News
07 Jan Bainbridge Island Land Trust and Parks & Trails Foundation to work with community to protect the 39-acre parcel in Grand Forest system
News Mac Davenport January 10, 2025 | Bainbridge Island, WA The Bainbridge Island Land Trust and the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation acknowledge the recent announcement by the Bainbridge Island School District (BISD) that it plans to surplus, or sell, its 39-acre property that functions as part of Grand Forest East parkland. The Grand Forest nature complex is a treasured Bainbridge Island landscape, known for its interconnected trail network, intact forest core and vital natural habitats. Recognizing the conservation and recreational value of this land, our organizations are united in our commitment to protect it permanently, ensuring that it remains undeveloped and accessible to the community for future generations. On January 9, the School Board voted to surplus the 39-acre parcel. The Land Trust and Parks & Trails Foundation will work closely with the Bainbridge Island community, local leaders, and other stakeholders as we explore ways to safeguard this valuable resource. We encourage everyone to join us in helping to conserve one of the Island’s most beloved natural and recreational spaces. A Brief History on the Grand Forest and this 39-acre parcel This parcel and the surrounding lands, known today as the Grand Forest, were originally managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to generate revenue for public education through timber harvests or land sales. In the late 1980s, plans by the State to sell the land prompted local activism. The “Committee to Save the DNR Forest” joined the Bainbridge Island Land Trust and Park District to fundraise through a bond levy, successfully protecting the first 240 acres of the Grand Forest, including the original Grand Forest West, North, and East (southern tract) parcels. At the same time, this 39-acre parcel was acquired by the Bainbridge Island School District (BISD) to serve as a potential school site based on projected population growth. As growth slowed...
17 Dec Volunteers Needed for Amphibian Monitoring
News Mac DavenportThe Bainbridge Island Land Trust is seeking volunteers for amphibian monitoring! We are collaborating with Bloedel Reserve and the Woodland Park Zoo to study frog and salamander populations on Bainbridge Island through egg mass surveys of ponds. Volunteers can expect to see red-legged frog eggs and tadpoles, as well as long-toed salamander eggs and larvae. Volunteers will be required to commit to: Completing 3-5 hours of self-paced, virtual training through the Woodland Park Zoo by January 17th, 2025 Attending one in-person field training with Bloedel Reserve the week of January 20th, 2025 Conducting one 3-hour field visit and data entry every month from January through May 2025 If you are interested in participating, please contact Megan Rohrssen or Sarah Keller. Thank you! Pictured: Northern Red-Legged Frog at Cougar Creek Preserve, © Sue Larkin
12 Sep Bainbridge Island Land Trust Speaks Out Against WA Initiative 2117
News Mac DavenportOn September 8, our very own Nora Nickum, Board Member and Public Policy Committee Chair at the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, appeared alongside Governor Jay Inslee and No On 2117 organizers to speak out against Initiative 2117 at a local rally. The Land Trust is leading the effort to create a local coalition and spread the word with Islanders about the dangers of this initiative and the importance of defeating it. At the Land Trust, we know that to safeguard the lands and waters of Bainbridge Island for future generations of people and wildlife, we need strong climate policies and public investments in things like acquiring land for conservation, removing fish passage barriers, and restoring habitat. Through the Climate Commitment Act, championed by Governor Inslee, over $2 billion has been invested in crucial community initiatives such as conservation, public transit, decarbonization, air quality improvement, wildfire prevention, climate resilience, energy assistance for low-income households, salmon recovery, and farmland preservation. If passed, Initiative 2117 would repeal this vital legislation, preventing future carbon pricing laws and eliminating billions in funding. Joining a diverse coalition of over 450 organizations—including faith groups, unions, municipalities, major corporations like Microsoft and Amazon, the Suquamish Tribe, and organizations like the Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy—the Land Trust urges voters to reject 2117 to safeguard these essential environmental and community investments. Join your neighbors in voting NO on 2117 this November to protect the air, water, forests, and farmland of Bainbridge Island and across Washington for generations to come. Organizations can join the coalition by pledging to vote no. For more information, visit no2117.com.
