Port Blakely paid $2.75 million for the development rights and will be allowed to add 500,000 square feet of commercial space in the Issaquah Highlands. They will also contribute $1 million to Issaquah for construction of the southern central business district bypass. King County has acquired the remaining interest in the Mitchell Hill property for public forestry purposes.

Sims said the King County program is modeled after programs in Montgomery County, Maryland and Boulder, Colorado, in which 44,0000 acres and 10,000 acres respectively have been preserved. King County will be just as aggressive in this groundbreaking effort as those areas, Sims said.

“The purchase of the Mitchell Hill property is finally a reality. After 15 years of work, it is great to see the fruits of our collective labor finally paying off. With the TDC program firmly in place, we have added yet another tool to our arsenal to fight sprawl and its associated negative impacts on our natural environment,” said Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Phillips. “Purchase of the Mitchell Hill connector is another shining jewel added to our stock of permanently protected open space to be enjoyed by generations to come. I am proud to have devoted my time and effort to this cause and look forward to seeing more successes in the future.”

Sims added that such innovative efforts could only be successful by outstanding working partnerships. He recognized the Mountains to Sound Greenway, the city of Issaquah, Port Blakely and the landowner of Mitchell Hill, the Hooker Family Trust. Sims said the Hooker family’s patience with the complex public process required for completion of this transaction has resulted in “ a permanent legacy for future generations.” He also thanked Councilmember Phillips for his work on this project over the last 15 years.

“It is projects like this that typify regional cooperation,” said Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger. “When governments cooperate, much can be accomplished that benefit each partner.”

Sims announced that King County would complete an updated Forest Management Plan in partnership with Issaquah in 2000. The plan’s top goal will be to increase biodiversity on site and speed the natural succession process to achieve a mature forest. The property is important for salmon habitat as it drains into the east fork of Issaquah Creek and Patterson Creek in the Snoqualmie River Basin. A soft surfaced trail will also be included. Acquisition negotiations on the adjoining 120-acre Mitchell Hill Partnership property will be completed within the next week.

“This utilizes Forest Legacy funding administered by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources,” said Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Jennifer Belcher.

"The Forest Legacy grants have been a tremendously valuable tool to help us purchase the development rights on very expensive parcels of forest -- forests that are immediately at risk of being developed," said Belcher. "We wouldn't be able to protect key wildlife corridors, water quality and recreation in this area of high population growth without the Legacy program. The US Forest Service continues to be a significant partner with us in the Greenway."

Enlarged view
Executive Sims recognizes the efforts of Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger, King County Councilmember Larry Phillips and Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Jennifer Belcher in the development of the TDC program and the purchase of the 120-acre Mitchell Hill property.

Enlarged view
Executive Sims is pictured with the Hooker family; King County purchased the Mitchell Hill property from the Hooker Family Trust for public forestry purposes.