Joint Release: Nisqually Land Trust / U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service / DNR
No. 08-038
March 7, 2008
Contact: Joe Kane, 360-584-7386, Joe Kane, jkane@nisquallylandtrust.org
Princess Jackson-Smith, 360-902-1066, princess.jackson-smith@dnr.wa.gov
NISQUALLY LAND TRUST ANNOUNCES PURCHASE OF HISTORIC SITE NEAR MT. RAINIER
NATIONAL PARK
OLYMPIA – The Nisqually Land Trust announced today that it has acquired the historic—and, at times, controversial—
142-acre Allen Estate in Ashford, Washington, near the main entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. The Land Trust
purchased the property for $780,000 with a federal land-acquisition grant through the Washington State Department of
Natural Resources (DNR).
As part of the multi-party transaction, DNR will hold a conservation easement on the property in perpetuity, ensuring its
use as habitat and preventing future development. In a separate transaction, DNR will also transfer into permanent
conservation status additional wildlife habitat within Tahoma State Forest, which it will manage as a Natural Resources
Conservation Area.
The deal is a win-win solution to a quandary that began in 2005, when the Estate’s California owners decided to log the
property. Local residents opposed the plan. The Estate’s towering old-growth Douglas fir trees line one-half mile of
highway just outside the national park, providing a majestic gateway that is considered vital to the local tourism economy.
As well, the property’s forest and wetlands provide important habitat values for at least six wildlife species identified for
protection in DNR’s Habitat Conservation Plan, including spotted owls and marbled murrelets, which are listed as
threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Homesteaded in the 1890s by Oscar Allen, a Yale University botany
professor, the Estate was the home of Grenville Allen, Mount Rainier National Park’s first superintendent, and his brother,
Edward, the first forest ranger in the Pacific Northwest.
At the request of both sides, the Land Trust and DNR stepped in to try to find a “third way” out of the logging impasse.
“This is a keystone property for the Mount Rainier Gateway,” said Joe Kane, executive director of the Land Trust. “It has a
rare combination of ecological, cultural, and economic values, and it can anchor a landscape-scale conservation effort.
“The key was being able to pay the owners full value for their property while also committing to preserve those values. We
and our partners were in the unique and fortunate position to do both.”
“The significance of this project is far reaching for all the partners involved,” said Public Lands Commissioner Doug
Sutherland. “The Department of Natural Resources seeks opportunities to support and expand efforts that lead to
protection of our native habitats and watersheds, and conservation of our unique landscapes for future generations. This
acquisition also complements owl conservation and protection of other species under the department’s Habitat
Conservation Plan, which is a long-term management plan to conserve currently threatened and endangered species and
help to avoid the future listing of additional species.”
The Land Trust’s purchase was part of Phase Two of its Mount Rainier Gateway Initiative, which calls for permanently
protecting some 4,500 acres of timberlands between the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and the Elbe Hills and Tahoma
state forests. The Initiative’s goal is to protect critical habitat around Mount Rainier National Park while preserving local
forestry and tourism jobs. “To protect habitat in perpetuity, you have to make it part of a sustainable system,” said Kane.
“In the Ashford area, that system includes working forests, recreational opportunities, and a commitment to the long-term
health of the community.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service funded the transaction with a grant from its Cooperative Endangered Species
Conservation Fund. Winning the grant was the result of a partnership that included the Nisqually Land Trust, the
Washington Department of Natural Resources, the Nisqually River Council, the Pierce County parks and planning
departments, and the Nisqually Headwaters Coalition., an Ashford based citizens group that first brought the estate to the
Land Trust’s attention.
“Thanks to the vision and patience of the Allen Estate heirs, this forest will be preserved for the community, for wildlife,
and for future generations,” said Headwaters Chair Judy Scavone. “The Ashford community is deeply indebted to all of
our partners for engineering this most elegant solution.”
About the Nisqually Land Trust
The Nisqually Land Trust, a nonprofit corporation founded in 1989, is the lead nongovernmental conservation organization
in the Nisqually River watershed. Its mission is to conserve natural areas and wildlife habitat throughout the watershed
and to protect those lands in perpetuity. It purchases title, easements, and other property rights from willing sellers and
then manages its lands to maximize their conservation values. For more information, contact the Land Trust at (360) 4581111 or visit the Land Trust website at www.nisquallylandtrust.org.
