trail from Arroyo Park south across the 3.5 Hemlock Trail Chuckanut Mountain Trail system from Chuckanut Drive southeast and around Pine & Cedar Lakes Trail to the old Samish Road trailhead. 2 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. 3 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.

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Existing trails - backcountry Proposed trails - backcountry Existing trails – urban Proposed trails – in parks 1 Chuckanut Mtn – Hemlock 13 H Street-Haverstock Road 25 DNR Stewart Mountain Trails 26 Interurban Trail – Bellingham 32 Lake Padden Trails 2 Chuckanut Mtn – Huckleberry 14 Birch Bay-Lynden-Berthusen 27 Interurban Trail – Whatcom 33 Sunset Farm Equestrian

3 Chuckanut Mtn – Salal 15 Smith Road Trail Existing trails – in parks 4 Chuckanut Mtn – Mardrona 16 South Pass Road 28 Airport Trail System 5 Chuckanut Mtn – Pine & Cedar 17 Sumas Mtn Trails 29 King-Queen Mtn Trail 6 Chuckanut Mtn – Lost Lake 18 Black-Bald Mountain Trail 30 Lookout-Galbraith Mtn 7 Lookout Mtn Trail 19 Nooksack River-South Side 31 Samish Hill Trail 8 Silver Lake/Black Mountain 20 Slide Mountain Trails 9 Larrabee State Park-Cleator 21 Nooksack River-Middle 10 Larrabee State Park-Lost Lake 22 Skookum Creek Trail 11 Larrabee State Park-Summit 23 Stewart Mountain __ existing trails 12 Clayton Beach-PSE 24 DNR Anderson Mountain Trails ---- proposed trails

Horse trail miles 4 Chuckanut Mtn – Dirt trail spur from Salal Trail south to 0.7 Madrone Crest Madrona Crest viewpoint. Trail 5 Chuckanut Mtn – Dirt trail spur from Hemlock Trail and Old 2.5 Pine & Cedar Samish Road south on an old railroad grade Lakes Trail around Cedar and Pine Lakes with primitive campsites around the lake. 6 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 south to Lost Lake and Chuckanut Drive at Clayton Beach. 7 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. 8 Silver Lake – Black Dirt trail from the horse camp at Black 1.7 Mountain Trail Mountain to the logging road system across DNR lands on the mountaintop. Washington State agencies 4.3 9 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. 10 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 11 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 0.7 12 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 backcountry horse trail miles 23.1

Proposed backcountry horse trails The following trail system will be designated to provide horse trail opportunities subject to feasibility studies with appropriate public and private participants. The trails generally follow old logging road and utility right-of-way corridors, but will be relocated onto public and/or private property where owners approve. Horse trail miles Whatcom County 117.0 13 H Street- Dirt horse trail corridor to be developed 18.0 Haverstock Road along H Street-Haverstock Roads from Blaine Trail BNSF Rail Trail to Sumas and a connection to the Bay to Baker Trail with trailheads at Sunset Farm Equestrian Center in Blaine and Sumas Rodeo. 14 Birch Bay-Lynden Dirt horse trail corridor to be developed 14.0 Road-Berthusen from Sunset Equestrian Park east along Birch Park-H Street Trail Bay-Lynden Road to Bertrand Creek and Berthusen Park then north to H Street- Haverstock Road Trail. A south spur trail to be developed from Berthusen Park to the Nooksack River Trail in Lynden and a trailhead at the County Fairgrounds. 15 Smith Road Trail Dirt horse trail corridor to be developed 8.0 from Nooksack River Trail east along Smith Road to the Bay to Baker Trail with a trailhead at the 4-H Arena.

133 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Horse trail miles 16 South Pass Road Dirt horse trail corridor to be developed 8.5 Trail from the Nooksack River/Bay to Baker Trail north along South Pass Road to the Bay to Baker Trail in Kendall then north to the border viewpoints with a trailhead at the Ostrom Conservation Site. 17 Sumas Mtn Trails Designate additional horse trails on DNR and 14.0 private forestlands on Sumas Mountain with trailhead access from the Ostrom Conservation Site on South Pass Road. 18 Black-Bald Dirt horse trails to be developed from Silver 10.5 Mountain Trail Lake Park horse camp east on old logging roads across Black and Bald Mountain into Mt Baker National Park on USFS Trail 689. 19 Nooksack River Dirt horse trail to be developed on the south 10.0 North Fork South side of the North Fork of the Nooksack River Side Trail from the fish hatchery at Horse Race Creek east to Glacier and the Bay to Baker Trail. 20 Slide Mtn Trails Dirt horse trails to be developed-designated 12.0 from the Nooksack River North Fork South Side Trail south around and across Slide Mountain to the Nooksack River Middle Fork Trail with a trailhead in Glacier. 21 Nooksack River Dirt horse trail to be developed from the end 4.0 Middle Fork Trail of the Middle Fork multipurpose trail east into Mt Baker National Park on Trail 697. 22 Skookum Creek Dirt horse trail to be developed from the fish 8.0 Trail hatchery on the South Fork east along Skookum Creek into Mount Baker Wilderness and National Park trails. 23 Stewart Mountain Dirt hiking trails to be developed on old 10.0 logging roads and under powerlines across the ridgeline of Stewart Mountain from Lake Whatcom County Park South to Park North then to Toad-Emerald Lake. Washington State agencies/private parties 20.0 24 DNR Anderson Designate horse trails across DNR and 8.0 Mtn – Trails private forestlands on old logging roads and rail alignments – user maintained. 25 DNR Stewart Mtn – Designate horse trails across DNR and 12.0 Trails private forestlands on old logging roads and rail alignments – user maintained. Proposed backcountry horse trail miles 137.0

Horse trails – urban areas Existing urban area horse trails The following system of regionally significant horse trails has been developed across public lands. Urban area horse trail miles Bellingham 1.4 26 Interurban Trail – Multipurpose paved trail along former 1.4 Bellingham electric railway trackbed from Larrabee State segment Park to Fairhaven with trailheads at Larrabee State Park, Arroyo Park Canyon, Fairhaven Park, and Fairhaven Town Square with scenic views of Chuckanut Bay.

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Horse trails - multipurpose trail segments

Existing trails – multipurpose Proposed trails–multipurpose __ existing trails 1-8 Whatcom County 14-15,18-25 Whatcom County ---- proposed trails 1-4 Bellingham 27 BNSF Spur Trail 29-32 Bellingham Trails

Urban area horse trail miles Whatcom County 4.2 27 Interurban Trail – Multipurpose gravel trail in former electric 4.2 Whatcom segment railway trackbed from Chuckanut Bay to a trailhead in Larrabee State Park. Total existing urban area horse trail miles 5.6

Proposed urban area horse trails The following regionally significant horse trail systems will be developed to provide horse trail opportunities within the urban areas subject to feasibility studies with appropriate public and private participants. The trails generally follow public road and utility right-of-way corridors, but will be relocated onto public and/or private property where owners approve. Urban area horse trail miles Bellingham 15.6 28 Airport Trail Gravel horse trail to be developed from 2.7 System Cliffside Overlook on Marine Drive through Airport and DNR Lost Lake properties to the Nooksack River Trail and Slater Road. 29 King-Queen Dirt horse 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. 30 Lookout-Galbraith Dirt horse trail to be improved from 6.5 Mountain Trail Whatcom 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). 31 Samish Hill Trail Gravel horse trail to be developed from 2.7 Whatcom Creek Trail and Civic Field south to Padden Creek Park. Total proposed urban area horse trail miles 15.6

Horse trails in parks Existing horse trails within parks The following regionally significant park trails provide horseback riding opportunities. Park horse trail miles Bellingham 11.7 32 Lake Padden Trails Gravel horse trail through the woods and 11.7 across some hilly terrain along the outer boundary of Lake Padden Park. Whatcom County 2.0 33 Sunset Farm Concessionaire operated equestrian facility 2.0 Equestrian Center providing stables, riding trails, open riding areas, jumps, a round pen, and arena. Total existing park horse trail miles 13.7

Multipurpose trails - cross county horse trail segments Existing multipurpose trails As described in section 3.5, the following multipurpose trail systems have been developed that provide horseback riding 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, Coast Millennium, Interurban, Chuckanut Mountain Hemlock and Lost Lake, and Squires Lake.

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Multipurpose trail miles Bellingham 2.7 1-4 Bellingham Existing multipurpose trail corridors include 2.7 Bay to Baker and Interurban Trails in Bellingham. Total existing multipurpose trails 33.5

Proposed multipurpose trails As described in section 3.5, the following multipurpose trail system will be developed to provide horseback riding 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 will 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 15, Trail Systems Bay to Baker and Coast Millennium Trails, 18- Sandy Point Trail, Bellingham Bay Trail, 25 Lummi Island, Nooksack River, Lake Whatcom, and BNSF Rail Trails. 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. Bellingham 38.6 29- Bellingham Trail Complete and initiate development of the 38.6 32 Systems Bay to Baker, Interurban, Silver Spring- Cordata-Spring Creek, Toad Creek, Lookout Mountain, and Samish Hill-Lake Padden Trails. Total proposed multipurpose trails 193.8

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3.8 Off-road mountain biking trails

A system of off-road mountain bike trails may be developed to link major environmental assets, park, and recreational facilities within Whatcom County. To the extent practical and possible, off-road mountain bike trails may be linked or extended into local urban areas to provide convenient, safe access for younger age riders. Mountain bike trail facilities may also be developed to provide contained trails within major parks and/or on public or utility rights-of-way that are safe and practical for younger, less experienced riders.

To the extent possible or practical, mountain bike trails may be developed as single mode trails to USDA Forest Service mountain bike trail standards. Shared trail corridors, however, may be simply designated for joint equestrian, hiking, and mountain bike trail use.

Within developed areas, mountain bike trails may parallel or coincide with other multipurpose trail corridors or within separate routes using powerline, pipeline, and other alignments of interest to the mountain bike riding population. In some instances, mountain bike trails may be developed as improvements within the right-of-way of established vehicular or other transportation corridors - particularly where these segments may provide trail access to parks or riding areas that would not be accessible otherwise.

Mountain bike trails may be constructed of a compacted dirt or crushed rock base with an additional under-story clearance on either side of the trail. When provided within a multipurpose trail corridor, the mountain bike trail may be an integral part of other hiking and biking activities.

Mountain bike trails may generally share trailhead services with other trail users when the mountain bike trail is located within a multipurpose trail corridor. When mountain bike trails are provided in separate locations, trailheads may be provided with parking lots, restrooms, and other services.

Mountain biking enthusiasts working in conjunction with cycling interest groups have proposed some of the trails in this plan. Future public mountain biking trail projects may use the same cooperative, joint venture approach to formally designate and improve existing trails and trailheads and/or develop new off-road trails, rest stops, and other trail services.

VISION As described, the mountain bike trails vision may: ƒ increase off-road mountain bike trail access for experienced riders to scenic areas and features for extended ride duration, ƒ increase trail access to parks, open space corridors, and other areas of interest within the urban areas, ƒ serve persons with varied physical abilities and skills, and ƒ expand trail corridors to provide for a mixture of recreational uses.

Backcountry off-road mountain bike trails Existing backcountry off-road mountain bike trails A system of backcountry off-road mountain bike 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 Chuckanut, Lookout, Sumas, and Black Mountains.

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Off-road mountain bike trails

Existing trails Proposed trails Existing trails - urban Proposed trails - urban __ existing trails 1 Chuckanut – Hemlock 12 Sumas Mountain Trails 22 Lake Padden Loop Trail 26 Airport Trail System ---- proposed trails 2 Chuckanut – Huckleberry 13 Black-Bald Mountain 23 Lake Padden Trail 27 Chuckanut Mtn – East/West 3 Chuckanut – Salal 14 Nooksack River – North 24 Whatcom Falls Park Trail 28 Connelly Creek-Sehome 4 Chuckanut – Madrona 15 Slide Mountain Trails 25 Upper Whatcom Creek Trail 29 Cordata Trail 5 Chuckanut – Pine & Cedar 16 Nooksack River – Middle 30 King-Queen Mtn Trail 6 Chuckanut – Lost Lake 17 Skookum Creek Trail 31 Lookout-Gailbraith Mtn 7 Lookout Mountain 18 Stewart Mountain 32 Padden Trail 8 DNR Lookout-Galbraith 19 Lummi Island 33 Samish Hill Trail 9 Larrabee State Park-Cleator 20 DNR Anderson Mtn Trails 34 Silver Creek Headwaters 10 Larrabee State Park-Lost Lake 21 DNR Stewart Mtn Trails 35 Squlaicum Mtn Trail 11 Larrabee State Park-Summit 36 Smith Road Trail 37 West Silver Creek Trail

Backcountry mountain bike trail miles Whatcom County 16.4 1 Chuckanut Mtn – Dirt trail from Arroyo Park south across the 3.5 Hemlock Trail Chuckanut Mountain Trail system from Chuckanut Drive southeast and around Pine & Cedar Lakes Trail to the old Samish Road trailhead. 2 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. 3 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. 4 Chuckanut Mtn – Dirt trail spur from Salal Trail south to 0.7 Madrone Crest Madrona Crest viewpoint. Trail 5 Chuckanut Mtn – Dirt trail spur from Hemlock Trail and Old 2.5 Pine & Cedar Samish Road south on an old railroad grade Lakes Trail around Cedar and Pine Lakes with primitive campsites around the lake. 6 Chuckanut Mtn – Dirt trail from Arroyo Park and Hemlock Trail 4.6 North Lost Lake south through the hear of the Chuckanut Trail Mountain trail system south to Lost Lake and Chuckanut Drive at Clayton Beach. 7 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. Washington State agencies 9.3 8 DNR Lookout- Dirt mountain and single track trails 5.0 Galbraith complex across and around DNR and private Mountain Trails forestlands on Galbraith Mountain and the Arsenio with access from Whatcom Creek Park and Birch Street on the north, and Padden Lake Park and Galbraith Lane on the south – user maintained. 9 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. 10 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 11 Larrabee State Dirt trail from the parking lot at Clayton 0.6 Park – South Beach and Cleator Road south to DNR Summit Trail forestlands. Existing backcountry mountain bike trail miles 25.7

Proposed backcountry off-road mountain bike trails The following trail system may be designated to provide off-road mountain bike trail opportunities subject to feasibility studies with appropriate public and private participants. The trails generally follow old logging road and utility right-of-way corridors, but may be relocated onto public and/or private property where owners approve.

141 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Backcountry off-road mountain bike trail miles Whatcom County 77.0 12 Sumas Mtn Trails Designate mountain bike trails on DNR and 18.0 private forestlands on Sumas Mountain with trailhead access from the Ostrom Conservation Site on South Pass Road. 13 Black-Bald Designate dirt trails from Silver Lake Park 10.5 Mountain Trail horse camp east on old logging roads across Black and Bald Mountain into Mt Baker National Park on USFS Trail 689. 14 Nooksack River Designate dirt trail on the south side of the 10.0 North Fork South North Fork of the Nooksack River from the Side Trail fish hatchery at Horse Race Creek east to Glacier and the Bay to Baker Trail. 15 Slide Mtn Trails Designate dirt trails from the Nooksack River 12.0 North Fork South Side Trail south around and across Slide Mountain to the Nooksack River Middle Fork Trail with a trailhead in Glacier. 16 Nooksack River Designate dirt trails from the end of the 4.0 Middle Fork Trail Middle Fork multipurpose trail east into Mt Baker National Park on Trail 697. 17 Skookum Creek Designate dirt trails from the fish hatchery 8.0 Trail on the South Fork east along Skookum Creek into Mount Baker Wilderness and National Park trails. 18 Stewart Mountain Designate dirt trails on old logging roads 12.0 and under powerlines across the ridgeline of Stewart Mountain from Lake Whatcom County Park South to Park North. 19 Lummi Island Designate dirt trails from the ferry terminal 2.5 west along Legoe Bay Road and south along Seacrest Drive. Washington State agencies/private parties 20.0 20 DNR Anderson Designate dirt trails across DNR and private 8.0 Mtn – Trails forestlands on old logging roads and rail alignments – to be user maintained. 21 DNR Stewart Mtn – Designate dirt trails across DNR and private 12.0 Trails forestlands on old logging roads and rail alignments – to be user maintained. Proposed backcountry off-road mtn bike trail miles 97.0

Urban area off-road mountain bike trails Existing urban area trails A system of regional mountain-biking trails has been developed and in some instances, designated on an informal basis, across public and some private lands (subject to property owner permission) in the following areas. Urban area mountain biking trails Bellingham parks 22.7 22 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. 23 Lake Padden Trails Gravel trail through the woods and across 11.7 some hilly terrain along the outer boundary of Lake Padden Park. 24 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

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Off-road mountain bike - 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

Urban area mountain biking trails Whatcom Falls of the concrete WPOA bridge to the lower Park Trail - parking lot. Includes connections with continued Scudder Pond Trail, Silver Beach Trail, and the trail from St Clair Park. 25 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. Existing urban area mountain bike trail miles 22.7

Proposed urban area trails The following trail system may be developed to provide mountain biking trail 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. Urban area mountain biking trails Bellingham 40.0 26 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. 27 Chuckanut East Trail to be upgraded and separated 3.1 Mountain Trail according to user and skill requirements and 5.1 East and South extended from Arroyo Park south over Chuckanut Mountain and past Pine and Cedar Lakes to Lake Samish Park. South trail to be developed from Arroyo Park south over Chuckanut Mountain to Pigeon Point and Interurban Trail. 28 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. 29 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. 30 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. 31 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). 32 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. 33 Samish Hill Trail Gravel trail to be developed from Whatcom 2.7 Creek Trail and Civic Field south to Padden Creek Park.

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Urban area mountain biking trails 34 Silver Creek Gravel trail to be developed from Northwest 2.6 Headwaters Trail Avenue east along Silver Creek to Smith & Northwest Sports Park. 35 Squalicum Gravel hiking trail to be developed from 2.7 Mountain Trail Toad Lake DFW Access east to Squalicum Valley and Agate Bay. 36 Smith Road Trail Gravel trail to be developed from Smith & 2.3 Northwest Sports Park west across I-5 to the Nooksack River Trail. 37 West Silver Creek Gravel trail to be developed from Bakerview 2.6 Trail Road north to Smith Road Trail. Proposed urban area mountain bike trail miles 40.0

Multipurpose trails - cross county mountain biking segments Existing multipurpose trails As described in section 3.5, the following multipurpose trail systems have been developed that provide mountain-biking 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, Interurban, Chuckanut Mountain Hemlock and Lost Lake, and Lake Whatcom Hertz Trail. 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 Lower and Upper Trails. 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 mountain biking 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 25 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 26 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 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.

145 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Multipurpose trail miles Ferndale 3.6 28 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 29- Bellingham Trail Complete and initiate development of the 48.3 32 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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3.9 On-road bicycle touring routes

Cross-county bicycle touring and commuter routes will be developed to access major environmental assets, park and recreational facilities, historical features, scenic corridors and vistas, and other features of interest to experienced bicycle touring enthusiasts throughout Whatcom County.

Where appropriate and to the extent practical and safe bicycle touring routes will be extended into local urban neighborhoods to create an integrated on-road bicycling system. The local on-road bicycling system will provide access to local park and recreational facilities, schools and public facilities, community centers and business districts, places of employment, and transit transfer centers for adult and youth bike riders from local areas.

To the extent possible, bicycling touring routes will be developed to Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) or American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards with expanded, designated or marked road shoulders and lanes. In the less congested areas, bicycle-touring routes will be simply designated for joint vehicular/bicycle use.

Bicycling enthusiasts working in conjunction with public agencies and other private cycling interest groups have designated most of the bicycle touring routes proposed within this plan. Future public bicycle touring development projects will use the same cooperative, joint venture approach to designate and improve routes and trailheads and/or to develop new on-road routes, rest stops, and other bicycle touring or commuting services.

VISION As described, the bicycle touring route vision will: ƒ increase on-road bicycle touring access for experienced riders to scenic areas and features, ƒ increase bicycle trail access for local residents, including commuters, to community facilities, schools, employment, and transit transfer centers, ƒ serve persons with varied physical abilities and skills, and ƒ expand roadway corridors to provide recreational and commuter uses.