24 Jun Strategic Land Use at the Heart of Land Trust and Housing Resources Partnership
News BILT AdminCullen Brady and Phedra Elliott — Guest Column in Kitsap Sun Two years ago, when Housing Resources Bainbridge (HRB) and the Bainbridge Island Land Trust co-wrote a newsletter article which explored our interest in one another’s work and our still-nascent partnership, a supporter of both organizations wrote to thank us. The partnership, she said, “presents a stronger response,” eliminating “the need to choose.” She is not alone. We are heartened by the number of islanders supporting both organizations, a testament to an increasingly sophisticated understanding of our community’s need for both affordable housing and environmental protection. Earlier this year, HRB and the Land Trust announced a joint project that will combine the two interests. The Land Trust acquired three contiguous 5-acre parcels of undeveloped land along Lovgreen Road near Highway 305. The Land Trust evaluates all potential acquisitions using a conservation values index which identifies areas with the highest ecological attributes, such as healthy habitat, the presence of wetlands, or importance as a wildlife corridor, and directs its finite resources to purchase and restore land with the greatest value. The Lovgreen property was notable for its relatively intact forest within a larger band of connected forested habitat. But the property stood out for another reason too. A portion of one parcel fronting the road demonstrated signs of recent human activity with younger vegetation and invasive species — presenting an opportunity for partnership with HRB. The Land Trust will sell this small section to HRB, where in a few years, HRB will develop a cluster of small single-family homes consistent with existing zoning and affordable housing policy. Like any other HRB development, these homes will be affordable to low-income households as defined by HUD, and they will be kept permanently affordable to eligible households through price regulation and income qualification….
13 Nov Critical Salmon Habitat Restored at Springbrook Creek Preserve
News BILT AdminAnother win in the recovery of threatened and endangered species such as Puget Sound Steelhead. In a landmark restoration effort, the Bainbridge Island Land Trust has restored a critical section of Springbrook Creek by removing an underground culvert to allow free fish passage through Springbrook Creek Preserve. The restoration efforts were made possible through the support of dedicated volunteers, partners, and neighbors. This September, volunteers helped prepare 800 biodegradable bags of soil that were strategically placed to stabilize the streambank while native plants take hold. Port Madison Enterprises and Wild Fish Conservancy played a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s success. After removing the culvert, the Land Trust installed a 30-foot-long pedestrian bridge over the stream, allowing the creek to flow freely. This bridge will provide future public access across the stream. The Glanzrock family, who reside near the Preserve, expressed their excitement with the results of the project, stating, “We have been happy working together with the Land Trust to protect the 23 acres of wetland and wildlife habitat now known as Springbrook Creek Preserve. Over the years, as parcels of land have been divided and built upon it’s satisfying to know that another large tract of Bainbridge Island will be kept mostly wild and undeveloped.” The 23-acre Preserve was strategically chosen following a multi-year stream assessment, and conserved through the Stand for the Land movement in 2019. The Springbrook Creek Watershed Assessment identified future restoration opportunities within the nearly 1,000-acre watershed, such as removing other fish passage barriers and enhancing stream habitats. Springbrook Creek (which drains into Fletcher Bay on the west side of the Island) is important in a region-wide context. Its protection is a priority of the Puget Sound Partnership Action Agenda, which is the…
14 Sep Breaking Ground at Springbrook Creek Preserve
News BILT AdminWe have broken ground on our stream restoration project at Springbrook Creek Preserve! We are removing a full fish passage barrier culvert, and enhancing the stream habitat as part of this project. Check out our time-lapse videos of our progress day by day! Thanks to our partners from Port Madison Enterprises Construction Company, Wild Fish Conservancy, and our dedicated neighbors Jeff Glanzrock and Kathy Levine who are working with us on this project. Thanks too to our dedicated volunteers who helped prepare 800 coir bags of soil that will be used along the streambank as part of restoration efforts. The bags will be placed along the stream, planted, and will help stabilize the bank while vegetation matures. The goal of the project is to allow fish access to excellent rearing habitat in the preserve, and improve stream habitat on both the preserve and the neighboring property. After the culvert is removed we will install a 30-foot pedestrian bridge over the stream, allowing the creek to flow freely. This bridge will provide public and stewardship access across the stream. These initiatives reflect our commitment to conserving and restoring our local watersheds through our Watershed Initiative. Due to these ongoing activities, the preserve remains closed to public access. However, we are working towards providing the public with opportunities to enjoy this remarkable place soon. Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of this exciting project. See photos of our hard-working volunteers helping to prepare the site, and a first glimpse at the groundbreaking below (photos by Cameron Karsten):
