May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Rock Creek Valley Conservation Plan & Priorities Prepared by Friends of Rock Creek Valley with the assistance of the National Park Service, as part of a grant from National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program.

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Overview Rock Creek Valley description FRCV goals and accomplishments Conservation plan –Define Objectives –Identify protected areas, parcels at risk –Analyze Natural Resources –Set Conservation Priorities –Implement Plan Next Steps Questions and Answers…

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status The Rock Creek Valley “The highest quality remaining tributary in the lower Cedar River and greater King County area” - Gino Lucchetti King Co Biologist

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Rock Creek: from Lake 12 to Cedar River FRCV approx. area: Cedar River to north Green River to south SR 169 to west Cedar River Watershed to east 32 square miles The Rock Creek Valley

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Friends of Rock Creek Valley Goals  Water quality, quantity and habitat  Spawning and rearing habitat  Diverse wildlife habitat  Natural resource education  Recreational opportunities  Monitoring, maintenance and operation of publicly-owned lands  Promote revenue-generating activities on publicly-owned lands

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status FRCV Accomplishments Acquisition Assistance Ravensdale Retreat, Sugarloaf West, Crow Marsh East and Central, Lower Rock Creek, Cemetery Reach, Gracie Hansen Woods, Kanaskat Reach Restorations Rock Creek 4.6 mile riparian area, Cemetery Reach, 31-Man Creek Other Accomplishments Plant and wildlife surveys, regional trail planning, equestrian center, trail mapping (100+ miles!), community and governmental liaison.

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Rock Creek Valley Conservation Plan A guide to help the community achieve its Vision for the Rock Creek Valley Prioritize FRCV efforts Educate community on conservation needs Provide input for County consideration Not binding in any way –Based solely on voluntary cooperation

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Conservation Plan Audience Governmental agencies Developers and real estate agents Local residents and land owners

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Rock Creek Natural Area Danville-Georgetown Open Space Kent Watershed Henry’s Ridge Open Space Sugarloaf Mountain King County Sports Park Ravensdale-Retreat Crow Marsh Hanging Gardens Approx. 4,600 acres (22%) in “protected status” Protected Areas

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Conservation Risks Valley today is still 72% forested Approximately 2,600 acres of land are at a very high risk of development 13% of total valley area Another 2,300 acres at medium-to-high risk 11% of total valley area

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Resource Elements of Vision Urban-Rural Buffer Aquatic and Riparian Resources High Groundwater Contamination Risk Wildlife and Birds Forest Resources Recreation and Trails Viewsheds and Aesthetics (From the Rock Creek Valley Vision, adopted April, 2001)

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Resource Element Analysis Urban-Rural Buffer Goals Current Conditions Key Assumptions Target Conditions Strategy Plan contains these sections for each resource element. Establish ‘no development buffer’ between urban and rural areas Approx. 2/3 in place already Minimum ½ mile wide No new development within buffer Passive Recreation Forest Management Parcel-specific strategy for protecting missing segments

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Aquatic and Riparian Goals  Maintain water quality (surface & sub-surface)  Retain riparian habitat Strategies  Monitoring  Ensure regulation enforcement  Restoration of natural vegetation  Education

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Areas at High Risk from Groundwater Contamination Strategies  Retain forest cover  Minimize development  Education & homeowner outreach

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Wildlife and Birds Goals Maintain primary blocks of habitat Provide effective connectivity Promote landowner actions that benefit diversity and balance Target Conditions 1/4 Mile wide connecting corridors Retain in forest Passive recreation Commercial forest management

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Wildlife and Birds Strategy Focus on preserving forests and riparian areas Largest threat: change of ownership leading to development Work with landowners Encourage commercial forest management TDR, Conservation Easements Linked via Wildlife Corridors Connectivity between Rock Creek Blocks and Watersheds.

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Forest Resources Goal Preserve at least 65% forest cover in the Valley Key Assumptions Healthy forests promote healthy populations of fish, amphibians, bird and wildlife as well as water quality Diversification of forests is desirable.

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Forest Resources Strategies Support efforts to retain lands in the FPD Promote and encourage continued commercial forestry Promote development of voluntary forest management plans for private landowners.

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Recreation and Trails Goals Sustain outdoor recreational opportunities. Complete the Regional Trail system link through the Rock Creek Valley Strategies Concentrate active recreational development around Ravensdale Park complex Phased implementation of Equestrian Center Encourage industrial landowners to continue policy of free public use of their lands.

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Viewsheds and Aesthetics Goal Preserve the valley’s “rural forested character” Key Assumptions Screening development will promote perception of rural forested locale Forest/agricultural views give desired perspective Visibility of active forestry operations is compatible with goal

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Conservation Priorities – The Process Set priorities for various conservation goals Identify parcels that contribute most to overall conservation goals Factor in risk considerations Summarize priorities Formulate plans to achieve the goals

May 27 th, 2003FRCV Conservation Plan Summary and Status Next Steps Complete draft Conservation Plan & Priorities Present plan and seek input at community meetings and organizational presentations Incorporate feedback into the Plan Present to County as community’s goals FRCV invites review and feedback from the Cedar River Council