Rural on-road bicycle touring routes Existing rural on-road bicycle touring routes The following roadways in the county have been designated or developed for on- road bicycle touring using shoulder expansions, lanes, markings, or other signage designations. Existing rural on-road bicycle touring route miles Whatcom County 30.0 1 Guide Meridian Designated on-road bicycle commuting and 15.0 touring route from downtown Bellingham north on Meridian Street and the Guide Meridian past Front Street in Lynden to the Canadian border. 2 Hannegan Road Designated bicycle commuting and touring 10.5 route from Mount Baker Highway in Bellingham north to Front Street in Lynden. 3 Chuckanut Drive Designated bicycle touring route from 4.5 Fairhaven in Bellingham south to Skagit County line. Total existing rural on-road bicycle touring route miles 30.0

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On-road bicycle touring routes – rural

Existing routes Proposed routes __ existing routes 1 Guide Meridan 2 Yew Street-Woburn-Hannegan 14 Mount Baker Highway 25 Ferndale Road-Portal Way ---- proposed routes 2 Hannigan Road 4 Point Roberts Loop 15 Electric-Northshore Drive 26 Northwest Drive 3 Chuckanut Drive 5 Tyee Drive, Point Roberts 16 Lakeway-Lake Whatcom-South 27 Everson-Goshen Road 6 H Street-Halverstick 17 Lake Louise Road 28 Lawrence-Nooksack Road 7 Main Street-Hampton 18 Samish Way 29 Valley Highway 8 Birch Bay-Lynden 19 Old Samish Road 30 Y Road 9 South Pass/Silver Lake Road 20 Lake Samish Loop 31 Kendall Road 10 Grandview Road 21 Birch Bay Drive 32 Mosquito Lake Road 11 Smith Road 22 Kickerville-Lake Terrell 12 Sucia Drive-Red River Road 23 Lummi Shore Drive 13 Eldridge-Marine Drive 24 Lummi Island

Proposed rural on-road bicycle touring routes The following roadways in the county will be designated or developed for on-road bicycle touring using shoulder expansions, lanes, markings, or other signage designations. Rural on-road bicycle touring route miles Whatcom County 305.7 2 Yew Street- On-road bicycle route to be designated from 7.6 Woburn- Samish Way at Lake Padden north to Hannegan-Bender Lakeway Drive and north on Woburn to Road Hannegan Road – and north from Lynden on Bender Road to East Boundary Road. 4 Point Roberts On-road bicycle touring route to be 7.0 Loop developed around Point Roberts from Lighthouse County Park north on Marine Drive, east on Roosevelt Road, south on Boundary Bay Road, and west on Edwards Drive. 5 Tyee Drive, Point On-road bicycle touring route to be 1.0 Roberts developed on Point Roberts fromRoosevelt Road south to Marina Drive. 6 H Street- On-road bicycle touring route to be 20.0 Halverstick Road designated from Blaine east on H Street to Guide Meridian, then east on East Boundary Road to Northwood, then east on Halverstick Road to Sumas. 7 Main Street- On-road bicycle route to be designated from 11.0 Hampton Road H Street in Blaine south on Mark Weidkamp Road to Badger Road and Berthusen Park, east on Badger Road to Berthusen Road to Main Street, east on Main Street to Hampton Road, east on Hampton, Timon, and Stickney Road to Everson. 8 Birch Bay-Lynden On-road bicycle route to be designated from 12.0 Road Birch Bay Drive east on Birch Bay-Lynden Road to Guide Meridian, then east on Kok Road to Front Street in Lynden. 9 South Pass Road- On-road bicycle route to be designated from 17.0 Silver Lake Road Everson east through Nooksack to the Canadian border on South Pass Road, then south on Silver Lake Road and through Silver Lake Park to Maple Falls. 10 Grandview Road On-road bicycle route to be designated from 8.0 Birch Bay Drive and Point Whitehorn east on Grandview Road (SR-548) to Portal Way. 11 Smith Road On-road bicycle route to be designated from 12.0 Ferndale on Hovander Road and Hovander Homestead Park east on Smith Road to Mount Baker Highway (SR-542). 12 Sucia Drive-Red On-road bicycle route to be designated from 9.5 River Road Hovander Homestead Park south on Hovander Road to Slater Road, then west on Red River Road to Slater Road, then south on Sucia Drive to Sandy Point. 13 Eldridge-Marine On-road bicycle route to be designated from 7.0 Drive downtown Bellingham on Holly Street north on Eldridge and Marine Drive to Red River Road.

149 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Rural on-road bicycle touring route miles 14 Mount Baker On-road bicycle route to be designated from 44.0 Highway (SR-542) Sunset Drive in Bellingham northeast on Mount Baker Highway (SR-542) northeast through Deming, Kendall, Maple Falls, and Glacier to Artist Point in Mount Baker National Forest. 15 Electric- On-road bicycle route to be designated from 7.0 Northshore Drive Whatcom Falls Park on Electric Avenue north past Bloedel Donovan Park in Bellingham then north on Northshore Drive around Lake Whatcom to the end of the paved road. 16 Lakeway-Lake On-road bicycle route to be designated from 15.0 Whatcom-South Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham south on Bay-Park Road Lakeway Drive to Lake Whatcom then south on Lake Whatcom Boulevard and around the south end of the lake on South Bay Drive to Park Road and SR-9. 17 Lake Louise Road Undesignated on-road bicycle route to be 4.5 improved from Lakeway Drive to Lake Whatcom Boulevard. 18 Samish Way On-road bicycle route to be designated from 6.0 Lakeway Drive south on Samish Way past Lake Padden Park to the Plantation Rifle Range and Old Samish Road at Squires Lake on old Highway 99. 19 Old Samish Road On-road bicycle route to be designated from 6.0 Arroyo Park in Bellingham southeast on Old Samish Road around the east side of Lake Samish and Dittrich Park to the Skagit County line and old Highway 99 at Squires Lake. 20 Lake Samish Loop On-road bicycle route to be designated 5.5 around Lake Samish on East, West, and North Lake Samish Drive with trailheads at Samish and Dittrich Parks. 21 Birch Bay Drive On-road bicycle route to be designated from 6.5 Drayton Harbor Road in Blaine south on Shintaffer Road to Birch Bay Drive then south around Birch Bay to Point Whitehorn and Grandview Road (SR-548). 22 Kickerville-Lake On-road bicycle route to be designated from 10.0 Terrell Road California Creek in Blaine south on Blaine and Loomis Roads to Kickerville Road across Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Grandview Road (SR- 548), and the Lake Terrell Wildlife Refuge to Lake Terrell Road then south to Slater and Red River Roads. 23 Lummi Shore On-road bicycle route to be designated from 7.0 Drive Marine Drive south on Lummi Shore Drive past NW Indian Tribal Center and around Bellingham Bay to Lummi View to the ferry terminal at Gooseberry Point. 24 Lummi Island On-road bicycle route to be designated from 9.0 the ferry terminal north on Nugent Road around Point Migley then south on West Shore Drive to Village Point then easton Legoe Bay Road to Seacrest Drive then west on Sunrise Road to Nugent and back to the ferry.

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Rural on-road bicycle touring route miles 25 Ferndale Road- On-road bicycle route to be designated from 14.0 Portal Way Marine Drive north through Ferndale and Pioneer Park on Ferndale Road then north on Portal Way to California Creek in Blaine. 26 Northwest Drive On-road bicycle route to be designated from 5.0 downtown Bellingham north on Northwest Drive to Smith Road and the County Annex and Sports Complex. 27 Everson-Goshen On-road bicycle route to be designated from 8.0 Road Mount Baker Highway (SR-542) north on Everson-Goshen Road to Everson. 28 Lawrence- On-road bicycle route to be designated from 11.0 Nooksack Road Sumas south on SR-9 to Badger Road, then (North SR-9) south on Nooksack Road to Nooksack and Everson, then south on Lawrence Road to Nugent’s Corner. 29 Valley Highway On-road bicycle route to be designated from 10.5 (South SR-9) Deming and Mount Baker Highway (SR-542) south on Valley Highway (SR-9) through Van Zandt, Clipper, Standard, Acme, Doram, and Wickersham to the Skagit County line. 30 Y Road On-road bicycle route to be designated from 4.0 Mount Baker Highway (SR-542) south on Squalicum Lake - Y Road to Northshore Drive. 31 Kendall Road On-road bicycle route to be designated from 8.6 Kendall north on Kendall Road to Reese Hill Road (SR-547) then north to Sumas. 32 Mosquito Lake On-road bicycle route to be designated from 12.0 Road Acme north on Mosquito Lake Road across the Middle Fork of the Nisqually River to Mount Baker Highway (SR-542). Total proposed rural on-road bicycle touring route miles 305.7

Urban on-road bicycle touring routes Existing urban on-road bicycle touring routes The following regional roadways and linking routes have been designated or developed for on-road bicycle touring using shoulder expansions, lanes, markings, or other signage designations. Urban on-road bicycle touring route miles Blaine 4.8 33 Semiahmoo On-road and parallel bicycle touring trail 2.8 Parkway from Semiahmoo Resort south along Semiahmoo Parkway to Shintaffer Road. 34 Peace Portal Drive On-road bicycle touring route on Peace 2.0 Portal Drive from California Creek north through the downtown to Marine Drive and Marine Park in Blaine. Bellingham 11.9 35 Bakerview Road On-road bicycle route on Bakerview Road 1.6 from I-5 east to Deemer Road. 36 Squalicum On-road bicycle route on Squalicum Parkway 1.6 Parkway from Roeder Avenue north to Meridian Street. 37 Barkley Boulevard On-road bicycle route on Barkley Boulevard 2.5 from Orleans Street east to Britton Road. 38 Britton Road On-road bicycle route on Britton Road from 0.4 Shore Drive north to Lahti Drive.

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34 45 33 46

36 35 38 47

37 48-53 39 43 40 41 42 44

56 On-road bicycle touring routes - urban

Existing routes - urban Proposed routes – urban __ existing routes 33 Semiahmoo Parkway 40 Lakeway Drive 45 Semiahmoo Drive-Birch Bay 53 Kansas-Meador-Lincoln ---- proposed routes 34 Peace Portal Drive 41 State Street 46 Drayton Harbor Road 54 24th-25th Street 35 Bakerview Road 42 Finnegan-Boulevard Street 47 Marine-Eldridge Drive 55 32nd Street 36 Squalicum Parkway 43 Bill McDonald Parkway 48 Broadway Street 56 Chuckanut Drive 37 Barkley Boulevard 44 Old Fairhaven Parkway 49 Cornwall Avenue 38 Britton Road 50 Ohio Street 39 Bellweather Way 51 Texas Street 52 Electric Avenue

Urban on-road bicycle touring route miles 39 Bellwether Way On-road bicycle route on Bellwether Way 0.3 from Roeder Avenue to the end of the Peninsula. 40 Lakeway Drive On-road bicycle route on Lakeway Drive from 0.3 Queen Street east to Old Lakeway Drive. 41 State Street On-road bicycle route on State Street from 0.8 Ivy Street north to York Street. 42 Finnegan- On-road bicycle route on Finnegan Street 1.8 Boulevard Street from Mill Avenue north onto 11th then Boulevard Street to Sate and Ivey Streets. 43 Bill McDonald On-road bicycle route on Bill McDonald 1.2 Parkway Parkway from 21st Street to Samish Way. 44 Old Fairhaven On-road bicycle route on Old Fairhaven 1.4 Parkway Parkway from 10th Street east to I-5. Total existing on-road designated bikeway miles 16.7

Proposed urban on-road bicycle touring routes The following regional roadways and linking routes will be designated or developed for on-road bicycle touring using shoulder expansions, lanes, markings, or other signage designations. Urban on-road bicycle touring route miles Blaine 7.0 45 Semiahmoo Drive- On-road bicycle touring route to be 4.0 Birch Point Road designated on Semiahmoo Drive from Semiahmoo Park west around the point and east on Birch Point Road to Birch Bay Drive. 46 Drayton Harbor On-road bicycle touring route to be 3.0 Road designated from Semiahmoo Parkway east on Drayton Harbor Road to Blaine Road. Bellingham 12.0 47 Marine Drive - Undesignated on-road bicycle route to be 1.5 Eldridge Avenue improved from Broadway northwest to Bennett Drive. 48 Broadway Street Undesignated on-road bicycle route to be 0.8 improved from Eldridge Avenue northeast to Roeder Home. 49 Cornwall Avenue Undesignated on-road bicycle route to be 2.1 improved from Beal Memorial Way north through the downtown to Plymouth Drive. 50 Ohio Street Undesignated on-road bicycle route to be 0.4 improved from Cornwall Avenue to State Street. 51 Texas Street Undesignated on-road bicycle route to be 1.2 improved from Nevada Street east to Erie Street. 52 Electric Avenue Undesignated on-road bicycle route to be 1.2 improved from Lakeway Drive north to Northshore Drive. 53 Kansas – Meador – Undesignated on-road bicycle route to be 1.3 Lincoln Street improved from Ellis Street east to Fraser and south across Lakeway Drive. 54 24th–25th Street Undesignated on-road bicycle route to be 0.8 improved from Old Fairhaven Parkway north to Bill McDonald Parkway. 55 32nd Street Undesignated on-road bicycle route to be 1.1 improved from Old Fairhaven Parkway north to Fielding Avenue.

153 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Urban on-road bicycle touring route miles 56 Chuckanut Drive Undesignated on-road bicycle route to be 1.6 improved from Mill Avenue through Fairhaven to Lake Samish Road. Total proposed urban on-road bikeway miles 19.0

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3.10 Winter trails

A system of cross-country ski and snowmobile trails may be developed to link park and recreational facilities within Whatcom County. To the extent practical and possible, winter trails may be linked or extended into US Forest Service (USFS) and National Park Service (NPS) areas to provide connections to USFS and NPS winter trail systems.

To the extent possible or practical, cross-country ski and snowmobile trails may be developed as single mode trails to USDA Forest Service winter trail standards. Winter trails may be constructed of a compacted dirt or crushed rock over a roadbed base with an under-story clearance on either side of the trail.

Winter trails may generally share trailhead services with other trail users when the winter trail is located within a multipurpose trail corridor. When winter trails are provided in separate locations, trailheads may be provided with parking lots, restrooms, and other services.

Winter trail enthusiasts working in conjunction with winter sports interest groups have proposed some of the trails in this plan. Future public winter trail projects may use the same cooperative, joint venture approach to formally designate and improve existing trails and trailheads and/or develop new off-road trails, rest stops, and other trail services.

VISION As described, the winter trails vision may: ƒ increase winter trail access for experienced riders to scenic areas and features for extended ride duration, ƒ increase trail access to parks, open space corridors, and other areas of interest within the rural and backcountry areas, ƒ serve persons with varied physical abilities and skills, and ƒ expand trail corridors to provide for a mixture of recreational uses.

Cross-country ski trails Existing cross-country ski trails Due to low elevations in the foothills, most county lands are below snow levels necessary to sustain consistent winter trail systems. A system of backcountry cross-country ski trails are groomed on public lands in the middle to higher elevations of Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest by the Northwest Washington Snowmobile Trail Grooming Advisory Board.

The Board applies for an annual winter recreation program grant from the Washington State Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) from snowmobile registration fees and a percentage of the state gas tax. The program grooms approximately 2,055 miles of trail within the Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties area frequented by about 12,000 users annually. Following are the trails the program grooms within Whatcom County. Cross-country ski trail miles Whatcom County – USFS 24.6 1 FR 3070 – Cross-country ski trail groomed from 3.0 Razorhorn Highway 542 at Salmon Ridge Sno-Park east to roads end on USFS Forest Road 3070 along the Nooksack River North Fork. 2 FR 3071 – Cross-country ski trail groomed from 2.3 Anderson Creek Highway 542 at Salmon Ridge Sno-Park west to roads end on USFS Forest Road 3071 to Anderson Creek.

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8

1-7, 10-21 on USFS

9

Winter trails – cross-country skiing and snowmobile

Existing trails - ski Proposed trails - ski Existing trails - snowmobile Proposed trails – snowmobile 1 FR-3070 – Razorhorn 8 Black Mountain 6 FR-1107 – Anderson Creek 18 FR-12 – Loomis-Nooksack 8 Black Mountain 2 FR-3071 – Anderson Creek 9 Skookum Creek 7 FR-12 – Loomis-Nooksack 19 FR-1230 – Blue Lake 21 Skookum Creek 3 FR-3075 – White Salmon 10 FR-31 – Canyon Creek 20 FR-13 – Schriebers Meadow 4 FR-32 – Hannegan 11 FR-3140 – Canyon Creek Ridge 5 FR-34 – North Fork Nooksack 12 FR-3160 – Whistler Creek 6 FR-1107 – Anderson Creek 13 FR-3170 – Canyon Creek 7 FR-12 – Loomis-Nooksack 14 FR-39 – Glacier Creek Road 15 FR-36 – Grouse Butte 16 FR-3160 – Lookout Mtn North __ existing trails 17 FR-3620 – Lookout Mtn West ---- proposed trails

Cross-country ski trail miles 3 FR 3075 – White Cross-country ski trail groomed on USFS 2.0 Salmon Forest Road 3075 from Highway 542 north along the ridgeline. 4 FR 32 – Hannegan Cross-country ski trail groomed on USFS 1.3 Forest Road 32 from Highway 542 north to Forest Road 34. 5 FR 34 – North Fork Cross-country ski trail groomed on USFS 1.0 Nooksack Forest Road 34 from Forest Road 32 to the road end along the Nooksack River and Trail 750. 6 FR 1107 – Cross-country ski trail groomed on USFS 8.0 Anderson Creek Forest Road 1107 from Anderson Creek Sno- Park east along the east side of Baker Lake. 7 FR 12 – Loomis- Cross-country ski trail groomed on USFS 7.0 Nooksack Forest Road 12 from the Mount Baker National Recreation Area west from Forest Road 1230 to Forest Road 12. Total existing cross-country ski trail miles 24.6

Proposed cross-country ski trails The following trail systems may be designated to provide cross-country ski trail opportunities when weather permits subject to feasibility studies with appropriate public and private participants. The trails generally follow old logging and forest road corridors, but may be relocated onto public and/or private property where owners approve. Cross-country ski trail miles Whatcom County 14.0 8 Black Mountain Cross-country ski trail to be designated on 4.0 old logging road alignments from Mount Baker Highway (SR-542) north across Black Mountain ridgeline to north of Silver Lake Park. 9 Skookum Creek Cross-country ski trail to be designated on 10.0 old logging road alignments from Saxon Road the the Fish Hatchery east along Skookum Creek and across Bowman Mountain into the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Total proposed cross-country ski trail miles 14.0

Snowmobile trails Existing snowmobile trails Due to low elevations in the foothills, most county lands are below snow levels necessary to sustain consistent winter trail systems. A system of backcountry snowmobile trails is groomed on public lands in the middle to higher elevations of Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest by the Northwest Washington Snowmobile Trail Grooming Advisory Board. Snowmobile trail miles Whatcom County – USFS 72.9 6 FR 1107 – Snowmobile trail groomed on USFS Forest 8.0 Anderson Creek Road 1107 from Anderson Creek Sno-Park east along the east side of Baker Lake. 7 FR 12 – Loomis- Snowmobile trail groomed on USFS Forest 7.0 Nooksack Road 12 from the Mount Baker National Recreation Area west from Forest Road 1230 to Forest Road 12.

157 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Snowmobile trail miles 10 RF 31 - Canyon Snowmobile trail groomed on USFS Forest 11.0 Creek Road 31 from the Canyon Creek Sno-Park lot east of Glacier west to Canyon Creek then north and east to the road end north of Bearpaw Mountain. 11 FR 3140 - Canyon Snowmobile trail groomed on USFS Forest 6.8 Creek Ridge Road 3140 from Canyon Creek Road 31 north on the east side of Bald Mountain. 12 RF 3160 - Whistler Snowmobile trail groomed on USFS Forest 4.0 Creek Road 3160 from Canyon Creek Road 31 south to the norht side of Bearpaw Mountain. 13 FR 3170 - Canyon Snowmobile trail groomed on USFS Forest 3.2 Creek Road 3170 from Canyon Creek Road 31 south to the northeast side of Bearpaw Mountain. 14 RF 39 - Glacier Snowmobile trail groomed on USFS Forest 9.0 Creek Road Road 39 south from Glacier along Glacier Creek to the boundary of Mt Baker Wilderness and Mount Baker Vista. 15 FR 36 - Grouse Snowmobile trail groomed on USFS Forest 3.4 Butte Road 36 from Forest Road 39 west along the north side of Grouse Butte to Forest Road 3620. 16 FR 3610 - Lookout Snowmobile trail groomed on USFS Forest 1.0 Mountain North Road 3610 from Forest Road 3620 north to the northeast side of Lookout Mountain. 17 FR 3620 – Lookout Snowmobile trail groomed on USFS Forest 3.0 Mountain West Road 3620 from Forest Road 36 road end west around the west side of Lookout Mountain. 18 FR 12 – Loomis- Snowmobile trail groomed on USFS Forest 7.0 Nooksack Road 12 from Mount Baker National Recreation Area Sno-Park south to Forest Road 1230 north of Dock Butte. 19 FR 1230 – Blue Snowmobile trail groomed on USFS Forest 3.5 Lake Road 1230 from Forest Road 12 east along the northeast side of Dock Butte. 20 FR 13 – Schriebers Snowmobile trail groomed on USFS Forest 6.0 Meadow Road 13 from Road 12 northwest to the Mount Baker National Recreation Area Trailhead. Total existing snowmobile trail miles 72.9

Proposed snowmobile trails The following trail systems may be designated to provide snowmobile trail opportunities when weather permits subject to feasibility studies with appropriate public and private participants. The trails generally follow old logging and forest road corridors, but may be relocated onto public and/or private property where owners approve. Snowmobile trail miles Whatcom County 14.0 8 Black Mountain Snowmobile trail to be designated on old 4.0 logging road alignments from Mount Baker Highway (SR-542) north across Black Mountain ridgeline to north of Silver Lake Park.