15 Jun Exciting Changes Coming to Springbrook Creek Preserve!
News BILT AdminWe are excited to announce major developments at Springbrook Creek Preserve over the next few months. Our goal of enhancing the wetlands, stream, meadow, and forest habitats on this 23-acre conservation land is well underway. After extensive planning and preparation, we are now entering the construction phase to remove a full fish passage barrier on Springbrook Creek. We will be installing a 30-foot pedestrian bridge over the stream, allowing the creek to flow freely and creating vital fish rearing habitat. This bridge will also provide public access across the stream. We are grateful to our neighbors Jeff Glanzrock and Kathy Levine who have been instrumental in moving this process forward. In preparation for the construction, you will soon notice changes near the Preserve. The Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) will be removing the old creosote and wire fence along Fletcher Bay Road. We will temporarily replace it with an orange construction fence, ensuring public safety during this period. Once all construction is complete, the orange fencing will be replaced with a split rail fence. WCC is also supporting our ongoing efforts to control invasive plants and enhance meadow, wetland, and riparian habitats. They will also assist with trail work to prepare for future public access. These initiatives reflect our commitment to conserving and restoring our local watersheds through our Watershed Initiative. Due to these ongoing activities, the preserve remains closed to public access. However, we are working towards providing the public with opportunities to enjoy this remarkable place soon. Until then, you can sign up for a guided tour to visit the property.
06 Apr 2023 Environmental Conference Inspires Climate Solutions
News BILT AdminBainbridge Island, WA – On Saturday, March 25th, more than 140 environmental stewards and community members gathered at Bainbridge Island High School for the 2023 Bainbridge Island Environmental Conference. The theme of the conference was “Our Island Home on an Unruly Planet,” a title inspired by the keynote speaker Madeline Ostrander, environmental journalist and author of the book “At Home on an Unruly Planet.” Madeline Ostrander has written extensively on issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental justice. Her keynote speech focused on the urgency of addressing climate change and the need for collective action at all levels of society. “I wrote ‘At Home on an Unruly Planet’ hoping it could start meaningful conversations about climate responses in people’s communities,” said Ostrander. “I couldn’t have dreamed up a better or more inspiring place for that than at [the Environmental Conference].” The 2023 Jerry and Elane Hellmuth Environmentalist of the Year Award was awarded to Lara Hansen, Chief Scientist & Executive Director of EcoAdapt. She is the 25th islander to be recognized with this award, which was first presented in 1991. Lara shared her passion with the audience during her plenary speech on anticipated climate impacts to Bainbridge Island. Lara “approached climate change with such vivid knowledge and enthusiasm to rally us and the world to find solutions,” shared conference organizer Frank Stowell. Following the plenary, attendees were invited to participate in breakout sessions led by engaging Island leaders from environmental agencies and nonprofit organizations across Bainbridge Island. Attendees examined the impacts of climate change on Bainbridge Island’s shorelines, forests, air quality, transportation, infrastructure, and sense of place. The sessions were designed to encourage actionable insights and strategies to address these challenges and make progress toward a more sustainable future for Bainbridge Island. The Bainbridge Island Land Trust, with…
06 Mar Bainbridge Island Land Trust Seeks Public Comments for Reaccreditation
News BILT AdminThe Bainbridge Island Land Trust welcomes public comments on compliance with national land trust standards and practices to support reaccreditation process. The Bainbridge Island Land Trust is currently applying for reaccreditation through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission (LTAC). Reaccreditation by the LTAC is a rigorous process that evaluates a land trust’s adherence to national standards and best practices in land conservation. The standards cover a range of topics, including ethical and legal responsibilities, financial management, land transactions, conservation easements, stewardship, and community engagement. Land Trust accreditation is important to the Bainbridge Island Land Trust because it provides external validation of our commitment to excellence in land conservation, enhances our credibility and reputation, and helps to ensure the long-term success of our mission. Additionally, this process can help the Land Trust continually improve our operations and programs by providing a framework for ongoing evaluation. The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how the Bainbridge Island Land Trust complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards see http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/help-and-resources/indicator-practices. To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments, 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Comments on Bainbridge Island Land Trust’s application will be most useful by May 25, 2023.