Three acres down and 661 to go.
A Langley couple has pledged $6,500 to “save” an acre of the former Trillium Woods as part of Whidbey Camano Land Trust’s drive to preserve the entire property as forest land.
“It’s an opportunity that can’t be passed up,” said Dale Boose, who with his wife Joani offered to buy one chunk. “It’s something they have to go for,” he said Monday.
Meanwhile, a North Whidbey resident has offered to buy two additional acres, but may wish to remain anonymous, said Pat Powell, executive director of the land trust.
The land trust is pushing to raise $4.2 million to find a way to buy the property between Freeland and Greenbank. The property, the largest single-owner piece of forest land remaining on Whidbey Island, fell into bankruptcy late last year and was taken over by three Snohomish County banks when the company that wanted to develop the property could not keep up with payments for the land.
The land trust has the first option to buy the property, but must come up with the money by June 10.
If the effort is unsuccessful, the property, perhaps as many as 120 building lots, likely will be sold in pieces for development, Powell said.
“The response has been exciting and uplifting,” she said. “I think we’re gaining more confidence every day that large donors will come in to make this project a reality.”
If the purchase is completed, the land will remain a forest, preserved for wildlife habitat and a community natural and recreational area.
Under such arrangement, the property would be owned by a nonprofit organization, a government agency or a private party, and would be managed by the land trust.
“A square mile of forest is a pretty big deal,” Powell said. “Most people who live on and visit the island want to see open spaces that animals and humans can enjoy.”
The Booses agree.
“We’re happy to save one acre,” said Joani Boose. “It isn’t for us; it’s for our children and grandchildren.”
The Booses have lived full time on Whidbey for 10 years, but have been coming and going from the island since 1941.
The couple have long supported the land trust’s efforts to obtain and preserve property. They have a conservation easement on 10 acres of property they own next to Saratoga Woods, and the easement restricts any development.
Joani Boose also is a member of the land trust board of directors, and she and her husband have volunteered for work parties on protected properties throughout the island.
“We have a very strong feeling about preserving and protecting open space,” Joani Boose said. “As the island becomes more complex and crowded, we want there to be space for people to enjoy.”
“This is a grassroots campaign, and the only way to save this forest is if people roll up their sleeves and make it happen,” she added.
The Trillium property has had a colorful 30-year history.
In 1988, it was the site of controversy when Trillium Corporation of Bellingham, owners at the time, clearcut the area. Protesters gathered at the property and blocked an entrance in a failed attempt to stop the logging.
The original 750–acre property, known most recently as Estates at Whidbey, is west of Highway 525 about a mile north of Mutiny Bay Road.
Powell said the trust’s Save The Forest Now campaign is ramping up quickly, and several small donations already have been received.
To donate or make a pledge, or for more information, visit the Web site www.savetheforestnow.org or call 360-222-3310.