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Snowmobile trail miles 21 Skookum Creek Snowmobile trail to be designated on old 10.0 logging road alignments from Saxon Road the the Fish Hatchery east along Skookum Creek and across Bowman Mountain into the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Total proposed snowmobile trail miles 14.0

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3.11 Off-road/all-terrain vehicle (O/ATV) riding areas

A system of off-road trail bike, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), and off-road 4-wheel drive vehicles (ORV) riding areas and trails may be facilitated to provide access into suitable backcountry areas or courses within Whatcom County. To the extent practical and possible, off-road vehicle trails or courses may be located near urban areas to provide convenient, safe access for younger age riders. Off-road vehicle facilities may also be facilitated to provide contained trails within major ORV parks and/or on public or utility rights-of-way that are safe and practical for younger, less experienced riders.

To the extent possible or practical, off-road vehicle trails may be developed as single mode trails to USDA Forest Service standards for each type of trail user distinguishing trail bikes from all-terrain vehicles from 4-wheel drive vehicles. Off- road vehicles will not share trail corridors or even areas with hikers, bikers, or horses.

Off-road vehicle enthusiasts have identified some of the proposed trails in this plan. Future off-road vehicle trail projects may use the same cooperative, joint venture approach to formally designate and improve existing trails and trailheads and/or develop new off-road vehicle trails, rest stops, and other trail services.

VISION As described, the off-road vehicle trails vision may: ƒ increase off-road trail bike, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), and off-road 4-wheel drive vehicle (ORV) access for experienced riders to areas and features for extended ride duration, ƒ increase off-road vehicle trail access for local residents to courses and areas of interest from urban areas, ƒ serve younger age trail bike and all-terrain (ATV) riders with varied physical abilities and skills, and ƒ delineate separate trail corridors and courses for each type of rider to control safety and increase interest.

Off-road ATV and motorcycle riding areas and trails Existing off-road ATV and motorcycle riding areas The following system of track, course, and off-road trails has been developed and maintained in Whatcom County by private enthusiasts, principally the Mount Baker Motorcycle Club. Off-road ATV and motorcycle riding areas - acres Whatcom County 50.0 1 Hannegan The Mount Baker Motorcycle Club developed 50.0 Speedway and operates this motocross, flat track, and off-road facility located at 4212 Hannegan Road in Bellingham. The club operates the facility during the spring and summer months providing racing events as well as classes for ATV and motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages and skills. Participants may park RV vehicles and other enclosed campers at the track during racing events. Total existing off-road ATV and motorcycle riding acres 50.0

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2

1

Off-road ATV, motorcycle, 4-wheel

Existing trails – ATV/cycle __ existing trails 1 Hannegan Speedway ---- proposed trails 2 Trail 689-Canyon Ridge

Off-road ATV and motorcycle riding trails - miles Whatcom County USFS 9.1 2 Trail 689 – Canyon Forest Service/IAC approved designated off- 9.1 Ridge road motorcycle trail from the end of Road 3140 on the east side of Bald Mountain east on Trail 689 along Canyon Ridge to Trail 625 at Excelsior Pass. Total existing off-road ATV and motorcycle riding miles 9.1

Off-road 4-wheel drive vehicle trails Existing off-road 4-wheel drive vehicle riding areas There are no formally designated off-road 4-wheel drive vehicle trails or parks within Whatcom County. DNR sponsors Walker Valley Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Area located on Lake Cavanaugh Road in south Skagit County – the nearest designated facility. Otherwise, 4-wheel drive vehicles may drive on all passable USFS roads, and all open old logging roads within the USFS boundaries.

Proposed off-road 4-wheel drive vehicle riding areas A countywide assessment of the demand and needs for an off-road ATV, motorcycle, and 4-wheel drive park should be accomplished with landowner and IAC participation at the proper time.

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164 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan 3.12 Scenic corridors, byways, and viewpoints

Scenic resources or qualities provide visual interest in the landscape that defines the locality to be a special or pleasing place. Scenic landmarks will include vistas or “framed” photo viewpoints of natural features such as the Georgia Strait, Mt Baker, Chuckanut Bay, or other spectacular features. Scenic landmarks will also include picturesque views of cultural and historical sites or buildings, or of “townscape” views of villages, neighborhoods, or the city.

Scenic resources also include natural and forested areas and related forested road corridors; pastoral, agricultural corridors and districts; and large areas of relatively undeveloped, rural landscape that compose much of the “background” that is taken for granted until it is lost from the view.

Taken together, these scenic attributes define the “sense of place” in Whatcom County that distinguishes the county from any other place in the region, and establishes a balance between natural and built environments and between historical markers and current reference points in time.

Generally, resource conservancies will protect, preserve, and conserve lands that have significant scenic attributes including ecological features (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.

Historical conservancies will also protect, preserve, and conserve sites and buildings that have significant scenic attributes including Native American sites, railroad corridors, mining and logging sites, historical town sites, as well as schools, courthouses, churches, and other buildings.

Resource and historical conservancies, however, focus on specific sites, and not necessarily the visual background that frames and defines these places in the overall landscape. Resource and historical conservancy methods also tend to acquire and preserve important sites when the visual background is too immense to be acquired and the visual character will be defined by its continuing use – farming, forestry, and fishing activities for example.

Greenways and open space networks can define scenic corridors and areas even though the land will not be publicly owned or accessible. Such designations can visually define and separate developing urban areas from each other in accordance with the objectives of the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) – even though the Act itself does not protect the visual quality of the landscape.

The protection of scenic areas or corridors, however, will depend on the creation and use of innovative development and design tools that protect the visual quality and attributes of the area while allowing private property owners the continued use of private lands and properties.

Such “rural by design” tools for public improvements include roadway alignment along the periphery rather than the center of scenic areas, the under grounding of utilities, control over signing and advertising, and the maintenance of vegetative buffers. “Rural by design” tools for private improvements or land management include the clustering of built improvements to preserve common forests, meadows, ridgelines, and other visual attributes, and the natural shaping of logging areas.

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2 16 14 11

13 15 3 13 12 13

13 13 13 4

13 20 5

21 6

9 8

18

7 17

1 10 19 Scenic corridors

Existing scenic corridors Proposed scenic corridors __ existing corridors 1 Point Roberts 10 Lake Samish 19 Chuckanut Drive ---- proposed corridors 2 Drayton Harbor 11 Silver Lake 20 Mt Baker Highway 3 Birch Bay 12 Wiser lake 21 Mosquito Lake Road 4 Georgia Strait-Cherry Point 13 Nooksack River 5 Lummi Bay 14 Lynden 6 Bellingham Bay 15 Nooksack 7 Chuckanut/Pleasant Bays 16 South Pass 8 Lummi/Portage/Eliza Islands 17 Nooksack South Fork 9 Lake Whatcom 18 I-5/Lake Samish

VISION Scenic attributes will be protected through: ƒ design guidelines governing public improvements - that locate or design roadways, utility lines and poles, signage, roadside buffers, and other improvements in ways to preserve and showcase rather than degrade the visual landscape; ƒ design guidelines governing private improvements – that locate or cluster built improvements in manners that preserve shorelines, woodlands, meadows, pastures, ridgelines, and other visual attributes; ƒ possibly using development regulations – including scenic design overlay zoning districts or performance standards; and ƒ private incentives – including differential taxation, density bonuses, and/or transfer of development rights.

Scenic corridors Existing scenic corridors At the present time, there are no designated scenic corridors or areas within the county that have been identified or protected.

Proposed scenic corridors The following scenic corridors or areas within the county’s jurisdiction will be designated and will be protected using design or development overlays, differential taxation districts, transfer of development rights and in some instances possible acquisition programs by the county and/or the county in conjunction with other public jurisdictions. Scenic corridors Saltwater shoreline scenic corridors 8 1 Point Roberts View from the shoreline and water – of 1 tidelands, beach, bluff, and wooded hillsides, particularly along Lily Point. 2 Drayton Harbor View from the road, shoreline, and water - of 1 tidelands, wooded bluffs and shorelines, Semi-ah-moo sand spit, and working marinas and boating facilities. 3 Birch Bay View from the road and shoreline – of 1 tidelands, beach, bluff, and wooded hillsides, particularly at the south end of the bay around Point Whitehorn. 4 Georgia Strait – View from road-ends, shoreline, and water – 1 Cherry Point of tidelands, beach, bluff, and wooded hillsides, particularly from Aldergrove to the end of Gulf Road. 5 Lummi Bay View from the road and water – of the 1 Lummi Nation’s water fowl sanctuary, aquaculture pens, and shorelines from Sandy Point to Harnden Road. 6 Bellingham Bay View from the road, shoreline, and water – 1 of the tidelands, beach, bluff, and wooded hillsides from the Portage to the former Tilbury Cement Plant pier at Little Squalicum. 7 Chuckanut and View from the road, shoreline, and water – 1 Pleasant Bays of the tidelands, rocky shorelines, wooded hillsides and bluff, and historic Chuckanut Drive from Clark’s Point to Wildcat Cove. 8 Lummi, Portage, View from the water – of tidelands, sandy 1 and Eliza Islands and rocky beaches, wooded bluffs and hillsides, and island mountaintop ridgelines, particularly all of Portage Channel and Island and the south end of Lummi Island.

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Scenic corridors Freshwater shoreline scenic corridors 5 9 Lake Whatcom View from the road, trail, and water – of 1 shoreline, beaches, and wooded bluffs and hillsides, particularly the south end of the lake from Towanda to Sudden Valley. 10 Lake Samish View from the road, water, and park – of 1 shoreline, beaches, and wooded bluffs and hillsides, particularly the north end of the lake from Samish Park to Camp Lutherwood. 11 Silver Lake View from the park and water – of shoreline, 1 beaches, and wooded bluffs and hillsides, particularly the south end of the lake around and across from Silver Lake Park. 12 Wiser Lake View from the road – of shoreline, marshes, 1 and adjacent agricultural lands, particularly the undeveloped west end of the lake. 13 Nooksack River View from the water, road-ends, and parks – 1 of the river, shoreline, wetlands, and wooded bluffs the entire length of the river (and all forks) from the water’s edge to the ridgeline of the view from the water. Farmland scenic corridors 4 14 Lynden View from the road – of crops, pastures, 1 barns, and homesteads, particularly along H Street and Halverstick Road, and Lynden- Hampton Road. 15 Nooksack View from the road – of crops, pastures, 1 barns, and homesteads, particularly along Lawrence, Nooksack, and Goodwin Roads. 16 South Pass View from the road – of crops, pastures, 1 barns, and homesteads, particularly along South Pass and Reese Hill Roads. 17 Nooksack South View from the road – of pastures, barns, and 1 Fork homesteads, particularly along Valley Highway (SR-9) from Van Zandt to Acme. Woodland scenic corridors 4 18 I-5 View from the road – of wooded roadside 1 edges, and the hillside to visible ridgeline tree stands, particularly from Nulle Road to Fairhaven Parkway. 19 Chuckanut Drive View from the road – of wooded roadside 1 edges, and the hillside to visible ridgeline tree stands, particularly from Larrabee State Park to Arroyo Park. 20 Mt Baker Highway View from the road – of wooded roadside 1 edges, hillsides, and visible wooded river edges, particularly from Deming to Glacier. 21 Mosquito Lake View from the road – of wooded roadside 1 Road edges, and the hillside to visible ridgeline tree stands from Acme to Welcome. Total proposed scenic corridors 21

Scenic roads, byway touring routes, and viewpoints A system of scenic roads or byways will be designated to access major environmental assets, park and recreational facilities, historical features, scenic corridors and vistas, and other features of interest to sightseeing motorists throughout Whatcom County.

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Existing scenic roads Proposed scenic roads __ existing roads 1 SR-20/SR-153/US-97/US-2 4 Point Roberts Loop 13 Lakeway-Lake Whatcom-South 22 Yew Street-Woburn-Hannegan ---- proposed roads 2 SR-542 - Mt Baker Highway 5 H Street-Halverstick Road 14 Samish Way 23 Noon-Abbot Road O viewpoint 3 SR-11 – Chuckanut Drive 6 Main Street-Hampton Road 15 Old Samish Road 24 North SR-9-Lawrence-Nooksack 7 Birch Bay-Lynden Road 16 Lake Samish Loop 25 South SR-9-Valley Highway 8 South Pass/Silver Lake Road 17 Birch Bay Drive 26 Y Road 9 Grandview Road 18 Kickerville-Lake Terrell 27 Kendall Road 10 Sucia Drive-Red River Road 19 Lummi Shore Drive 28 Mosquito Lake Road 11 Eldridge-Marine Drive 20 Lummi Island 12 Electric-Northshore Drive 21 Ferndale Road-Portal Way

Where appropriate and to the extent practical, the scenic roads or byways will be extended into and through local communities to create an integrated touring experience. The local component of the scenic roads or byway tours will provide access to local park and recreational facilities, public facilities, historical landmarks, waterfront and business districts, of interest to local residents during day-trips and out-of-area tourists on extended road trips.

To the extent possible, the system of scenic roads or byway touring routes will be developed to Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) or American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) scenic byway standards with designated map routings, logos, and roadway signage.

Most of the scenic roads or byway tours proposed to be designated within this plan have already been identified by recreation and tourism enthusiasts working in conjunction with public agencies and other private interest groups. Future public scenic road touring development projects will use the same cooperative, joint venture approach to designate and improve routes and trailheads and/or to develop new on-road routes, rest stops, and other touring designations or services.

To the extent practical, some scenic vistas or viewpoints will be acquired to provide interpretive rest stops, trails, and exhibits that protect the views and increase public awareness and appreciation for significant and visually interesting environmental, wildlife, forest, and farm scenic features. Some supporting services will also be developed at scenic viewpoint sites including limited trailheads, parking lots, and restrooms.

VISION As described, the scenic roads or byways touring route vision will: ƒ increase scenic touring opportunities - for local day-tripping residents and out-of-area tourists; ƒ service persons with varied physical abilities and skills - particularly if augmented by touring buses or charters; ƒ increase access and visibility - of significant environmental features, park facilities, historical features, and scenic corridors and vistas; ƒ protect scenic assets along roadway corridors within the county - as part of the extended open space conservancy; and ƒ acquire title to sites – that provide vistas or viewpoints framing significant visual landscapes that would otherwise be developed for other rural or urban land uses.

Existing scenic roads, byway touring routes, and viewpoints The following roadways in the county have been designated or developed as scenic roads or byway touring routes using map routings, logos, and roadway signage designations. Scenic road and byway touring route miles Whatcom County 93.0 1 SR-20 and SR- Designated state scenic byway extending 29.5 153/US-97 and 400.0 miles from Mukilteo up Whidbey US-2 – Cascades Island and across Cascade Mountains on SR- Loop 20 to Winthrop and SR-153 to Pateros, then US-97 across the high desert Columbia River Valley to Wenatchee then back across the Cascade Mountains to Mukilteo on US-2. The 140.0 mile SR-20 North Cascades Scenic Highway includes 29.5 mile byway segment within Whatcom County. The county segment provides views and vista overlooks, rest areas, and visitor stops of the Eastern Cascades, Ross Lake, Diablo Lake and Dam, Diablo Company Town, Newhalem, and the North Cascades Visitor Center.

170 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Scenic road and byway touring route miles 2 SR-542 – Mt Baker Designated state scenic byway extending 58.0 Highway 58.0 miles from downtown Bellingham along the Nooksack River through the Mt Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest to the trailheads into the Mt Baker Wilderness. The byway includes views and vistas of the San Juan Islands, Lummi Island, and Bellingham Bay, the Main and North Forks of the Nisqually River, and the western slopes of the Cascades Mountains, Mt Baker, and British Columbia. Roadside views and services are provided along the highway at Deming, Kendall, Maple Falls, and Glacier. 3 SR-11 – Chuckanut Designated state scenic byway extending 5.5 Drive 21.0 miles from downtown Fairhaven along Chuckanut Bay to Burlington and a connection with the Cascades Loop (SR-20). The 5.5-mile byway segment through Whatcom County provides views and vista overlooks of Chuckanut and Samish Bays, and the San Juan Islands with rest areas, picnic grounds, trails, and campgrounds at Larrabee State Park. Total existing scenic road byway touring route miles 93.0

Proposed county scenic road touring routes The following roadways in the county will be designated or developed as scenic road or byways using map routes, logos, and roadway signage designations. Scenic road and byway touring route miles Whatcom County 251.0 4 Point Roberts Scenic road touring route to be designated 7.0 Loop around Point Roberts from Lighthouse County Park north on Marine Drive, east on Roosevelt Road, south on Boundary Bay Road, and west on Edwards Drive. 5 H Street- Scenic road touring route to be designated 20.0 Halverstick Road from Blaine east on H Street to Guide Meridian, then east on East Boundary Road to Northwood, then east on Halverstick Road to Sumas. 6 Main Street- Scenic road touring route to be designated 11.0 Hampton Road from H Street in Blaine south on Mark Weidkamp Road to Badger Road and Berthusen Park, east on Badger Road to Berthusen Road to Main Street, east on Main Street to Hampton Road, east on Hampton, Timon, and Stickney Road to Everson. 7 Birch Bay-Lynden Scenic road touring route to be designated 12.0 Road from Birch Bay Drive east on Birch Bay- Lynden Road to Guide Meridian, then east on Kok Road to Front Street in Lynden. 8 South Pass Road- Scenic road touring route to be designated 17.0 Silver Lake Road from Everson east through Nooksack to the Canadian border on South Pass Road, then south on Silver Lake Road and through Silver Lake Park to Maple Falls. 9 Grandview Road Scenic road touring route to be designated 8.0 from Birch Bay Drive and Point Whitehorn east on Grandview Road (SR-548) to Portal Way.

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Scenic road and byway touring route miles 10 Sucia Drive-Red Scenic road touring route to be designated 9.5 River Road from Hovander Homestead Park south on Hovander Road to Slater Road, then west on Red River Road to Slater Road, then south on Sucia Drive to Sandy Point. 11 Eldridge-Marine Scenic road touring route to be designated 7.0 Drive from downtown Bellingham on Holly Street north on Eldridge and Marine Drive to Red River Road. 12 Electric- Scenic road touring route to be designated 7.0 Northshore Drive from Whatcom Falls Park on Electric Avenue north past Bloedel Donovan Park then north on Northshore Drive around Lake Whatcom to the end of the paved road. 13 Lakeway-Lake Scenic road touring route to be designated 15.0 Whatcom-South from Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham Bay-Park Road south on Lakeway Drive to Lake Whatcom then south on Lake Whatcom Boulevard and around the south end of the lake on South Bay Drive to Park Road and SR-9. 14 Samish Way Scenic road touring route to be designated 6.0 from Lakeway Drive south on Samish Way past Lake Padden Park to the Plantation Rifle Range and Old Samish Road at Squires Lake on old Highway 99. 15 Old Samish Road Scenic road touring route to be designated 6.0 from Arroyo Park in Bellingham southeast on Old Samish Road around the east side of Lake Samish and Detrich Park to the Skagit County line and old Highway 99 at Squires Lake. 16 Lake Samish Loop Scenic road touring route to be designated 5.5 around Lake Samish on East, West, and North Lake Samish Drive with trailheads at Samish and Detrich Parks. 17 Birch Bay Drive Scenic road touring route to be designated 6.5 from Drayton Harbor Road in Blaine south on Shintaffer Road to Birch Bay Drive then south around Birch Bay to Point Whitehorn and Grandview Road (SR-548). 18 Kickerville-Lake Scenic road touring route to be designated 10.0 Terrell Road from California Creek in Blaine south on Blaine and Loomis Roads to Kickerville Road across Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Grandview Road (SR-548), and the Lake Terrell Wildlife Refuge to Lake Terrell Road then south to Slater and Red River Roads. 19 Lummi Shore Scenic road touring route to be designated 7.0 Drive from Marine Drive south on Lummi Shore Drive past NW Indian Tribal Center and around Bellingham Bay to Lummi View to the ferry terminal at Gooseberry Point. 20 Lummi Island Scenic road touring route to be designated 9.0 from the ferry terminal north on Nugent Road around Point Migley then south on West Shore Drive to Village Point then easton Legoe Bay Road to Seacrest Drive then west on Sunrise Road to Nugent and back to the ferry.