About the Nisqually River Council
The Nisqually River Council includes 17 federal, state, county, and local agencies, the Nisqually Tribe, local businesses,
and interested citizens who work together as a coordinating council for Nisqually watershed issues. The Council’s
Nisqually Watershed Stewardship Plan puts environmental, economic, and community sustainability at the heart of the
Council’s mission. The Council is committed to the protection and enhancement of the watershed through education,
advocacy, and coordination. More information can be found at www.nisquallyriver.org.
About the Nisqually Headwaters Coalition
The Nisqually Headwaters Coalition, a grassroots group of Upper Nisqually Valley residents, strives to conserve and
protect key forested hillsides and open spaces for the benefit of the environment, the community and the local economy.
The Coalition values individual property rights and has pledged to compensate landowners at fair market value for any
land which is nominated for preservation. More information can be found at www.nisquallyheadwaters.org.
About the Washington State Department of Natural Resources
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages about 5 million acres of state-owned trust
forest, agricultural, aquatic (submerged) and range lands, and commercial properties that earn income to build schools,
universities and other state institutions and help fund local services in many counties. In addition to earning income, trust
lands are habitat for native plant and animal species, protect clean and abundant water, and offer public recreation and
education opportunities statewide. DNR also manages the state’s Natural Resource Conservation Areas and Natural Area
Preserves, which protect unique and threatened native ecosystems and offer educational and research opportunities.
About the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund
The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund is a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service program authorized under
Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act. The Fund provides grants to states and territories to support their participation
in a wide array of voluntary conservation projects for listed species, as well as for species that are either proposed or
candidates for listing. Section 6 grants provide a means for states to work with private landowners, communities, and
tribes to protect vital endangered-species habitat. More information can be found at www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/.
###
For Immediate Release
April 6, 2009
Nisqually Land Trust announces purchase of 720 acres of high-priority conservation land
Agreement with Hancock Timber Resource Group aims to create wildlife corridor
between Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Elbe Hills State Forest.
Acquisition in Pierce County, Washington is the largest in organization's history
State Department of Natural Resources to hold permanent conservation
easement on property
OLYMPIA - In its largest acquisition to date, the Nisqually Land Trust today announced
the acquisition of 720 acres of environmentally sensitive land in Pierce County,
Washington, from the Hancock Timber Resource Group.
The parcel is located in the Kapowsin Forest, near the main entrance to Mount Rainier
National Park and directly north of the community of Ashford. The Land Trust considers
it a critical addition to a proposed wildlife corridor between the Gifford Pinchot National
Forest and Elbe Hills State Forest.
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a conservation
easement on the property in perpetuity, ensuring its use as wildlife habitat and preventing
future development.
"We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of this parcel, our largest acquisition
ever. This land is known to be frequented by spotted owls, marbled murrelets, bald
eagles, elk, cougar, and many other species," said Joe Kane, Executive Director of the
Nisqually Land Trust.
"We greatly respect the work of the Nisqually Land Trust and share their commitment to
protecting environmentally sensitive land," said Derek Solmie, Pacific Northwest Project
Manager, Hancock Timber Resource Group. "We take great satisfaction in being able to
complete this important transaction with the Trust through our Sensitive Lands Program."
The bulk of the purchase funds for the $2.56 million acquisition came from a U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service grant secured through DNR. In addition, the partnership securing
the grant under the USFWS Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund
included the Trust, the Nisqually Tribe, the Nisqually River Council, and the Nisqually
Headwaters Coalition, an Ashford-based citizens group.
"This purchase shows the power of cooperation between public, private and non-profit
partners to conserve our state's most precious lands," said State Commissioner of Public
Lands Peter Goldmark.
The Nisqually Tribe provided additional funding for the purchase and will assist the Land
Trust in managing the site's natural resources.