172 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Scenic road and byway touring route miles 21 Ferndale Road- Scenic road touring route to be designated 14.0 Portal Way from Marine Drive north through Ferndale and Pioneer Park on Ferndale Road then north on Portal Way to California Creek. 22 Yew Street- Scenic road touring route to be designated 18.0 Woburn-Hannigan- from Samish Way at Lake Padden north to Bender Road Lakeway Drive and north on Woburn to Hannigan Road and north from Lynden on Bender Road to East Boundary Road. 23 Noon-Abbot Road Scenic road touring route to be designated 9.4 from Mount Baker Highway (SR-542) north on Noon Road to the Nooksack River, then west on Abbot Road to Hannegan Road. 24 North SR-9 – Scenic road touring route to be designated 11.0 Lawrence- from Sumas south on SR-9 to Badger Road, Nooksack Road then south on Nooksack Road to Nooksack and Everson, then south on Lawrence Road to Nugent’s Corner. 25 South SR-9 - Valley Scenic road touring route to be designated 10.5 Highway from Demish and Mount Baker Highway (SR- 542) south on Valley Highway (SR-9) through Van Zandt, Clipper, Standard, Acme, Doram, and Wickersham to the Skagit County line. 26 Y Road Scenic road touring route to be designated 4.0 from Mount Baker Highway (SR-542) south on Squalicum Lake - Y Road to Northshore Drive. 27 Kendall Road Scenic road touring route to be designated 8.6 from Kendall north on Kendall Road to Reese Hill Road (SR-547) then north to Sumas. 28 Mosquito Lake Scenic road touring route to be designated 12.0 Road from Acme north on Mosquito Lake Road across the Middle Fork of the Nisqually River to Mount Baker Highway (SR-542). Total proposed scenic road and byway touring miles 251.0

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3.13 Athletic parks

Playgrounds and grassy field facilities will be developed on a local basis to provide pickup games, youth sports, and leagues of interest to neighborhood children and families. These local park improvements will be combined with picnic shelters and tables, trail systems, natural areas, local schools, and other facilities to create an accessible neighborhood service system in the Whatcom County urban growth areas.

More competitive athletic court and field facilities will be developed on a regional or countywide basis to provide for the highest quality competitive playing standards and requirements. The competitive regional recreational area complexes will provide field activities that satisfy the largest number of organized and older age recreational league participants - including soccer, football, rugby, lacrosse, softball, and baseball.

Generally, regional recreational areas will be developed for older youth and adult league tournaments and other peak competition days, events, and schedules - thereby freeing fields located at elementary schools, neighborhood parks, and other local sites for younger age league participant games, practices, and neighborhood resident pickup play.

Local or neighborhood recreational areas will be sited as independent properties or portions of other sites that include trail corridors, regional parks, multi-use indoor centers or other public facilities. Where practical, local or neighborhood playgrounds will be co-located with elementary and intermediate schools, and competitive athletic facilities with middle and high schools. Where feasible and appropriate, both types of facilities will also be sited on lands that are owned and operated for other public purposes.

Generally, local or neighborhood playgrounds will be located at sites serviced by trails and local bicycling streets that are convenient to younger age neighborhood youth and families. Competitive regional athletic facilities will be located at sites serviced by arterial roads that are convenient to older age youth and adult league organizations. Regional recreational areas will also be located on sites that can accommodate relatively high traffic volumes, evening lighted field use, noise, and other activities without adversely impacting adjoining land uses.

Local or neighborhood recreational sites will be developed to provide flexible play capabilities - typically providing 1 to 2 small or full-sized fields at a location. Some sites will be designed to provide high capacity, flexible configurations on large grass or dirt areas with portable goal and backstop stanchions to allow for varied age groups and activities.

Regional competitive recreational areas will be developed to provide sustained, high capacity play capabilities - typically providing at least 3 to 5 full-size competition fields at a location. Most sites will be designed to provide high capacity, fixed field configurations including grass or dirt fields with permanent goals and backstops, perimeter fencing, spectator seating, and night-lighting systems.

Both types of sites will be improved with restrooms, concessions, and parking lots including grass overflow parking areas to accommodate peak events or schedules. Depending on the location, some sites will also be improved with tennis, basketball, volleyball courts, and other recreational facilities. Where appropriate, some regionally competitive recreational sites will also be furnished with group picnic kitchens and possibly even recreational vehicle services to support tournament events.

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When practical and feasible, regional recreational areas will also be defined to include school stadiums, particularly where the stadiums are located with other competition fields or when the stadium can be used for recreational league tournaments or special events.

Vision As described, local or neighborhood recreational areas with playground, courts, and field vision will: ƒ provide flexible, informal playgrounds and areas, ƒ suited to younger age and local neighborhood game activities, ƒ in sites convenient to neighborhood youth and families, ƒ at sites that co-locate with elementary schools and facilities.

The regional recreational areas vision will: ƒ provide the highest quality competitive play athletic facilities, ƒ of the highest capacity playing improvement designs, ƒ within convenient proximity to organized adult and older age recreational league playing populations, ƒ at sites that do not disrupt adjacent land uses, and ƒ at sites that co-locate with schools and/or utilize other major public facilities.

The regional strategy will alleviate overcrowding on smaller, more local park and elementary school fields so local sites can be used for younger age league participant games, practice sessions, and neighborhood resident pickup games.

Soccer fields – youth and adult competition Existing regional soccer field sites The following regionally oriented fields have been developed in the county to support competition and tournament play for youth and adult teams. Regional soccer fields Whatcom County 12 1 Smith & Northwest County property located on the southeast 12 Soccer Fields corner of Smith and Northwest Roads providing ground lease for 25 acres developed by Whatcom Soccer Association (WSA) for 12 grass 210x330 foot soccer fields. Ferndale 2 2 Pioneer Park – Grass 215x345 foot soccer fields located on 2* Tosco Sports Ferndale Road. Bellingham 1 3 Civic Field Park Civic Stadium – combination field turf 1 60x360 foot football field and 193x325 foot soccer field located between Fraser Street and Lakeway Drive. Blaine School District 5 4 Blaine School Consolidated school campus includes a 2 Campus grass soccer field and lighted all-weather regulation football/soccer field with stadium located on H Street. 5 Pipeline Road Consolidated school athletic park with 3 3 Athletic Park grass regulation soccer fields and multipurpose area for sports clinics and instruction on Pipeline Road east of the urban growth area boundaries. Lynden School District 2 6 Lynden MS Grass 225x372 foot multiple use soccer field 1 located on Glenning and 6th Streets. 7 Lynden HS Grass 215x345 foot soccer field located on 1 Bender Road.

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Athletic parks – regional soccer fields

Existing soccer fields Proposed soccer fields O existing site 1 Smith & Northwest Fields 10 Ferndale HS 1 Smith & Northwest Fields O proposed site 2 Pioneer Park-Tosco Sports 11 Kulshan MS 19 Bay Horizon Park 3 Civic Field Park 12 Shuksan MS 20 East County Regional Rsrce Ctr 4 Blaine School Campus 13 Bellingham HS 21 Mt Baker Highway-Nooksack 5 Pipeline Road Athletic Park 14 Squalicum HS 22 Lake Padden Park 6 Lynden MS 15 Sehome HS 23 Deming Logging Showground 7 Lynden HS 16 Battersby Field 8 Sumas HS 17 Western Washington Unvrsty 9 Kendall ES 18 Lummi School Complex

Regional soccer fields Sumas School District 1 8 Sumas HS Grass 215x345 foot soccer field located on 1 Badger Road. Mt Baker School District 1 9 Kendall ES Grass 225x372 foot soccer field located on 1 Mt Baker Highway. Ferndale School District 1 10 Ferndale HS Grass 215x345 foot soccer field located on 1 Eagle Drive. Bellingham School District 7 11 Kulshan MS Grass 225x372 foot football/soccer field 1 located off Kenoyer Drive. 12 Shuksan MS Grass 300x568 foot combined soccer fields 2 located on Alderwood Avenue. 13 Bellingham HS Grass 215x351 foot soccer field located on 1 Cornwall Avenue. 14 Squalicum HS Grass 215x345 foot soccer field located on 1 McLeod Road. 15 Sehome HS Grass 215x345 foot soccer field located on 1 Bill McDonald Parkway. 16 Battersby Field Grass 280x565 foot combination football, 1 soccer, and 2 baseball fields located across from Whatcom MS off Girard Street with restroom. Western Washington University 2 17 Western Grass 210x330 foot soccer fields located in 2 Washington student activity area. University Lummi Indian Nation 1 18 Lummi School Grass 215x345 foot soccer field located on 1* Complex Kwina Road. Total existing regional soccer fields 34

Proposed regional soccer field sites The following regionally oriented fields will be developed to provide future growth capacity in the county to support competition and tournament play for youth and adult teams subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Regional soccer fields Whatcom County 24 1 Smith & Northwest Additional grass 210x330 foot soccer fields 6 Soccer Fields to be developed on county property located along Northwest Road by the Public Works Yard by Whatcom Soccer Association (WSA). 19 Bay Horizon Park Grass 210x330 foot soccer fields to be 6 developed on county property located on Alderson Road. 20 Kendall Grass 210x330 foot soccer fields to be 6 Community Center developed in the Kendall planning area. 21 Mt Baker Highway- Grass 210x330 foot soccer fields to be 6 Nooksack Park developed on county property located on Mt Baker Highway. gBellingham 1 22 Lake Padden Park Grass 210x330 foot soccer field to be 1 developed in multi-use field complex located on Samish Way.

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Athletic parks – regional baseball/softball fields

Existing softball fields Proposed softball fields Existing baseball fields Proposed baseball fields 1 Bender Ballfields 10 Pipeline Road Athletic Park 19 Bay Horizon Park 5 Civic Field Park 19 Bay Horizon Park 2 Easterbrook Road Park 11 Lynden MS 20 East County Regional Rsrc Ctr 10 Pipeline Road Athletic Park 20 East County Regional Rsrc Ctr 3 Pioneer Park – Tosco Sports 12 Lynden HS 21 Mt Baker Highway-Nooksack 25 Battersby Field 21 Mt Baker Highway-Nooksack 4 Broadway Park 13 Sumas HS 22 Northridge Park 26 Bellingham HS 5 Civic Field Park 14 Kendall ES 23 Pacific Concrete Site 27 Sehome HS 6 Cornwall Park 15 Ferndale HS 24 Deming Logging Showground 28 Squalicum HS 7 Whatcom Falls Park 16 Shuksan MS 17 Western Washington Unvrsty 8 Lake Padden Park 17 Western Washington Unvrsty O existing site 9 Blaine School Campus 18 Lummi School Complex O proposed site

Regional soccer fields Washington Soccer Association (WSA) 6 23 Deming Logging Grass 215x345 foot soccer field to be 6 Showground located on the showground site on Mt Baker Highway and Deming Road. Total proposed regional soccer fields 31

Softball fields – youth and adult competition Existing regional softball field sites The following regionally oriented fields have been developed in the county to support competition and tournament play for youth and adult teams. Regional softball fields Lynden 4 1 Bender Ballfields Athletic park with 4 grass 60x275-foot 4* softball fields located on Bender Road. Sumas 1 2 Easterbrook Road Community park with grass 60x275-foot 1 Park softball field located on Easterbrook Road. Ferndale 4 3 Pioneer Park – Athletic park complex with 4 grass 60x275- 4* Tosco Sports foot softball fields located on Ferndale Road next to Pioneer Park. Bellingham 8 4 Broadway Park Grass 60x250 foot softball field located 1 between North and South Park Drives. 5 Civic Field Park Downer Fields 1 & 2 – 1 lighted grass 2 80x220 foot softball field and 1 lighted grass 80x275 foot softball field located between Fraser Street and Lakeway Drive. 6 Cornwall Park Grass 60x250 foot softball fields, 1 with a 2 backstop located on Squalicum Creek and Meridian Street. 7 Whatcom Falls Grass 60x200-250 foot softball field with 1 Park backstop located on Whatcom Creek off Woburn Street. 8 Lake Padden Park Lighted grass 94x251-390 foot softball field 2 and grass 70x251-390 foot softball field located on Samish Way. Blaine School District 9 9 Blaine School Consolidated school campus includes 5 5 Campus multipurpose baseball/softball fields located on H Street. 10 Pipeline Road Consolidated school athletic park with 4 4 Athletic Park grass and fenced 250 foot softball fields located on Pipeline Road east of the urban growth area boundaries. Lynden School District 3 11 Lynden MS Grass multiple use 60x250-foot softball field 2 located on Glenning and 6th Streets. 12 Lynden HS Grass multiple use 60x250-foot softball field 1 located on Bender Road. Sumas School District 1 13 Sumas HS Grass multiple use 60x250 foot softball field 1 located on Badger Road. Mt Baker School District 1 14 Kendall ES Grass multiple use 60x250 foot softball field 1 located on Mt Baker Highway.

180 Chapter 3: Plan elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Regional softball fields Ferndale School District 1 15 Ferndale HS Grass multiple use 60x250 foot softball field 1 located on Eagle Drive. Bellingham School District 1 16 Shuksan MS Grass multiple use 60x250-foot softball field 1 located on Alderwood Avenue. Western Washington University 3 17 Western Grass multiple use 60x250-foot softball 3 Washington fields located in student activity area. University Lummi Indian Nation 1 18 Lummi School Grass multiple use 60x250-foot softball field 1* Complex located on Kwina Road. Total existing regional softball fields 37

Proposed regional softball field sites The following regionally oriented fields will be developed to provide future growth capacity in the county to support competition and tournament play for youth and adult teams subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Regional softball fields Whatcom County 9 19 Bay Horizon Park Grass 60x250 foot softball fields to be 3 developed on county property located on Alderson Road. 20 East County Grass 60x250 foot softball fields to be 3 Regional Resource developed in the Kendall planning area. Center 21 Mt Baker Highway- Grass 60x250 foot softball fields to be 3 Nooksack Park developed on county property located on Mt Baker Highway. gBellingham 6 22 Northridge Park Grass 60x250 foot softball field to be 2 developed in park site located off Barkley Boulevard. 23 Pacific Concrete Lighted grass 60x250 foot softball fields to 4 Site be developed in park site located off Squalicum Parkway. Washington Soccer Association (WSA) 5 24 Deming Logging Grass 60x250 foot softball fields to be 5 Showground located on the showground site on Mt Baker Highway and Deming Road. Total proposed regional softball fields 20

Baseball fields – youth and adult competition Existing regional baseball field sites The following regionally oriented fields have been developed in the county to support competition and tournament play for youth and adult teams. Regional baseball fields Whatcom County 0 0 Smith & Northwest County property located on the southeast (4) Sports Complex corner of Smith and Northwest Roads providing ground lease for Bellingham Boys and Girls Club for 4 grass 60x200 foot Little League baseball fields and a T-Ball field. Lynden 0 0 Tosio 4 grass 60x200 foot Little League baseball (4) fields.

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Regional baseball fields Bellingham 5 5 Civic Field Park GERI Fields 1-4 – 2 lighted grass 90x300 5 foot baseball fields, 1 lighted grass 90x277- 300 foot baseball field, and 1 lighted grass 90x282-358 foot baseball field. Joe Martin Stadium – lighted grass 90x315-372 foot baseball field located between Fraser Street and Lakeway Drive. Blaine School District 2 10 Pipeline Road Consolidated school athletic park with 2 2 Athletic Park grass and fenced 90x350-foot baseball fields located on Pipeline Road east of the urban growth area boundaries. Bellingham School District 5 25 Battersby Field Grass 280x565 foot combination football, 2 soccer, and 2 baseball fields located across from Whatcom MS off Girard Street with restroom. 26 Bellingham HS Combined grass 416x422 baseball, softball 1 and football field providing 90-foot baseball and softball infields located on Cornwall avenue. 27 Sehome HS Grass 90x334-362 foot baseball field located 1 off Bill McDonald Parkway. 28 Squalicum HS Grass 90x330 foot baseball field located on 1 McLeod Road. Western Washington University 1 17 Western Grass 90x300-400 foot baseball field located 1 Washington in student activity area. University Total existing regional baseball fields 13

Proposed regional baseball field sites The following regionally oriented fields will be developed to provide future growth capacity in the county to support competition and tournament play for youth and adult teams subject to appropriate feasibility studies with public and private participants. Regional baseball fields Whatcom County 3 19 Bay Horizon Park Grass 90x300 foot baseball fields to be 1 developed on county property located on Alderson Road. 20 East County Grass 90x300 foot baseball fields to be 1 Regional Resource developed in the Kendall planning area. Center 21 Mt Baker Highway- Grass 90x300 foot baseball fields to be 1 Nooksack Park developed on county property located on Mt Baker Highway. Total proposed regional baseball fields 3

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3.14 Community facilities or centers

Community centers will be developed or leased to provide indoor activities on a year-round basis throughout and/or centrally accessible to Whatcom County residents for day and evening use. The facilities will be developed within a market oriented service concept that protects the specialized investments that have already been made in these facilities by the school district, county, and private organizations.

Under some circumstances, community centers will not be developed in the expanding urban growth areas where the using population will not be of sufficient size to realistically support an independent facility. In these circumstances, an existing center will be expanded within the next closest or supportable service area to provide facility requirements and programs.

Indoor community or recreation facilities will provide space for physical conditioning, arts and crafts, class and instruction rooms, meeting facilities, kitchens and dining, daycare and latch key, teen and senior center, and special population resource activities. Community centers will also incorporate historic museums, interpretive nature exhibits, and other buildings or constructions.

To the extent practical, community or recreation centers will utilize and/or be developed in conjunction with local school facilities. Where practical, school facilities will be utilized for after school programs that provide indoor gymnasiums, class and instruction space, meeting facilities, kitchen and dining either as loaned or leased space.

New buildings or additions will be built on or in conjunction with school sites as a shared resource when existing school building spaces are not available or of sufficient size to accommodate local needs. As a last resort, independent community centers will be developed to provide suitable space only where schools are not able to share space and sites.

Independent community center buildings and sites will also be developed to provide space and services for adult, senior or teen center activities that occur during or conflict with school activities and sites. Generally, these facilities will provide space and services that are not suitably provided at school sites or that will not be duplicated by school facilities and programs.

When community and recreation centers are developed independent of school facilities, the buildings will be independent properties or portions of other sites that include trail corridors, resource activities, athletic facilities or other public facilities such as civic centers and libraries.

VISION As described, the community center vision will provide a variety of indoor activities: ƒ within a convenient and serviceable proximity to user populations, ƒ within a facility and services concept that recognizes and supports the investments that have already made in existing park district, county, and school facilities and programs, and ƒ in cooperative ventures with other interested and participating public and private agencies.

Senior/community centers Existing community centers The following regionally oriented senior/community centers have been developed or leased within the county to support multipurpose nutrition and health programs, recreational and social activities, and other supporting services for seniors, adults, and other community members.

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Existing centers Proposed centers Existing meeting halls O existing site 1 Blaine 9 Bay Horizon Park 12 Semiahmoo Park O proposed site 2 Lynden 10 East County Regional Rsrc Ctr 13 Van Zandt Community Hall 3 Sumas 11 Lake Whatcom-Sudden Valley 14 Lummi Island Grange 4 Everson 5 Welcome 6 Ferndale 7 Bellingham 8 Point Roberts

Senior/community center square footage Whatcom County 53,740 1 Blaine Blaine facility is located at 763 G Street in 7,860 downtown Blaine. The 7,860 square foot facility provides a dining room, card room and coffee bar, recreation room, multipurpose meeting room, and kitchen used for senior center programs by the County. The Boys & Girls Club also leases space from Blaine for a co-located after- school kids program providing a computer education room, arts and crafts room, game room, and office building addition. The site also includes an outdoor basketball court and bocce ball court. 2 Lynden Lynden facility is located in lease space at 10,800 401 Grover Street in downtown Lynden. The 10,800 square foot facility provides a large assembly room with stage, pool table room, activity and crafts rooms, meeting rooms, and full-service kitchen. 3 Sumas Sumas facility is located in leased space at 2,520 461-2nd Street in downtown Sumas. The 2,520 square foot facility provides a large meeting room, kitchen, and admin offices. 4 Everson Everson facility is located in leased space at 3,900 605 Robinson Street. The 3,900 square foot facility provides meeting room, activity room, and administrative office space. 5 Welcome Deming facility is located at 5103 Mosquito 1,750 Lake Road in Deming. The 1,750 square foot senior center provides a meeting room and activity area. 6 Ferndale Ferndale facility is located on the southwest 7,200 corner of Cherry Street in Pioneer Park. The 7,200 square foot senior center provides meeting room with stage, activity areas, and administrative offices. The county-owned building is located on property leased from Ferndale. The center is located adjacent to Ferndale’s daycare and youth center, and collection of pioneer buildings and cabins. 7 Bellingham Bellingham facility is located at 315 Halleck 19,710 Street in downtown Bellingham overlooking Whatcom Creek. The 19,710 square foot senior center provides an assembly room with stage, kitchen, meeting rooms, strength training equipment, poolroom, activity areas, and gathering space with administrative offices. Point Roberts Park & Recreation District 3,180 8 Point Roberts Point Roberts facility is located in leased 3,180 space at 1487 Gulf Road in Point Roberts. The 3,180 square foot former schoolhouse is owned by the Point Roberts Park & Recreation District and provides a meeting room and kitchen adjacent to a co-located community library. Total existing senior/community center square footage 56,920

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

Proposed senior/community centers The following regionally oriented senior/community centers will be developed or leased within the county to support multipurpose nutrition and health programs, recreational and social activities, and other supporting services for seniors, adults, and other community members. Senior/community center square footage Whatcom County Tbd 9 Bay Horizon Northwest Park & Recreation District and/or Tbd the proposed new city could develop a community center on the county property located on Alderson Road. The proposed center could provide an assembly room, kitchen, meeting rooms, activity areas, and gathering space with administrative offices for future city services. 10 Kendall Proposed multiple use facility to be Tbd developed in the Kendall planning area on Kendall Road. The proposed center will provide an assembly room, kitchen, meeting rooms, activity areas, and gathering space with administrative offices for other county services. 11 Lake Whatcom- Proposed multiple use facility could be Tbd Sudden Valley developed in the Sudden Valley planning area. The proposed center could provide an assembly room, kitchen, meeting rooms, and gathering space. Total proposed community center square footage Tbd

Meeting halls Existing meeting halls The following regionally oriented meeting halls have been developed or leased within the county to support multipurpose social activities and other supporting services for seniors, adults, and other community members. Meeting hall square footage Whatcom County 9,000 12 Semiahmoo Park The park property is located on Semiahmoo 2,000 and Tidelands 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 spit cannery site. The buildings include a 1,040 square foot building used for an interpretive center and museum, 1,040 square foot building used for restrooms, storage, and meetings, and a 2,000 square foot 2-story building used as a meeting hall. 13 Van Zandt Van Zandt facility is located at Potter Road in 4,000* Community Hall Van Zandt and leased to the Van Zandt Community Association. The 4,000 square foot former schoolhouse provides a meeting room, kitchen, and activity area. 14 Lummi Island Lummi Island facility is located on Nugent 3,000* Grange Road on the east side of Lummi Island. The - 3,000 square foot facility provides a meeting room, kitchen, and activity area. Total existing meeting hall square footage 9,000

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3.15 Special use facilities

Facilities may be acquired or developed to provide special activities for the general population on a limited or special event occasion and/or for special interest populations at appropriate sites throughout Whatcom County. Special use facilities may include nature interpretive centers, historical museums, gun and rifle ranges, and similar special interest services.

Special use facilities may be independent properties or portions of other sites that include trail corridors, regional park activities, recreational areas or facilities, community facilities or centers or other public facilities.

Special use facilities may be sited on other publicly owned lands or under lease agreements with private landowners or organizations or on purchased properties.

Vision As described, the special use facilities vision may: ƒ provide specialized facilities for the general population for a special event or activity, ƒ for specialized user group interests that are able and willing to pay user fees and charges or donate labor, operation, and other services, ƒ in a manner that is cost effective, and ƒ equitable in regards to those activities that accommodate the general population.

Interpretive facilities Existing interpretive facilities The following regionally oriented interpretive facilities have been developed within the county to provide educational exhibits of environmental, wildlife, and other nature oriented programs of interest to county residents. Interpretive facilities square footage Whatcom County 7,370 1 Hovander Conservancy, historic farmstead, and park 4,500 Homestead property located on Neilson Avenue and Park/Tennant Lake River Lea Road on the Nooksack River Interpretive adjacent to Ferndale city limits. The Tennant Center Lake conservancy area (former Nielsen Farm) has been improved with a 418 square foot 2- story observation tower, 11,500 square foot boardwalk into the wetlands, and 4,600 square foot interpretive center and meeting facility. Year-round interpretive programs are presented in the center. Adjoining the site is the Fragrance Garden – an award- winning garden for the visually impaired featuring fragrant flowers and herbs. 2 Lighthouse Marine Park site located on the southwest point of 870 Park Point Roberts on Marine and Edwards Drive on the Strait of Georgia. The park has been improved with a 52,000 square foot boardwalk and performing stage and 870 square feet of restroom, interpretive center, and concession stand.

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Existing interpretive Existing museums Existing gun/rifle ranges Existing summer camp O existing site 1 Hovander Homestead/Tennant 1 Hovander Homestead 18 Plantation Rifle Range 21 Bay Horizon Park O proposed site 2 Lighthouse Marine Park 3 Semiahmoo Park 19 Smith & Northwest Sports 3 Semiahmoo Park 4 Silver Lake Park 20 Custer Sportsman Club 4 Silver Lake Park 11 Roeder Home 5 Squalicum – Harbor Center 12 Lynden Pioneer Museum 6 Berthusen Park 13 Whatcom Museum-Courthouse 7 Maritime Heritage Park 14 Whatcom Museum-Children’s 8 Whatcom Falls Park 15 Whatcom Museum-Syre 9 WWU – Hannegan Envl Ctr 16 Whatcom Museun-ARCO

Proposed interpretive 17 Tongue Point Warehouse #6 10 South Fork County Park

Interpretive facilities square footage 3 Semiahmoo Park The park property is located on Semiahmoo 2,000 and Tidelands 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 spit cannery site. The buildings include a 2-story, 2,000 square foot building used for an interpretive center and museum. 4 Silver Lake Park Conservancy, historic farmstead, and Na recreational park located on Silver Lake and Black Mountain Roads on Silver Lake east of Sumas. The Black Mountain Forestry Center is located on adjoining leased park property. The Center is operated by volunteers and provides outdoor education displays of historical logging equipment and 7 small exhibit buildings focusing on forest management activities. Port of Bellingham Na 5 Squalcium - Outdoor courtyard and marine life center Na Harbor Center located in Port’s admin office complex on Roeder Drive inside Squalicum Harbor. Lynden Na 6 Berthusen Park Former farmstead barn and equipment Na provide interpretive agriculture exhibits in Berthusen Park located on Badger Road. Bellingham Na 7 Maritime Heritage Fish hatchery, fishing area, interpretive area, Na Park and environmental education center located on Whatcom Creek between Holly and DuPont Streets. 8 Whatcom Falls Fish hatchery located on Whatcom Creek off Na Park Woburn Street. Western Washington University 3,000 9 WWU – Hannegan Interpretive facility located on the corner of 3,000 Environmental Hannegan and Bakerview Roads providing Center class and salmon restoration research space for environmental studies. Includes programs provided by the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association – NSEA. Total existing interpretive facilities square footage 10,370

Proposed interpretive facilities The following regionally oriented nature interpretive facilities have been developed within the county to provide educational exhibits of environmental, wildlife, and other nature oriented programs of interest to county residents. Interpretive facilities square footage Whatcom County 1,400 10 South Fork Park 3 farmsteads located on the South Fork of 1,400 (Acme, Overby, the Nooksack River off Mosquito Lake Road. and Nesset Farms) The Nesset Farm includes 106.0 acres with 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 proposed interpretive facilities square footage 1,400

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Museum facilities Existing museum facilities The following regionally oriented museum facilities have been developed within the county to provide educational exhibits of historical and cultural artifacts of interest to county residents. Museum facilities square footage Whatcom County 16,780 1 Hovander Conservancy, historic farmstead, and park 6,800 Homestead property located on Neilson Avenue and Park/Tennant Lake River Lea Road on the Nooksack River Interpretive adjacent to Ferndale city limits. The site Center conserves the 6,800 square foot historic Hovander home, 288 square foot observation tower, 266 square foot milking parlor, 512 square foot drying shed, 935 square foot blacksmith shop, 1,225 square foot shop/carriage building, 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. 3 Semiahmoo Park The park property is located on Semiahmoo 1,040 and Tidelands 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 spit cannery site. The buildings include a 1,040 square foot building used for an interpretive center and museum, 1,040 square foot building used for restrooms, storage, and meetings, and a 2,000 square foot 2-story building used as a meeting hall. 4 Silver Lake Park Conservancy, historic farmstead, and 1,540 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. 11 Roeder Home Victor A Roder historical homestead located 7,400 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. Lynden 8,000 12 Lynden Pioneer Museum displaying historical pictures, 8,000* Museum clothing, tools, and implements of the city and surrounding farm history in the facility located on Front Street in downtown Lynden.

190 Museum facilities square footage Bellingham Museum of History & Art 3,000 13 Whatcom Museum Old Courthouse – regional historical Na of History & Art museum displaying 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. 14 Whatcom Museum Children’s Museum Northwest – interpretive Na of History & Art history, artworks, and hands-on play space located in a leased building on Prospect Street. 15 Whatcom Museum Syre Education Center – housed in the Na of History & Art original central fire station located on Prospect Street, remodeled to house Firt Nations artifacts, mounted birds, Victorian period rooms, pioneer and logging exhibits, and extensive photo archives. 16 Whatcom Museum ARCO Exhibits Building – 1906 car 3,000 of History & Art dealership building, extensively remodeled to provide a 3,000 square foot exhibition hall, preparatory area, kitchen, and meeting room. Private facilities Na 17 Tongue Point Historical maritime fishing and boating Na Warehouse #6 facilities located at the end of Semiahmoo Spit in Semiahmoo Resort including warehouses, rail launch ramps, pier, and docking facilities. Total existing museum facilities square footage 27,780

Gun and rifle range facilities Existing gun and rifle range facilities The following regionally oriented gun and rifle range facilities have been developed within the county to provide education, training, and recreational shooting programs of interest to county residents. Gun and rifle range firing stations Whatcom County 39 18 Plantation Rifle Indoor/outdoor shooting range located on 15 Range leased land on Samish Way southeast of 12 Bellingham city limits. The facility provides a 12 1,600 square foot range control building for a 20-300-yard, 15 covered firing station high-power outdoor rifle range and trap field.

The facility also provides a 9,600 square foot building housing a 25-yard small-bore rifle and pistol indoor range with 12 firing positions, a 100 meter outdoor 12 point range with covered firing line, training rooms, and meeting facilities.

Local law enforcement agencies, gun clubs, and enthusiasts use the facility for practice and competitions from a multi-county area.

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Gun and rifle range firing stations 19 Smith & Northwest County property is located on the southeast Na Sports Fields corner of Smith and Northwest Roads east of Lynden city limits. The Bellingham Gun Club leases and operates a skeet and trap range on the south boundary of the property. 20 Custer Sportsman Private club located on Birch Bay Lynden Na Club road between Custer School Road and I-5 with 200-yard outdoor high power rifle range, 25 and 50 yard outdoor pistol range, and an indoor 50-yard small bore range. Existing gun and rifle range firing stations 39

Summer camp and hostel Existing summer camp facilities The following regionally oriented summer camp facilities have been developed of county land to provide education, training, and recreational programs of interest to county residents. Summer camp facility square footage Whatcom County Na 21 Bay Horizon Park Decommissioned military radar base and Na 57,500 square feet of surplus usable facilities are 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. The site has a commercial kitchen, dining hall, and gymnasium. Other improvements include a small playground, walking trail, and ball field. Total existing summer camp facility square footage Na

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3.16 Support facilities

Facilities will be developed to provide maintenance yard, plant nursery, and administrative activities necessary to support park, recreation, and open space programs and facilities.

Support facilities will be independent properties or portions of other sites that include other administrative offices, maintenance yards and shops, as well as trail corridors, resource activities, athletic facilities, indoor recreation centers or other park and recreation facilities.

Vision As described, the support facilities vision will: • provide facilities necessary to service park, recreation, and open space programs and activities for the general population, and • in a manner that is cost effective.

Operational administration and parks yard facilities Existing support faciliites The following administration, maintenance, and parks yard facilities have been developed to support park and recreational facilities within the county park system. Operational facility square footage Whatcom County 34,579 1 Whatcom County Park headquarters complex located on 3,300 Park Headquarters Mount Baker Highway in the Foothills area. 3,500 The site houses the Parks Department’s 4,300 3,300 square foot administrative offices, 1,900 3,500 square foot equipment garage, 4,300 square foot maintenance shop, and 1,900 square foot paint and storage shed. An adjoining 1,700 square foot building is leased to the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 2 Hovander Conservancy, historic farmstead, and park 324 Homestead property located on Neilson Avenue and 1,225 Park/Tennant Lake River Lea Road on the Nooksack River 1,650 Interpretive adjacent to Ferndale city limits. Structures Center include a 324 square foot office and visitor information building, and a 1,225 square foot shop and service building. The site also houses a 1,200 square foot rental housing, and 1,650 square foot manager’s residence. 3 Lighthouse Marine Park site located on the southwest point of 1,200 Park Point Roberts on Marine and Edwards Drive on the Strait of Georgia. The park includes a 1,200 square foot park office and managers residence. 4 Plantation Rifle Indoor/outdoor shooting range located on 1,600 Range leased land on Samish Way southeast of Bellingham city limits. The facility provides a 1,600 square foot range control building and 9,600 square foot building housing a training rooms and meeting facilities.

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

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Existing support facilities O existing site 1 Whatcom County Park Hdqtrs O proposed site 2 Hovander Homestead 3 Lighthouse Marine Park 4 Plantation Rifle Range 5 Semiahmoo Park 6 Silver Lake Park 7 Sunset Equestrian Center

Operational facility square footage 5 Semiahmoo Park The park property is located on Semiahmoo 1,040 and Tidelands 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 spit cannery site. The buildings include a 1,040 square foot building used for restrooms, storage, and meetings. 6 Silver Lake Park Conservancy, historic farmstead, and 1,000 recreational park located on Silver Lake and 2,850 Black Mountain Roads on Silver Lake east of 2,970 Sumas. The active park area includes a 1,050 6,700 square foot building housing a 1,010 concession area and kitchen, meeting room, 2,880 restrooms, office, apartment, and 3- bedroom overnight lodge.

Other park improvements include a 2,850 square foot storage barn, 2,970 square foot barn and shop, and 1,050 square foot equipment shed. Other site improvements include 4 small employee cabins totaling 1,010 square feet and 2 park ranger residences totaling 2,880 square feet. 7 Sunset Farm Special purpose park property located on 1,180 Equestrian Center Blaine Road in Birch Bay. The property 1,600 includes 1,180 square foot garage and shop and 1,600 square foot park manager residence. Total existing operational facility square footage 34,579

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

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

Chapter 4: Program elements - regional

The following proposals concerning elements of the recreational programs approach are based on the results of demand analysis, workshop planning sessions, and the mail-out/phone-back survey of resident households. The proposals outline the vision developed for REGIONAL recreational programs within Whatcom County for the next 6 years. The program proposals are CONCEPTUAL, in some instances, subject to further study and coordination with public and private participants that may modify the eventual program particulars.

See the appendix chapters on existing recreational programs for a description of Whatcom County’s current program particulars.

4.1 Recreational clearinghouse

Whatcom County will operate an internet web-based recreational clearinghouse coordinating recreational program offerings that include as wide a variety of activities as there is an interest by county residents, regardless of age, skill level, income – or program provider.

Recreational program offerings that will be offered through the clearinghouse will include activities providing health, education, social, recreational, and other welfare activities for children, teens, adults, seniors, and special populations.

To the extent possible, practical, and consistent with the county’s mission, programs will be conducted by county staff or contractors. However, depending on demand, cost, and feasibility, the clearing house will also coordinate programs to be conducted by other public, non-profit, or for-profit organizations and even vendors.

To the extent possible and practical, program offerings will include activities that will be conducted in county parks, community centers, and trail facilities. However, depending on demand, the clearinghouse will also include program offerings that may be conducted in schools and other public facilities inside or out of the county, as well as at non-profit and for-profit sites and facilities.

Vision The internet web-based recreational clearinghouse may be realized through the coordination of: ƒ Whatcom County programs – where there is sufficient demand to meet the county’s park and recreation mission and pricing and delivery objectives; ƒ through other jurisdictions – including the park and recreation districts in Blaine and Point Roberts, cities, school districts, Whatcom Community College and Western Washington University, Lummi Indian Nation and Nooksack Tribes, Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission and Departments of Fish & Wildlife and Natural Resources, US Forest Service, and National Park Service (NPS); ƒ through non-profit organizations – such as the Whatcom County Soccer League, YMCA and YWCA, Boys & Girls Club, Boy and Girl Scouts, Campfire USA, Lions, Rotary, and Kiwanis Clubs, Elks, VFW, and Granges, 4-H Clubs, and Volunteers for Outdoor Recreation, among others; and ƒ through private for-profit entities and vendors – such as KOA, Bellingham Motorcycle Club, Downstream River Runners, Osprey River Adventures, Reachout Expeditions, Outward Bound West, North Cascades Mtn Guides, and Pasayten Llama Packing, among others.

197 Chapter 4: Program elements – regional 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

199 Chapter 4: Program elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

4.2 Whatcom County program pricing and delivery criteria

The county will continuously assess the mission criteria illustrated in the program formula for all program offerings the county is considering of providing with staff, contract instructors, or vendors:

1: Is the program consistent with the county’s park and recreation mission and level of service proposals as shown in the matrix in chapter 2? If not - the county does not offer the program, but may facilitate the program to be offered by other providers including the option of partnering or brokering the program, and/or offering scholarships or other services, and/or publishing the program offering on the clearinghouse.

2: If yes – should the county directly provide the program? If not – the county does not offer the program, but may facilitate the program to be offered by other providers including the option of partnering or brokering the program, and/or offering scholarships or other services, and/or publishing the program offering on the clearinghouse.

3: If yes – what pricing policy or goal should the county establish for the program on a public good or benefit versus private good or benefit scale – full cost recovery, merit pricing, or full subsidy? ƒ Enterprise (full cost recovery) programs - will recover all direct costs (including full and part-time staff, supplies, materials, maintenance, and utilities) and indirect costs (including department overhead for staff benefits).

Generally, full cost recovery programs will include services that primarily provide private goods or benefits to a specialized user group, such as gun and rifle ranges, equestrian facilities, adult sports field rentals, adult classes, and all facility rentals including cabins, campsites, boats, and the like.

In some instances, the county may add a surcharge to recover a slight profit or return on investment with which to defray long term life cycle costs for maintenance and repair, and/or to reinvest in similar facilities elsewhere in the system.

ƒ Merit pricing (partial cost recovery) programs – will partially recover direct and indirect costs based on a policy decision about the degree to which each program provides public versus private goods or benefits. Merit pricing programs may also include the providing of scholarships to eligible user individuals or user groups that would prevent the program for realizing full cost recovery.

Merit pricing program determinations will consider the degree to which the program provides a public benefit to the public at large or to special users within the general population (such as teens or seniors); whether the program can or is able to be offered by other providers at a reasonable cost; and the practicality of collecting fees for service.

Generally, merit pricing programs may include teen day camps and field activities, youth sports field rentals, senior health and nutrition programs, and safety and instruction programs of all kinds.

ƒ Subsidy (no or very low cost recovery) programs – will not attempt to recover costs as a fee, although it may ask for donations or grants from using individuals, groups, or organizations who benefit or are likely sponsors.

Generally, subsidy programs benefit the population at large sufficiently to justify the use of public funding and/or include activities that are not practical to effectively recover a fee or charge, such as special events or festivals, interpretive exhibits, and trail related activities.

200 Chapter 4: Program elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

4.3 Whatcom County program proposals

Based on the proposed policies and strategies above, the county could offer and/or facilitate the following programs over the next 6 year period (the examples are not necessarily comprehensive or indicative of what may be offered in any given time period).