"We are proud to be able to help acquire and preserve this vital environmental resource,"
said Cynthia Iyall, chairman of the Nisqually Indian Tribe. "This partnership further
illustrates the Nisqually's strong commitment to protecting and enhancing
environmentally sensitive lands and habitats. Our tribe is honored to be part of this
effort."
"Given its location between the State and National Forests, we believe there is strong
potential to create a wildlife corridor between these two forests," Kane said. "The
property also has tremendous natural beauty, with rock bluffs and steep ravines. We are
grateful to Hancock Timber for working so diligently with us to make the transaction a
reality."
The Land Trust's purchase was part of Phase Two of its Mount Rainier Gateway
Initiative, which calls for permanently protecting some 4,500 acres of timberlands near
Mount Rainier National Park. One of the benefits of protecting wildlife habitat near
Mount Rainier is that it conserves scenic vistas that are critical to the local tourism
industry.
"To protect habitat in perpetuity, you have to make it part of a sustainable system," Kane
said. "In the Ashford area, that system includes a commitment to the long-term economic
health of the community."
Through its Sensitive Lands Program, the Hancock Timber Resource Group has helped
preserve and protect nearly than 400,000 acres of environmentally sensitive lands across
the United States. Its largest single sensitive lands transaction was the protection of
approximately 90,000 acres of timberland in King County, Washington, in 2004. Under
this agreement with King County, Hancock Timber sold the development rights on the
vast majority of the Snoqualmie Forest, just east of Seattle, ensuring that the land will
remain a working forest in perpetuity.
Map: Newly acquired parcel near Ashford:
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/em_ashford_map.pdf
Photo: Joe Kane overlooks Goat Creek Basin:
http://www.dnr.wa.gov/SiteCollectionImages/Places/em_joekane_goatcreek.jpg
About the Nisqually Land Trust
The mission of the Nisqually Land Trust is to conserve and restore natural areas and
wildlife habitat throughout the Nisqually River watershed and to protect those lands in
perpetuity. Since 1989, the Nisqually Land Trust has acquired, for permanent protection,
nearly 2,600 acres of superior wildlife habitat-from threatened old-growth forest near the
Nisqually River's source to critical salmon habitat near its delta. These lands have been
acquired through grants, mitigation funds, donations, and funds raised by special events
such as its annual auction. For more information, visit www.nisquallylandtrust.org
About the Nisqually Indian Tribe
Drawing on its rich cultural heritage and its entrepreneurial spirit, the Nisqually Indian
Tribe is a national leader in environmental stewardship and economic development. The
Nisqually Tribe is known for its innovative programs to restore and protect the Nisqually
River and Puget Sound, as well as its efforts to build a vibrant economy and create jobs
for its members. The Tribe has a long history of working closely with its neighboring
communities to find solutions to shared issues, form partnerships and improve people's
lives. While honoring its past, the Nisqually Tribe is working hard to secure a bright
future.
About the Hancock Timber Resource Group
The Hancock Timber Resource Group, a division of Hancock Natural Resource Group,
Inc., an operating company of MFC Global Investment Management, manages more than
five million acres of timberland worth approximately $8.5 billion in the Pacific
Northwest and the Southeast United States, as well as Brazil, Canada, New Zealand and
Australia. Additional information about Hancock Timber Resource Group may be found
at www.hancocktimber.com. MFC Global is the asset management arm of Toronto-based
Manulife Financial Corporation.
About DNR
DNR manages more than 5.6 million acres of state-owned forest, aquatic, agricultural,
conservation and urban lands. The 3 million acres of state trust lands are managed by
DNR to produce income for the state's schools, universities, prisons, state mental
hospitals, community colleges, and also helps fund local services in many counties, and
the state's general fund. State trust lands also are managed to provide fish and wildlife
habitat and educational and recreational opportunities.
Media Contacts
Bob Redling, DNR, 360-902-1149; bob.redling@dnr.wa.gov
Joe Kane, Nisqually Land Trust, 360-584-7386;
jkane@nisquallylandtrust.org
Brian Carmichael, Hancock Timber Resource Group, 617-663-4748;
bcarmichael@jhancock.com
Mike Graubard, Nisqually Tribe, 206-898-0706; michael@nyhus.com
###