Existing recreational programs Depending on the continued assessment of price and delivery options outlined above, Whatcom County may or could offer the following recreational programs conducted by county staff, contract instructors, or vendors at county parks, community centers, and trail facilities: Site or facility location Interpretive activities 1 Environmental and wildlife Lighthouse Marine, Tennant exhibits, walks, programs, and Lake, Semiahmoo, Silver Lake events 2 Historical, archaeological, and Hovander Homestead, Roeder heritage exhibits, walks, Home, Semiahmoo, Silver Lake- programs, and events Black Mountain 3 Farm and agricultural exhibits, Hovander Homestead, Silver programs, and events Lake Outdoor recreational activities 4 Swimming beaches – lifeguards Samish Park, Silver Lake 5 Picnic shelters and lodges – Hovander Homestead, rentals Lighthouse Marine, Samish Park, Silver Lake 6 Campsites and cabins – rentals Silver Lake, Lighthouse Marine, Silver Lake 7 Youth day use and overnight Bay Horizon, Silver Lake summer camps – programs 8 Family or group picnic and Lighthouse Marine, Silver Lake camping events – rentals 9 Canoes, boats, and other Samish Park, Silver Lake equipment – rentals 10 Swimming and boating – safety Samish Park, Silver Lake instruction 11 Gun and archery – safety Plantation Rifle Range instruction Trail activities 12 Kayaking – youth, adult, family groups 13 Hiking – youth, adult, family Bay to Baker Trail, Hertz Trail, groups Silver Lake 14 Biking – youth, adult, family Bay to Baker Trail, Hertz Trail groups 15 Equestrian – youth, adult, family Bay to Baker Trail, Silver Lake- groups Black Mountain, Sunset Farm Athletic events 16 Soccer, softball, and baseball Smith & Northwest camps Special events 17 Festivals – music, drama, Hovander Homestead, cultural Lighthouse Marine 18 Weddings and parties – rentals Hovander Homestead, Roeder Home, Semiahmoo, Silver Lake

201 Chapter 4: Program elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Site or facility location Community center activities 19 Health and nutrition including Blaine, Lynden, Sumas, meals on wheels – seniors Everson, Welcome, Ferndale, Bellingham 20 Physical conditioning and Bellingham wellness 21 Arts and crafts programs Point Roberts, Blaine, Lynden, Sumas, Everson, Welcome, Ferndale, Bellingham 22 Music and dance events Point Roberts, Blaine, Lynden, Sumas, Everson, Welcome, Ferndale, Bellingham 23 Social – clubhouse and events Point Roberts, Blaine, Lynden, Sumas, Everson, Welcome, Ferndale, Bellingham Volunteer opportunities 24 Work parties – youth and adults Silver Lake 25 Camp and trail ranger programs Silver Lake

Proposed recreational programs Depending on the continued assessment of price and delivery options outlined above, Whatcom County will likely offer the following additional recreational programs to be conducted by county staff, contract instructors, or vendors at county parks, community centers, and trail facilities: Site or facility location Interpretive activities 1 Environmental and wildlife Nesset Farm, Cherry Point, exhibits, walks, programs, and Nooksack River – Fishtrap events 2 Historical, archaeological, and Nesset Farm, Nooksack River – heritage exhibits, walks, Fishtrap programs, and events 3 Farm and agricultural exhibits, Nesset Farm, Cherry Point programs, and events Outdoor recreational activities 4 Swimming beaches – lifeguards Dittrich Park, Lake Whatcom North and South, Nooksack River – Fishtrap 5 Picnic shelters and lodges – Dittrich Park, Lake Whatcom rentals North and South, Cherry Point, Nooksack River – Fishtrap 6 Campsites and cabins – rentals Lake Whatcom South, Cherry Point, Nooksack River – Fishtrap 7 Youth day use and overnight Lake Whatcom South, Cherry summer camps – programs Point, Nooksack River – Fishtrap 8 Family or group picnic and Lake Whatcom South, Cherry camping events – rentals Point, Nooksack River – Fishtrap 9 Canoes, boats, and other Lake Whatcom North and South, equipment – rentals Nooksack River – Fishtrap 10 Swimming and boating – safety Lake Whatcom North and South, instruction Nooksack River – Fishtrap 11 Gun and archery – safety instruction Trail activities 12 Kayaking – youth, adult, family Semiahmoo, Nooksack River – groups Fishtrap 13 Hiking – youth, adult, family Millennium Trail, Nooksack River groups Trail

202 Chapter 4: Program elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Site or facility location 14 Biking – youth, adult, family Millennium Trail, Nooksack River groups Trail 15 Equestrian – youth, adult, family Millennium Trail, Nooksack River groups Trail Athletic events 16 Soccer, softball, and baseball Bay Horizon Park camps Special events 17 Festivals – music, drama, South Fork cultural 18 Weddings and parties – rentals Community center activities 19 Health and nutrition including Bay Horizon, Kendall, Sudden meals on wheels – seniors Valley 20 Physical conditioning and Bay Horizon, Kendall wellness 21 Arts and crafts programs Bay Horizon, Kendall, Sudden Valley 22 Music and dance events Bay Horizon, Kendall 23 Social – clubhouse and events Bay Horizon, Kendall, Sudden Valley Volunteer opportunities 24 Work parties – youth and adults Bay to Baker Trail, Hovander Homestead, Hertz Trail, Nooksack River Trail 25 Camp and trail ranger programs Bay to Baker Trail, Hovander Homestead, Hertz Trail, Nooksack River Trail

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204 Chapter 4: Program elements – regional Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Chapter 5: Plan and program elements - local

Local elements of the parks, recreation, and open space plan are defined within each city or park district's planning document, or in the community planning documents of the urban growth areas (UGAs) of Whatcom County.

5.1 Local parks, recreation, and open space plans

Local plans may be derived based on the results of field analysis, environmental inventories, demand analysis, workshop-planning sessions, and in some cases, surveys of resident households.

See Appendix B on existing land and facilities or opportunities for a description of each jurisdiction's local park conditions, ownership, and other particulars.

5.2 Whatcom County community (subarea) planning documents

Community plans are allowed under the Growth Management Act (GMA). In Whatcom County, the process is intended to foster a community's desired character and typically will include the following in the plan:

ƒ Will involve community residents in plan development and amendment. ƒ Will articulate a vision for the community. ƒ Will identify features and characteristics of communities to be retained, developed, preserved, enhanced or corrected. ƒ Will consider areas for commercial, industrial, residential, capital facilities, recreation and other land uses, using the density ranges and policies of the Comprehensive Plan. ƒ Will contain policies that supplement the objectives, principles and standards of the Comprehensive Plan. ƒ May identify design features to be encouraged in capital facilities, multi-family residential, commercial and industrial construction and landscaping. Design features may include site planning, building design and other features that affect the character of a community. ƒ Will use Comprehensive Plan policies to achieve environmental protection, create open space, provide affordable housing, and accomplish other Comprehensive Plan objectives.

5.3 Relationship of community plan to this plan

A community plan and the parks, recreation, & open space plan are both considered to be part of the Comprehensive Plan and must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and County-wide Planning Policies. In addition, community plans may also amend the County's Comprehensive Plan in accordance with RCW 36.70A.

Within the context of the parks, recreation, & open space plan, community plans may define the following:

ƒ An inventory of existing parks, recreation, and open space facilities located within the community planning area; ƒ An analysis of how these facilities compare to existing countywide LOS standards; ƒ Proposed LOS standards for those facilities that are not addressed at the countywide level; ƒ Site planning, building design, preferred uses, and park facility requirements for existing and proposed facilities; ƒ Prioritization of desired capital improvements within the planning area;

205 Chapter 5: Plan and program elements – local Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan ƒ Funding strategies for implementing community scale facilities; and ƒ Implementing actions for any polices related to parks, recreation, or open space.

206 Chapter 5: Plan and program elements – local Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Chapter 6: Implementation

Following is a summary description of the major tasks determined to be necessary to effectively implement the park, recreation, and open space plan. The tasks represent the general priorities established by the Planning Committee, charrette and public forum participants, and the mail-out/phone-back survey of registered voter households.

As shown, a number of parties may be responsible for the lead and management, participation, and supporting aspects of each action – as described in the following summaries. The tasks are grouped according to subject matter and not priority.

6.1 Adopt plan

1 Adopt regional plan as GMA element Whatcom County will complete actions necessary to adopt this planning document as a compliant element of the county’s comprehensive in accordance with Growth Management Act (GMA) provisions.

ƒ Participants – County Council and Planning Commission with the assistance of the Park & Recreation and Planning & Development Services Departments and the participation of the Port, cities, park and school districts, WA P&RC, DNR, DFW, USFS, NPS, Whatcom Land Trust, non-profits, and citizens at large.

Action ƒ Disseminate copies of this plan document – on county website and CDs to appropriate public agencies and interested public and private parties in accordance with GMA adoption provisions. ƒ Conduct public hearing and record comments with Planning Commission – of this document as stand-alone parks, recreation, and open space element plan and make recommendations to County Council in accordance with GMA provisions. ƒ Conduct public hearing and record comments with County Council – of this document, comments received by Planning Commission, recommendations made by Planning Commission, and comments provided at hearing in accordance with GMA provisions. ƒ Adopt this plan and accompanying Capital Facilities Program (CFP) by County Council – as an element of the county comprehensive plan and implementing CFP in accordance with GMA provisions.

2 Adopt local plans and/or establish local recreation service areas Concurrent with task 1 above, Whatcom County will complete actions necessary to incorporate existing or proposed park, recreation, & open space elements of Blaine, Lynden, Sumas, Nooksack, Everson, Ferndale, and Bellingham as the local plan chapters of this document. Such plans will be incorporated by reference as the local chapter 5 of this document.

Where a Park & Recreation District is the local governing agency – as in Point Roberts and Birch Bay – Whatcom County will adopt the district’s current park, recreation, & open space element plan will be adopted as the local plan chapter of this document in the same manner.

Where there is no governing park and recreation agency – as in Kendall UGA – Whatcom County may propose or consider initiating a voter referendum to establish a local recreation service area in accordance with RCW Chapter 36.68 to represent the local park requirements of the area.

RCW Chapter 36.68 authorizes the establishment of local recreation service areas that correspond to the logical service boundaries of an area's recreation facilities. The county may provide recreational facilities that are specific to a community in

207 Chapter 6: Implementation Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan 17 April 2006 Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

Participants 1. County Council A=approval role | 2. Planning Commission L=lead management role | | 3. Park & Recreation Department P=major participating role | | | 4. Planning/Public Works Departments |||| ||||5. Port of Bellingham |||||6. Cities ||||||7. Park & Recreation Districts/GMA Subareas |||||||8. School Districts/WWU |||||||| ||||||||9. WA P&RC/DNR/DFW/WSDOT |||||||||10. USFS/NPS lllllll||| lllllll|||11. Land Trusts |||||||||||12. Non-profit/Private |||||||||||| |||||||||||| By year 123456789012 367+ Comments 6.1 Adopt plan 1 Adopt regional plan as GMA element APLPPPPPPPPP X Including CFP 2 Adopt local recreation service areas APLP AAP P X Pt Roberts/Birch Bay/Kendall/etc 6.2 Adopt project financing strategies 3 Allocate capital facility funds APLL X CF/THT/STS/REET/CRF/FCZ 4 Adopt park impact fees APLP AAP X Regional county-wide, local UGA 5 Institute county-wide park levy A LP PPP X Regional projects w/jurisdictions 6 Approve REET 3 ALP X Test acceptance again 7 Institute LOVLF/LOFT ALP X Test acceptance again 6.3 Initiate county-wide regional projects 8 Acquire resource/historical conservancies APLP PP PPP XXX Fee and development rights 9 Acquire/develop regional resource parks APLPPPP P XXX Countywide emphasis 10 Develop trail systems APLPPPP PP XXX Multipurpose priority 11 Conserve/designate scenic corridors APLPPPPPXXXRural by design 12 Acquire regional sports sites APLP PPP P XXX Leased to leagues 13 Acquire/develop community centers APLP PPP XXX Joint venture w/cities 6.3 Adopt program financing strategies 14 Create WhatcomParks.com A L PPPPP P X Clearinghouse role 15 Revise user fee schedules AL X Per benefit system 16 Recruit program vendors AL P XXX On-going 6.4 Follow-up 17 Conduct progress assessments APLP PP PPPP XXX With every CFP update 123456789012 367+ return for the community's agreement to pay the special development, operation, and maintenance costs utilizing special financing devices.

Special recreation service areas may be initiated by a County Council resolution or citizen petition following hearings on feasibility and costs studies of the proposed facility development or operation costs. The proposal must ultimately be submitted for voter approval including all provisions relating to any special financing agreements.

The method is tremendously flexible and can be used to provide local recreational facilities in a variety of custom service choices including where the:

ƒ Operating agency – may consist of a common property owners association, an adjacent city or school district, a private operator or the county parks department as the facility developer, operator, or maintenance entity. ƒ Boundaries – may consist of the owners of a residential development project, of unincorporated county, of an incorporated city, of a school district or any other physical boundary that corresponds with recreation service benefits, ƒ Services – may be multipurpose including all types of recreation facilities and programs or single purpose providing a single type of facility service like a swimming pool, soccer field, or other activity, ƒ Financing – may be by user fees, levies, bonds, self-help contributions ro private concessionaire agreements for facility development, operation, and maintenance costs.

There are no limitations on the number of recreation service areas that can be established within Whatcom County. Conceivably, recreation services could be fully implemented by a multitude of local, even overlapping, recreation service areas providing a custom mixture of recreation facilities and services according to each community's unique sponsor, boundary, service and financing preferences. Whatcom County Parks & Recreation may or may not be involved in the actual particulars of a local recreation service area depending on area resident preferences.

ƒ Participants – County Council and Planning Commission with the assistance of the Park & Recreation and Planning & Development Services Departments and the participation of the cities, park and recreation districts, and citizens at large of proposed UGAs.

Action ƒ Incorporate by reference local city or park and recreation district comprehensive park plans – as the local plan chapter 5 of this document in accordance with GMA provisions. ƒ Where there is no governing park and recreation agency – as in the Kendall Urban Growth Area (UGA), initiate a voter referendum to establish a local recreation service area to plan, finance, and operate local park facilities within the area.

6.2 Adopt project financing strategies

3 Allocate capital facility funds County Council will allocate a proportional amount of the monies received from dedicated resource-oriented revenue programs to provide funds for resource conservancy acquisitions that reflect the wildlife, habitat, forestland, farmland, and other objectives of these programs. At the present time, these funds are being used to acquire and protect conservancies but not through a concerted or coordinated defined park and open space program. This action will directly link revenue funding and project coordination and accomplishment through this document.

209 Chapter 6: Implementation Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan The revenue programs to be coordinated for resource conservancy acquisitions will include Conservation Futures (CF), Timber Harvest Sales, State Timber Sales, and Real Estate Excise Taxes (REET) 1 and 2 programs.

County Council will also allocate a proportional amount of the monies received from tourism, transportation, and flood management revenue programs to provide funds for the development of countywide trail systems that benefit tourists, multimodal transportation development, and maintenance of river dikes. At the present time, these funds are not contributing to the development of trail systems even through such projects directly implement the goals of these revenue programs. This action will provide a balance of priorities.

The revenue programs to be coordinated for trail system development will include the Hotel/Motel Tax for tourism, the County Road Fund, and the Flood Control Zone funds.

ƒ Participants – County Council and Planning Commission with the assistance of the Park & Recreation, Planning & Development Services, and Public Works Departments.

Action ƒ Allocate a proportional amount from existing resource-oriented revenue programs to fund the acquisition of resource conservancies – designating monies from Conservation Futures (CF), Timber Harvest Sales (THS), State Timber Sales, and Real Estate Excise Taxes (REET) 1 and 2 programs. ƒ Allocate a proportional amount from existing tourist and transportation- oriented revenue programs to fund the development of countywide trail systems – designating monies from the Hotel/Motel Tax, County Road Fund, and Flood Control Zone programs.

4 Adopt GMA park impact fees County Council will adopt a coordinated GMA park impact fee system on a county- wide basis for regional or county-wide facility acquisition and development, and on a UGA basis for local or city-wide facility acquisition and development.

The Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) allows the county to impose a park impact fee on proposed residential developments within the county as a means of maintaining existing park, recreation, and open space levels-of-service (ELOS). The ordinance for impact fees will estimate the impact each development project will have on park, recreation, and open space facilities within the project's regional or local service zone and make provisions for setting aside the resources, including lands or monies, necessary to offset the project's regional or local facility impacts.

The dollar value of the project's park, recreation, and open space impact can be offset by the project developer of an amount equal to the combined facility acquisition and development costs that the county and/or another providing agency would incur to maintain the same existing level-of-service (ELOS).

A developer may be allowed to choose any combination of land or cash mitigation measures including credit for any park or recreation facilities to be included within the project development. The park impact fee ordinance will consider the following when determining the types of mitigation measures or development credits to be made available to the developer:

ƒ Will the facility - be available to the public. ƒ Have a designated owner - responsible for continuing operation and maintenance (the owner may be a common property owner's association, school district or other agency). And, ƒ Correspond to and not exceed or vary from - the types of park, recreation, and open space facilities that are being impacted (a developer could provide but should

210 Chapter 6: Implementation Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan not able to take full credit value for facilities for which there is no shortage, impact or local interest).

Land contributions can be accepted in lieu of monies if the lands will be suitable sites for future facilities. Under GMA provisions, land and monies accumulated under the proposed ordinance must be invested within a reasonable time of impact assessment or be returned to the contributing developer.

The county will conduct periodic program reviews with residents, user groups, the school district, and other agencies to decide the most efficient and representative way of delivering the facilities mitigated by the ordinance. Alternative delivery methods could include:

ƒ Acquisition of suitable sites - in conjunction with other public or school facilities including title transfer if other public or school agencies enter into special agreements assuming development, operation, and maintenance responsibilities and costs. ƒ Development of facilities - on other public or school sites if other public or school agencies enter into agreements assuming future operation and maintenance responsibilities and costs. Or ƒ Any other alternative - including development, operation or maintenance proposals by user groups or private concessionaires or developers that provide a viable facility in accordance with the park, recreation, and open space strategies outlined.

ƒ Participants – County Council and Planning Commission with the assistance of the Park & Recreation and Planning & Development Services Departments, and the participation of cities, park and recreation, and school districts.

Action ƒ Adopt a GMA park impact fee for regional facilities on a county-wide basis – collecting a proportional fee based on the value of regional facilities regardless of facility ownership, and allocating the fees for regional acquisition and development in accordance with this plan regardless of agency sponsor. ƒ Adopt a GMA park impact fee for local facilities on a UGA basis – collecting a proportional fee based on the value of local facilities located within the UGA boundaries regardless of facility ownership, and allocating the fees for local facility acquisition and development by the local agency in accordance with the local plan for the UGA area.

5 Institute county-wide park levy County Council will place a property tax levy proposal for voter approval on a county-wide basis for the acquisition, development, and operation of regional parks, recreation, and open space facilities throughout the county. The funds collected from the levy will be allocated to the appropriate sponsoring agency, which may include the county, port, city, park or school district, or non-profit organization, for the realization of regional facilities identified within this plan.

Under Washington State enabling acts, Whatcom County may levy a property tax for general governmental purposes at a rate not to exceed $1.80 per $1,000 on the assessed value of all taxable property within the county. An additional $2.25 per $1,000 may be levied for road construction and maintenance needs on the assessed value of taxable property within the unincorporated area of the county.

In 2001, Washington State law was amended by Proposition 747, a statutory provision limiting the growth of the regular property tax levy to 1.0% per year, after adjustments for new construction. Any proposed increases over this amount are subject to a referendum vote.

The statute was intended to control local governmental spending by controlling the annual rate of growth of property taxes. In practice, however, the statute can

211 Chapter 6: Implementation Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan reduce the effective property tax yield to an annual level far below a county's levy authorization, particularly when property values are increasing rapidly.

Proposition 747, the statutory provision limiting the growth of regular property taxes to 1.0% per year, can be waived by referendum approval of a simple (50%) majority of Whatcom County’s registered voters. Whatcom County voters will be asked to approve a resetting of the property tax levy rate that will adjust the amount of revenue the county can generate. (The new total revenue that will be generated by a resetting of the rate will be subject to the same 1.0% limitation, however, and the total amount of revenue and the resulting property tax rate will start to decline again in accordance with the Proposition.)

The adjusted rate and revenue will be used to finance the proposed regional park, recreation, and open space facility proposals in this plan – or the projects and programs from this plan that involve construction, maintenance, and operations aspects that a majority of the voters are willing to pay for under the adjusted rate.

Whatcom County voters may be asked to reset the rate on a permanent basis with the new differential rate dedicated to regional or county-wide parks, recreation, and open space proposals, subject to the provisions of Proposition 747. Or Whatcom County voters may be asked to reset the rate on a temporary basis, where the rate is adjusted until a specific amount of revenue has been generated to finance a specified number of regionally-oriented parks, recreation, and open space projects or programs – whereupon the rate reverts to the original or a specified amount defined in the referendum.

ƒ Participants – County Council with the assistance of the Park & Recreation and Planning & Development Services Departments, and the participation of cities, park and recreation, and school districts.

Action ƒ Submit and approve a county-wide property tax levy rate adjustment (on permanent or temporary basis) to acquire, develop, and operate regional facilities on a county-wide basis – allocating the additional revenues for regional acquisition, development, and operation in accordance with this plan regardless of agency sponsor.

6 Approve Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) 3 County Council may eventually place a proposal for voter approval of a third 0.0025% increment to the real estate excise tax (REET) for the acquisition and development of regional resource conservancy and park developments throughout the county. The funds collected from the third REET increment will be allocated to the appropriate sponsoring agency, which may include the county, port, city, park district, or non-profit organization, for the realization of regional conservancies and parks identified within this plan.

RCW 82.46 gives Whatcom County the option of adding up to three 0.0025% increments to the real estate excise tax (REET) for the sole purpose of financing the acquisition and development (but not maintenance or operation) of capital improvement projects including parks, recreation, and open space facilities. The County Council has adopted the first two REET options the third may be submitted for voter approval.

ƒ Participants – County Council with the assistance of the Park & Recreation and Planning & Development Services Departments, and the participation of cities, park and recreation, and school districts.

212 Chapter 6: Implementation Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Action ƒ Submit and approve REET 3 to acquire and develop regional resource conservancy and park facilities on a county-wide basis – allocating the additional revenues for regional acquisition and development in accordance with this plan regardless of agency sponsor.

7 Approve LOVLF/LOFT Local Option Vehicle License Fee (LOVLF) - in accordance with the Transportation Improvement Act (RCW 82.80), County Council may approve a county-wide Local Option Vehicle License Fee (LOVLF) of up to $15.00 per vehicle registered within the county. The additional revenue would be distributed amongst the county and cities within the county that levy the tax on a weighted per capita basis for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of non-motorized transportation and trail systems specified within this plan.

Local Option Fuel Tax (LOFT) – also in accordance with the Transportation Improvement Act (RCW 82.80), the County Council may submit for county-wide voter approval an optional fuel tax addition up to the equivalent of 10% of the statewide Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax and a special fuel tax of $0.023 cents per gallon. The additional revenue would be distributed amongst the county and cities within the county that levy the tax on a weighted per capita basis for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of non-motorized transportation and trail systems specified within this plan.

ƒ Participants – County Council with the assistance of the Park & Recreation and Planning & Development Services Departments, and the participation of cities.

Action ƒ Approve the Local Option Vehicle License Fee (LOVLF) to acquire, develop, maintain, and operate regional non-motorized transportation and trail systems on a county-wide basis – allocating the additional revenues for acquisition, development, maintenance, and operation of regional trail systems in accordance with this plan regardless of agency sponsor. ƒ Submit and approve the Local Option Fuel Tax (LOFT) to acquire, develop, maintain, and operate regional non-motorized transportation and trail systems on a county-wide basis – allocating the additional revenues for acquisition, development, maintenance, and operation of regional trail systems in accordance with this plan regardless of agency sponsor.

6.3 Initiate county-wide regional projects

8 Acquire resource/historical conservancies Using funds generated from tasks 3-6 above, County Council will acquire and conserve regionally-significant wildlife, forestland, farmlands, and open spaces indicated within this plan on a county-wide basis. Where appropriate, monies will be allocated to and/or combined with monies provided by the port, cities, park and recreation districts, state agencies, and non-profit organizations for regionally significant projects.

Depending on schedules and availabilities, initial acquisitions may include Lily Point on Point Roberts, additional lands on Semiahmoo Spit, significant sites on the Nooksack River at Marietta, Lynden, Everson, and Deming, properties fronting on Lake Whatcom and bordering Canyon Creek Community Forest, among others.

ƒ Participants – County Council with the assistance of the Park & Recreation and Planning & Development Services Departments, and the participation of the Port, cities, park and school districts, WA DNR, DFW, Whatcom Land Trust, and other non-profit organizations.

213 Chapter 6: Implementation Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Action ƒ Initiate the acquisition and conservancy of regionally-significant resource conservancy sites – allocating revenues for regionally-significant properties in accordance with this plan regardless of agency sponsor.

9 Acquire/develop regional resource or multiuse parks Using funds generated from tasks 3-6 above, County Council will acquire, develop, maintain, and operate of regionally-significant resource or multiuse parks indicated within this plan on a county-wide basis. Where appropriate, monies will be allocated to and/or combined with monies provided by the port, cities, park and recreation districts, state agencies, and non-profit organizations for regionally significant projects.

Depending on schedules and availabilities, initial acquisitions and developments may include an expansion of Lighthouse Marine Park on Point Roberts, acquisition of a site at Cherry Point and significant park sites on the Nooksack River at Marietta, Lynden, Everson, and Deming, the development of Lake Whatcom North and South, and of Dittrich Park on Lake Samish, among others.

ƒ Participants – County Council with the assistance of the Park & Recreation Department, and the participation of the Port, cities, park and school districts, and WA P7RC, DNR, and DFW.

Action ƒ Initiate the acquisition, development, maintenance, and operation of regionally- significant resource or multiuse parks – allocating revenues for regionally- significant properties in accordance with this plan regardless of agency sponsor.

10 Acquire/develop regional trail systems Using funds generated from tasks 3-7 above, County Council will acquire, develop, maintain, and operate regionally-significant trail systems indicated within this plan on a county-wide basis. Where appropriate, monies will be allocated to and/or combined with monies provided by the port, cities, park and recreation districts, state agencies, and non-profit organizations for regionally significant projects.

Depending on schedules and availabilities, initial acquisitions and developments may include the completion of the Cascade Marine Water Trail, and multipurpose Bay to Baker Trail, Millennium Coast Trail, Nooksack River Trail, and Bellingham Bay Trail, among others.

ƒ Participants – County Council with the assistance of the Park & Recreation, Planning & Development Services, and Public Works Departments, and the participation of the Port, cities, park districts, and WA WSDOT, DNR, and DFW.

Action ƒ Initiate the acquisition, development, maintenance, and operation of regionally- significant corridors and on and off-road trail systems – allocating revenues for regionally-significant projects in accordance with this plan regardless of agency sponsor.

11 Conserve/designate scenic corridors Using funds generated from tasks 3-7 above, County Council will designate and conserve regionally-significant scenic corridors and byways indicated within this plan on a county-wide basis. Where appropriate, rural by design guidelines, scenic land use overlays, byway signage, trailheads, and vista development monies will be allocated to and/or combined with monies provided by the port, cities, park and recreation districts, and state agencies for regionally significant projects.

Depending on schedules and availabilities, initial designations may include the Interstate 5/Samish Lake Greenway, Bellingham Bay, Lummi Island, South Bay and Blue Canyon Road, and South Pass/Silver Lake Roads, among others.

214 Chapter 6: Implementation Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

ƒ Participants – County Council with the assistance of the Park & Recreation, Planning & Development Services, and Public Works Departments, and the participation of the Port, cities, park districts, and WA WSDOT and DNR.

Action ƒ Initiate the designation, management, acquisition, development, maintenance, and operation of regionally-significant scenic corridors, byways, and viewpoints – allocating revenues for regionally-significant projects in accordance with this plan regardless of agency sponsor.

12 Acquire/lease regional sports sites Using funds generated from tasks 3-6 above, County Council will acquire and lease for development regionally-significant athletic field sites indicated within this plan on a county-wide basis. Where appropriate, acquisition monies will be allocated to and/or combined with monies provided by the port, cities, park and recreation districts, and non-profit organizations for regionally significant projects.

Depending on schedules and availabilities, initial acquisitions may include an athletic field site in Deming, Kendall, and Birch Bay, among others.

ƒ Participants – County Council with the assistance of the Park & Recreation Department, and the participation of the Port, cities, park and school districts, and non-profit athletic leagues.

Action ƒ Initiate the acquisition and lease for development of regionally-significant athletic field sites – allocating revenues for regionally-significant acquisition projects in accordance with this plan regardless of agency sponsor.

13 Acquire/develop community center facilities Using funds generated from tasks 3-6 above, County Council will acquire and develop or otherwise provide regionally-significant community centers indicated within this plan on a county-wide basis. Where appropriate, acquisition, development, and/or lease monies will be allocated to and/or combined with monies provided by the port, cities, park and recreation districts, and non-profit organizations for regionally significant projects.

Depending on schedules and availabilities, initial acquisitions and developments may include a community center in Kendall, Sudden Valley, and Birch Bay, among others.

ƒ Participants – County Council with the assistance of the Park & Recreation and Planning & Community Services Departments, and the participation of the cities, park and school districts, and non-profit organizations.

Action ƒ Initiate the acquisition and development of regionally-significant community center facilities – allocating revenues for regionally-significant acquisition and development projects in accordance with this plan regardless of agency sponsor.

6.4 Implement program financing strategies

14 Create WhatcomParks.com County Council will develop and operate an internet web-based recreational clearinghouse coordinating recreational program offerings that include as wide a variety of activities as there is an interest by county residents, regardless of age, skill level, income – or program provider.

215 Chapter 6: Implementation Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan The clearing house will offer recreational program activities providing health, education, social, recreational, and other welfare activities for children, teens, adults, seniors, and special populations.

To the extent possible, practical, and consistent with the county’s mission, programs will be conducted by county staff or contractors. However, depending on demand, cost, and feasibility, the clearing house will also coordinate programs to be conducted by other public, non-profit, or for-profit organizations and even vendors.

To the extent possible and practical, program offerings will include activities that will be conducted in county parks, community centers, and trail facilities. However, depending on demand, the clearinghouse will also include program offerings that may be conducted in schools and other public facilities inside or out of the county, as well as at non-profit and for-profit sites and facilities.

ƒ Participants – County Council with the assistance of the Park & Recreation Department, and the participation of the cities, park and school districts, non-profit organizations, and private vendors.

Action ƒ Create and operate an internet web-based recreational clearinghouse for regionally-significant recreational activities – allocating web-site information for regionally-significant recreational programs in accordance with this plan regardless of agency sponsor.

15 Revise user fee schedules County Council will assess the mission criteria for all program offerings the county is considering of providing with staff, contract instructors, or vendors. If the program is consistent with the county’s park and recreation mission and level-of- service proposals shown in this plan, the county will offer the program under a pricing policy or goal that establishes a public versus private good or benefit scale under one of the following 3 cost recovery scenarios:

ƒ Enterprise (full cost recovery) programs - will recover all direct costs (including full and part-time staff, supplies, materials, maintenance, and utilities) and indirect costs (including department overhead for staff benefits). ƒ Merit pricing (partial cost recovery) programs – will partially recover direct and indirect costs based on a policy decision about the degree to which each program provides public versus private goods or benefits. Merit pricing programs may also include the providing of scholarships to eligible user individuals or user groups that would prevent the program for realizing full cost recovery. ƒ Subsidy (no or very low cost recovery) programs – will not attempt to recover costs as a fee, although it may ask for donations or grants from using individuals, groups, or organizations who benefit or are likely sponsors.

ƒ Participants – County Council with the assistance of the Park & Recreation Department, and the participation of the cities, park and school districts, non-profit organizations, and private vendors.

Action ƒ Revise user fee schedules to reflect a public versus private goods and benefits scale for regionally-significant recreational activities – collecting user fees under an enterprise, merit, or subsidy based cost recovery police for regionally-significant recreational programs in accordance with this plan regardless of activity provider.

16 Recruit program vendors County Council will assess the mission criteria for all program offerings the county is considering of providing with staff, contract instructors, or vendors. If programs are not consistent with the county’s park and recreation mission and level-of- service proposals shown in this plan, the county will not offer the program, but will

216 Chapter 6: Implementation Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan recruit and facilitate the program to be offered by other providers including the option of partnering or brokering the program, and/or offering scholarships or other services, and/or publishing the program offering on the clearinghouse.

Depending on the program activity, other vendors may include:

ƒ Other jurisdictions – including the park and recreation districts in Blaine and Point Roberts, cities, school districts, Whatcom Community College and Western Washington University, Lummi Indian Nation and Nooksack Tribes, Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission and Departments of Fish & Wildlife and Natural Resources, US Forest Service, and National Park Service (NPS). ƒ Non-profit organizations – such as the Whatcom County Soccer League, YMCA and YWCA, Boys & Girls Club, Boy and Girl Scouts, Campfire USA, Lions, Rotary, and Kiwanis Clubs, Elks, VFW, and Granges, 4-H Clubs, and Volunteers for Outdoor Recreation, among others. ƒ Private for-profit entities and vendors – such as KOA, Bellingham Motorcycle Club, Downstream River Runners, Osprey River Adventures, Reachout Expeditions, Outward Bound West, North Cascades Mtn Guides, and Pasayten Llama Packing, among others.

ƒ Participants – County Council with the assistance of the Park & Recreation Department, and the participation of the cities, park and school districts, non-profit organizations, and private vendors.

Action ƒ Recruit and facilitate sponsors and vendors to provide regionally-significant recreational activities – that will not be provided by county staff for regionally- significant recreational programs in accordance with this plan regardless of the public or private nature of the activity provider.

6.5 Follow-up

17 Conduct progress assessments County Council will conduct progress assessments reviewing action on the regionally-significant projects and programs identified above and improve methods, assign responsibilities, or take other measures necessary to ensure effective implementation.

ƒ Participants – County Council and Planning Commission with the assistance of the Parks & Recreation, Planning & Community Services, and Public Works Departments and the participation of the Port, cities, park and school districts, WA P&RC, DNR, DFW, and WSDOT, USFS, NPS, non-profit organizations, private vendors, and citizens at large.

Action ƒ Adjust regional parks, recreation, and open space vision, strategies, and implementing measures – based on the results of the follow-up assessments.

217 Chapter 6: Implementation Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan

218 Chapter 6: Implementation Whatcom County Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan Whatcom County Park Plans

The following proposals concerning Whatcom County Park & Recreation properties are based on the results of field analysis and workshop planning sessions. The proposal outlines the vision developed for REGIONAL park properties currently owned by 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.

Bay Horizon Park Bay to Baker Trail (Maple Falls/Glacier) Birch Bay Shoreline Properties, Tidelands & Conservancy Area Canyon Lake Community Forest Chuckanut Mountain Park Deming Homestead Eagle Park Dittrich Park (East Lake Samish) Hovander Homestead Park/Tennant Lake Interpretive Center Lake Whatcom Park – North Lake Whatcom Park – South (Hegg Park and Zobrist and Richards) Lighthouse Marine Park Little Squalicum Beach Properties Maple Beach Tidelands Monument Park Nugent’s Corner River Access Olsen Property Ostrom Conservation Site Plantation Rifle Range Samish Park Semiahmoo Park Silver Lake Park Smith & Northwest Sports Fields South Fork Park (Acme, Overby & Nesset Farms) Squires Lake Park Stimpson Family Nature Reserve Sunnyside Landing Sunset Farm Equestrian Center Whatcom County Park Headquarters

Whatcom County Bay Horizon Park Alderson Road, Birch Bay

This 68.2-acre decommissioned military radar base and 57,500 square feet of surplus usable facilities are located on Alderson Road in Birch Bay.

The property was acquired through Federal surplus and part of it is currently leased to the Lions Foundation for a summer camp and recreation site, and to the Birch Bay Lions Club for a hostel.

The site has a commercial kitchen, dining hall, and gymnasium available for public use.

The site has been improved to provide a small playground, walking trail, and ball field.

The property does not include the former base single family housing area, a communications building, and a privately owned concrete tower structure.

Possible improvements In association with Northwest Park & Recreation District, develop the site for a community park.

Restore and enhance the natural drainage features that flow into and through the site.

Demolish and remove buildings that are no longer usable or habitable for park and community use.

Renovate useable buildings that have a functional purpose.

Develop an access trail to Birch Bay, a community playground, recreational courts, and soccer and baseball fields.

Consider developing a community center in the event Birch Bay incorporates and would require administrative and supporting facilities.

Whatcom County Bay to Baker Trail (Maple Falls/Glacier) Maple Falls-Glacier, Whatcom County

This historic 118.0-acre Bellingham Bay & British Columbia (BBBC) Railroad corridor extends 7.8 miles from Maple Falls eastward terminating east of Glacier Creek.

The undeveloped railroad bed adjoins several spur segments. Improvements include a restroom building and parking in Glacier.

Possible improvements Acquire right-of-way or easement to complete the missing 4,000 linear foot trail segment. Also develop a day-use trailhead.

Complete development of the multipurpose hike, bike, and horse trail the complete length of the corridor including the river bridges.

Extend the trail improvement east into Mount Baker National Park to the park headquarters, and access to the multiple US Forest Service and National Park trails therein.

Extend the trail improvement west along the BBBC railroad corridor to Kendall, Deming, and eventually into Bellingham.

Develop spur trail opportunities, trailheads, rest areas, and interpretive historical and informational exhibits and signage along the trail and adjacent roadside

Whatcom County Birch Bay Shoreline Properties, Tidelands & Conservancy Area Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay

Shoreline properties - this 56.35-acre collection of shoreline or near shore properties is located along Birch Bay Drive at Cedar Avenue and Beach Way, Cottonwood Drive, Alderson Road, Point Whitehorn Road, Jackson Road, and along Terrell Creek. The various parcels provide 909 linear feet of shoreline.

Some parcels have been improved with hand-carry boat access and picnic tables.

Tidelands – this collection of tidelands is located along Birch Bay Drive.

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.

Birch Bay conservancy area – this 45.0- acre undeveloped wildlife conservancy area is located along Point Whitehorn Road.

Possible improvements Acquire additional tidelands for public access and develop a multipurpose trail and park along the shoreline in conjunction with other shoreline improvement projects.

Develop additional access amenities including picnic tables and shelters, rest stops, interpretive signage, and restrooms at appropriate street-end parcels.

Whatcom County Canyon Lake Community Forest Canyon Lake, Whatcom County

This 2,266.0-acre conservancy site includes 45 acres of water surface on Canyon Lake jointly owned with Western Washington University.

The forested site has been improved with a trailhead, 8.7 miles of hiking trails around the lake to overlooks and an old growth forest.

Possible improvements Acquire logging and development rights to the lands located within the viewshed west of the lake to the ridgeline.

Acquire land and/or logging and development rights from DNR and private parties to the lands located south and west from the edge of the lake along Canyon Creek.

Develop a hand-carry boat access with floating dock at the western edge of the lake.

Whatcom County Chuckanut Mountain Park Between Chuckanut Drive and Old Samish Highway, Bellingham

Whatcom County’s 999.8-acre portion of the Chuckanut Mountain Recreational area is located between Chuckanut Drive and Old Samish Highway. The total landholding includes the Departments of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC), and City of Bellingham properties.

County lands include Pine & Cedar Lakes trailhead and access, Teddy Bear Cove, and the easement from Puget Sound Energy (PSE) for the Interurban Trail.

Pine/Cedar Lakes Unit includes 147.0 acres and provides 20 acres of water surface and 5,000 linear feet of shoreline on the 2 lakes with fishing access, primitive campsites, and 2.0 miles of hiking trails.ails.

Teddy Bear Cove includes 9.5 acres and 1,250 linear feet of shoreline on Chuckanut Bay accessed from Chuckanut Drive.

To the south, DNR’s 3,500-acre Blanchard Forest located in Skagit County also provides recreational opportunities in a working forest setting.

Possible improvements Complete trail connections called for in the Chuckanut Mountain Trail Master Plan.

Acquire property and develop a trail connection between Teddy Bear Cove and Bellingham property (Woodstock Farm) to the north.

Develop a trail connection from Teddy Bear Cove through the Chuckanut trail system to Samish Park.

Whatcom County Deming Homestead Eagle Park Truck Road, Deming

This 33.0-acre conservancy property provides 2,500 linear feet of shoreline along the North Fork of the Nooksack River accessed from Truck Road.

The site has been improved with a trailhead, picnic tables, covered bench, walking path for wildlife viewing and river access.

Whatcom County Dittrich Park (East Lake Samish) East Lake Samish Drive, Bellingham

This undeveloped 25.21-acre park property (formerly known as East Lake Samish Park) is located on East Lake Samish Drive on Lake Samish south of Bellingham’s city limits. The site includes 1,600 linear feet of shoreline along the east shore of the lake.

Site improvements include a 1,200 square foot home and shed,, and 2 homes dating from the 1930’s measuring 1,100 and 1,800 square feet, and a barn.

Possible improvements Develop a swimming beach, hand-carry boat launch, and dock on the shoreline, and trailer parking area with picnic tables, shelter, and restroom at the edge of the woodlands.

If feasible, reuse the existing house and barn for active recreational uses including day-use picnic and activities.

Develop a shoreline and upland trail system along the waterfront and around the grassy area located in the center of the site.

Develop a day-use parking lot and trailhead at the north end of the grassy area with picnic tables and shelters.

Extend the shoreline and upland trail around the wetlands, develop a swimming beach, and install nature exhibits and interpretive information.

Whatcom County Hovander Homestead Park/Tennant Lake Interpretive Center Nielsen Avenue and Hovander Road, Ferndale

This 333.4-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, and park property is located on Nielsen Avenue and Hovander Road on the Nooksack River adjacent to Ferndale city limits. The property includes 11,450 linear feet of shoreline on the west shore dike of the Nooksack River.

The site includes the 6,800 square foot historic 1890’s 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 farm livestock and fowl.

Other structures include a 2,000 square foot open picnic shelter, playground, demonstration gardens, 112 square foot restroom building, 324 square foot office and visitor information building, and a 1,225 square foot shop and service building. The site also has a 1,200 square foot rental house and 1,650 square foot manager’s residence.

The Tennant Lake conservancy area (former Nielsen Farm) has been improved with a 780 square foot 2-story observation tower, 11,500 square foot boardwalk into the wetlands, and 4,600 square foot interpretive center and meeting facility.

Year-round interpretive programs are presented in the center. Adjoining the site is the Fragrance Garden – an award- winning garden for the visually impaired featuring fragrant flowers and herbs.

Possible improvements North end footbridge and campground Expand the boat launch, boat launch ramp, and trailhead parking area at the north edge of the property between the Nooksack River and Nielsen Avenue. The boat launching facilities would increase access to a water trail system in the Nooksack River extending upriver to Deming and downriver into Bellingham Bay. The trailhead would provide access to an expanded Nooksack River trail to be located on top of the river dike through Hovander Park.

Develop a multipurpose trail over the Nooksack River between this site and Ferndale’s Pioneer Park. The footbridge would provide access to a walking trail located on the west shore of the Nooksack River creating a trail loop extending the length of the river from the footbridge to Slater Road and back. The footbridge would also combine Pioneer and Hovander Park facilities and resources into an integrated regional park complex.

Develop a tent and recreational vehicle campground adjacent to the boat launch and trailhead facilities behind a bermed buffer extending along Nielson Avenue. The campground would increase the multi-use potentials of the park in a location that is otherwise impacted by adjacent industrial and commercial developments. It would also provide additional day-time users of the park that would not impact the historical integrity of the farmstead or visual character of Tennant Lake.

Middle site special events area – Develop a special event and activities area of the portion of the park site located north of Hovander Road and west of the woodlands extending along Nielson Avenue.

Improvements could include an amphitheater or performance area and special events field with designated grass-covered seasonal or specialial event parking areas, picnic tables and shelters, and restrooms.

The special event staging area would provide activity for an otherwise under- used portion of the park and relocate this activity away from the activity area and viewscape of the Hovander farmstead complex.

South end historic farmstead – Designate a large grass-covered seasonal or special event parking area from in front of the Hovander farmstead to the west side of the home and the location of the picnic shelter and restroom.

The relocated special event parking area would allow major events at the farmstead but reduce parking and visual impacts on the historic complex.

Develop the upper floor of the barn for a special event and meeting facility that complements the historic and farm related programs conducted at the site. Expand farm-related programs and activities in the barn and the adjacent pasture area.

If practical, relocate the office and visitor information center, and maintenance buildings to preserve the historical and visual integrity of the farmstead site.

North Tennant Lake – acquire development right to the farmstead and open space properties located on Nielsen Avenue, Scout Place, and Hovander Road north of Tennant Lake. Preserve the ecological and visual integrity of the Tennant Lake wetlands.

The acquisitions would preserve and buffer Tennant Lake and prevent encroachment from commercial and industrial land uses developing along the Nielson Avenue entry into the park complex

Whatcom County Lake Whatcom Park - North Northshore Road, Bellingham

This 218.0-acre multi-use park property is located on the northeast shoreline of Lake Whatcom and accessed from Northshore Road. The park site includes 10,990 linear feet of shoreline along 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.

The property includes 2 homes measuring 1,000 and 1,386 square feet located on Northshore Road.

Possible improvements South end – Develop boat docks and pier into the Lake Whatcom shoreline to support a water trail on the lake.

Develop a swimming beach, picnic area, and group day-use of the waterfront activity area.

Expand the trailhead to provide parking for boat launch facilities, the waterfront beach, and an expanded use of trail opportunities along the shoreline and across Stewart Mountain from the park site.

Northeast end – Develop hike, bike, and horse trails from the park site north and south along the Stewart Mountain on ridgelines to connect with the Wickersham Truck Trail and others.

Middle site – Develop day use activity areas that focus on the waterfront and boat access.

Trail corridor – Acquire the last 2.0 miles from private parties and develop Hertz Trail for multipurpose use along the shoreline from the park site south to Blue Canyon Road and Lake Whatcom County Park South. Install interpretive signage and exhibits highlighting the trail’s historic heritage.

Develop water-access sites for a water trail along the shoreline from the park site south to Lake Whatcom County Park – South. Install anchoring buoys, landing platforms, and other improvements to support shared access to trailside picnic tables and shelters, local trails, and other activity areas.

Acquire additional properties in Lake Whatcom watershed for protection and recreational use.

Note Lake Whatcom serves as the drinking water supply for over half of the county’s residents and as such, all proposed park activities must be evaluated in the context of their impact on water quality. In addition, parks activities need to be consistent with existing goals and policies of the Joint Lake Whatcom Management Program.

Whatcom County Lake Whatcom Park – South (Hegg Park and Zobrist and Richards Properties South Bay Road, Bellingham

This undeveloped 80.3-acre multi-use park property is located on the southeast shoreline of Lake Whatcom accessed from South Bay Drive. The site includes 6,141 linear feet of shoreline on Lake Whatcom.

Possible improvements Southwest end – Restore and enhance Brannian Creek through the site and into Lake Whatcom. Conserve the woodlands and wetlands in the south portion of the site along the creek corridor and along South Bay Road.

Develop boat launch ramps, dock, and pier into the Lake Whatcom shoreline to support water trails on the lake.

Develop a swimming beach, picnic area, and group day-use of the waterfront activity area. Recruit concessionaires to provide canoe and kayak, crew, and other hand-carry watercraft use of the shoreline and lake.

Develop rustic cabins, recreational vehicle campground, and possibly a lodge facility with meeting rooms, educational exhibits, and other family and large group retreat activities.

Develop a trailhead to provide parking for boat launch facilities, the waterfront beach, and access to trail opportunities along the shoreline.

Hertz Trail – Develop a multipurpose trail through the park and along the shoreline and north on Blue Canyon Road to Hertz Trail and north along the lake shoreline to Lake Whatcom Park - North.

Camp Road 2 - Develop a trail access across South Bay Road to Camp Road 2 Railroad Property then south on a multipurpose trail towards Squires Lake and Anderson Mountain in Skagit County.

Southeast end – Develop a water-access site for a water trail along the shoreline from the park site north to Lake Whatcom Park – North. Install anchoring buoys, landing platforms, and other improvements to support shared access to trailside picnic tables and shelters, local trails, and other activity areas. Consider designating a portion of the site for water trail overnight camping for hand-carry watercraft.

Note Lake Whatcom serves as the drinking water supply for over half of the county’s residents and as such, all proposed park activities must be evaluated in the context of their impact on water quality. In addition, parks activities need to be consistent with existing goals and policies of the Joint Lake Whatcom Management Program.

Whatcom County Lighthouse Marine Park Marine and Edwards Drive, Point Roberts

This multi-use 20.5-acre park site is located on the 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 been improved with a 52,000 square foot boardwalk and performing stage, 870 square feet of restroom, interpretive center, and concession stand, 18 covered picnic sites providing 3,262 square feet of covered space, a 1,200 square foot park office and managers residence, 300 square foot restroom and showers.

The park also provides a 2-lane boat launch ramp with a 140-foot long seasonal dock into the Georgia Strait for day use.

The park has 25 recreational vehicle campsites, a combination group camp and picnic area, playground, shoreline walk, kitchen shelter, observation tower, and picnic areas.

Possible improvements Northwest end - acquire adjacent property and expand the boat launch and boardwalk parking lot to accommodate peak season week park users without encroaching onto neighboring properties or congesting Marine Drive. Reconfigure the entry road to separate boat launch traffic from other park uses.

Middle site – renovate the viewing platform or replace it with an appropriate structure.

Southeast end – construct a picnic shelter to accommodate group use and provide shelter from the winds.

Northeast end – acquire property north of the site and expand the recreational vehicle campground to accommodate peak season park use. Install trees, a playground, restroom and shower, and other campground amenities.

Whatcom County Little Squalicum Beach Properties Little Squalicum Beach, Bellingham

These 12.8-acre conservancy properties are located in Little Squalicum Creek ravine and Bellingham Bay shoreline. The property is located adjacent to the railroad spur to the Cement Plant Pier recently acquired for park use by Bellingham.

The site is currently leased to Bellingham Parks for park development subject to a master plan.

Whatcom County Maple Beach Tidelands Bay View Drive, Point Roberts

These second class tidelands properties with 2,000 linear feet of shoreline are located in Point Roberts on Bay View Drive on Boundary Bay.

Bay View Drive right-of-way provides access to the tidelands for beach walking, swimming, and shell-fishing.

Possible improvements In association with the Point Roberts Park & Recreation District and Whatcom County Public Works, develop additional parking and local trail access systems from adjacent residential areas.

Install interpretive signage, rest stops, benches, and other shoreline amenities.

Whatcom County Monument Park Marine Drive, Point Roberts

This 6.9-acre undeveloped park site and overlook is located on the US/Canadian border on the northwest shoreline of Point Roberts on Marine Drive.

The property includes 466 linear feet of shoreline on the Strait of Georgia

Possible improvements In association with the Point Roberts Park & Recreation District, develop local trail access systems from adjacent residential areas to the shoreline.

Install interpretive signage, rest stops, benches, and other shoreline access and amenities.

Whatcom County Nugent’s Corner River Access Mount Baker Highway, Foothills

This 14.0-acre Public Works property providing walk-in access to the Nooksack River is located off the Mount Baker Highway at Nugent’s Bridge.

Site improvements include a picnic table, parking area, and residence leased for wildlife rehabilitation purposes.

Possible improvements Develop hand-carry launch site and parking area to complement water trail development of the Nooksack River.

Expand picnicking and other day-use potentials including tables, shelters, and restrooms.

Eventually, consider developing a primitive campsite to complement development of the Nooksack River water and multipurpose trail developments.

If appropriate, develop a wheelchair accessible fishing site and platform.

Whatcom County Olsen Property Lake Louise Road, Bellingham

This 368.7-acre conservancy site co- owned with Bellingham is located off Lake Louise Road on Lookout Mountain.

The site has trailhead access to upland hiking trails on Lookout Mountain.

Possible improvements Develop a trailhead parking area on Lake Louise Road and trail access to and through the site with other trail opportunities on Lookout Mountain.

Whatcom County Ostrom Conservation Site South Pass Road, Everson

This 38.7-acre conservancy site is located off South Pass Road east of Everson. The site is leased to the Nooksack Valley School District for outdoor education purposes.

The forested property provides trail access and parking.

Possible improvements Designate a the trailhead parking area on South Pass Road and link trail access to and through the site with other trail opportunities on Sumas Mountain.

Whatcom County Plantation Rifle Range Samish Way, Bellingham

This 60.0-acre indoor/outdoor shooting range is located on leased land on Samish Way southeast of Bellingham.

The facility provides a 1,600 square foot range control building for a 20-300- yard, 15 covered firing station high- power outdoor rifle range and trap field.

The facility also provides a 9,600 square foot building housing a 25-yard small- bore rifle and pistol indoor range with 12 firing positions, a 100 meter outdoor training rooms, and meeting facilities.

Local law enforcement agencies, practice and competition shooting by gun clubs and enthusiasts use the facility from a multi-county area.

Possible improvements Acquire the 60.0-acre site and buffer area.

Whatcom County Samish Park North Lake Samish Drive, Bellingham

This 30.6-acre multi-use park property is located on North Lake Samish Drive on the north shoreline of Lake Samish south of Bellingham.

The park provides 1,214 linear feet of lake shoreline that has been improved with a swimming beach, playground, 0.7 miles of hiking trail, 1,272 square foot boat dock, 700 square foot fishing dock, 700 square foot shop, boat and canoe rentals, and picnic tables.

The park has also been improved with a 1,750 square foot day-use lodge with a food service area, meeting room, and outdoor decks.

The property also provides a 1,350 square foot rental home.

Possible improvements Acquire adjacent property and expand the parking lot to accommodate peak season users without encroaching onto neighboring properties or congesting North Lake Samish Drive.

Whatcom County Semiahmoo Park and Tidelands Semiahmoo Spit, Blaine

This 17.9-acre park and tidelands is located on 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.

The site has been improved with a 1.5 mile paved multipurpose trail extending from the south end of the spit east to Semiahmoo Resort and the original Alaska Packers Cannery site.

Several Alaska Packers Association cannery buildings were relocated to the southwest edge of the spit from the northeast spit cannery site.

The buildings include a 1,040 square foot building used for an interpretive center and museum, 1,040 square foot building used for restrooms, storage, and meetings, and a 2,000 square foot 2-story building used as a meeting hall.

Possible improvements Restore the original cannery buildings to support expanded use for retreats, meetings, and interpretive exhibits.

Redevelop the playground area behind the buildings to provide picnic tables and shelters, bird watching blinds, and access to the beach.

Expand trailhead parking at the western end of the spit adjacent to the original cannery buildings and at the east end of the spit adjacent to the condominiums to increase access to the trail and beach. Link the park to the Blaine trail system acquiring property when available.

Whatcom County Silver Lake Park Silver Lake and Black Mountain Roads, Sumas

This 412.1-acre conservancy, historic farmstead, and recreational park is 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 and south shores of Silver Lake on what had been a private resort, early-day homestead, and logging site.

The active park area includes a 5,699 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 6 lakeside rental cabins totaling 2,350 square feet, a boat landing, picnic areas, playground, swimming beach, launch dock, parking, and 3,025 square foot picnic shelter.

Camping is provided in 3 separate areas of the park and includes the main 65- site recreational 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, 2 each 29-stall horse stables totaling 7,000 square feet, and 2 each 675 square foot covered kitchen shelters.

The group camp area has water and electrical hookups for 30 units and a 1,500 square foot kitchen shelter.

The park has a 2,850 square foot storage barn, 2,970 square foot barn and shop, and 1,050 square foot equipment shed. Other site improvements include 4 small employee cabins totaling 1,010 square feet and 2 park manager residences totaling 2,880 square feet. Restrooms and vault toilets have been developed throughout the park site.

The Gerdrum Home/Museum is located west across from the main park entrance and is the site of the original Gerdrum Homestead. The 1,540 square foot 2-story home was built in the 1890’s.

The Black Mountain Forestry Center is located on adjoining leased park property. The Center is operated by volunteers and provides outdoor educational displays of historical logging equipment with 7 small exhibit buildings focusing on forest management practices.

Possible improvements Lakeside – expand the rental cabin offering to include more cabins and yurts with lakeside views or access.

Increase the meeting opportunities offered in the main building to cater to off-season weekend retreats for families and corporations.

Trail linkage – expand trail access between the active area, south lakefront, group camp, equestrian camp, and Black Mountain.

Whatcom County Smith & Northwest Sports Fields Smith & Northwest Roads, Ferndale

This 35.0-acre county property is located on the southeast corner of Smith and Northwest Roads east of Ferndale city limits.

The site includes the historic county hospital that has been converted into an annex for the Public Works and Planning Departments.

The Whatcom Soccer Association (WSA) and Boys & Girls Club lease and operate 25 acres providing 12 grass soccer fields, 4 grass 60x200 foot Little League baseball fields, and a T-Ball field.

The Bellingham Gun Club also leases and operates a skeet and trap range. A 1.1- mile walking trail has been developed around the fields.

Possible improvements Extend trail systems around the complete perimeter of the property including the wetlands located south of the Little League fields. Install interpretive signage, rest stops, and other trailside amenities.

Consider permitting development of additional fields in the open space located in the southwest corner along Northwest Road.

Consider developing a limited stay tournament-related camping capability in the southwest corner of the property along Northwest Road to support athletic tournaments at the site.

Whatcom County South Fork Park (Acme, Overby, and Nesset Farms) Mosquito Lake Road, Acme

These 3 farmsteads totaling 603.0-acres are located on the South Fork of the Nooksack River off Mosquito Lake Road.

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 along with the historic Nesset homestead that includes the home, barn, garage, restored barn, and various sheds.

Possible improvements Develop access and parking for the combined park complex.

Develop trailheads and a system of shoreline and woodland access trails between the properties.

Develop a waterfront campground and trailhead with picnic tables and shelter on the East Acme farm adjacent to the river.

Restore the Nesset homestead and use the site and buildings for agricultural interpretive programs.

Acquire easement and DNR property to link the north and south portions of the park.

Whatcom County Squires Lake Park Old Highway 99, Whatcom County

This 84.2-acre park property is located off Old Highway 99 on Squires Lake on the Whatcom/Skagit County line. (Approximately 57.2 acres of the site are located within Skagit County.)

The site includes a 10-acre lake with 3,300 linear feet of shoreline.

The site has been improved with 3.5 miles of trail and several rest areas around the lake perimeter.

Whatcom County Stimpson Family Nature Reserve (Lake Louise NRCA) Lake Louise Road, Bellingham

This 384.0-acre resource conservation area is located off Lake Louise Road east of Bellingham city limits and includes the Lake Louise Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) and the Anderson Property.

The reserve is a cooperative project by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission, Bellingham, Whatcom Land Trust, and Whatcom County – and is managed by Whatcom County Parks & Recreation.

The site has been improved with a 4.0- mile trail, trailhead, pond overlook, and benches.

Possible improvements Link trail access east and west through the site with other trail opportunities on Lookout Mountain and install a vault toilet.

Whatcom County Sunnyside Landing North Shore Drive, Bellingham

This 6.2-acre multi-use park property is located on the northeast shoreline of Lake Whatcom and accessed from Northshore Road. The park site includes 700 linear feet of shoreline along the route of the historic Bellingham Bay & Eastern Railroad (BBE) right-of-way.

Possible improvements Develop a multipurpose trail on the BBE railroad grade and trestle along the shoreline connecting the site to Lake Whatcom Park North and the Hertz Trail.

Develop a small day use area with parking for the multipurpose trail and to provide access to the Lake Whatcom water trail system.

Note Lake Whatcom serves as the drinking water supply for over half of the county’s residents and as such, all proposed park activities must be evaluated in the context of their impact on water quality. In addition, parks activities need to be consistent with existing goals and policies of the Joint Lake Whatcom Management Program.

Whatcom County Sunset Farm Equestrian Center Blaine Road, Birch Bay

This 69.5-acre special purpose park is located on Blaine Road in Birch Bay. The property includes wetlands, open fields, and woodlands.

The property contains a 3,060 square foot stable, 1,180 square foot garage and shop, and 1,600 square foot residence.

The site has been improved with riding trails, open riding areas, jumps, a round pen, and a large outdoor arena.

The property is currently managed and operated as a special purpose park providing equestrian facilities and services including horse boarding, training, and limited competitions by the on-site concessionaire.

Possible improvements In association with a concessionaire and/or agreement with an equestrian user group, develop additional equestrian facilities and services including more stables and corrals, outdoor training and competition riding areas, and equestrian trail linkages with surrounding sites of interest in Birch Bay and along the Coast Millennium Trail.

Restore and enhance the natural drainage features and wetlands that flow into and through the site.

Develop an access trail to Birch Bay, and consider developing a day-use area in the woodlands with nature trails and exhibits, picnic tables and shelters.

Whatcom County Whatcom County Park Headquarters Mount Baker Highway, Foothills

This 4.5-acre park headquarters complex is located on Mount Baker Highway in the Foothills area. The complex also serves as a visitor information center along the Mount Baker Highway.

The site houses the Parks Department’s 3,300 square foot administrative offices, 3,500 square foot equipment garage, 4,300 square foot maintenance shop, and 1,900 square foot paint and storage shed.

An adjoining 1,700 square foot building is leased to the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR).