9/12 Nooksack River Legacy Forest Hike (Whatcom County)

Did you know that one of the most ecologically important forests in the Nooksack River watershed is on the chopping block? Join LFDC, the Sierra Club Mt. Baker Group, and the Center for Responsible Forestry for a group hike to this one-of-a-kind forest ecosystem to learn more and help protect it! When: Saturday, September 12th from 11am–3pm

Where: Nooksack River Bald Eagle Viewing* https://maps.app.goo.gl/nSFJjEHopEoH1r538 (Not to be confused with Deming Homestead Eagle Park)

UPDATED: This hike will be approximately 6 miles round-trip with 370 feet of elevation gain. The majority of walking will be done on gravel logging roads, followed by some off-trail hiking in the woods.** In Whatcom County, two massive Department of Natural Resources (DNR) timber sales target some of the last native legacy forest in an area once home to the tallest trees on earth. The "North Fork Start Up" and "Secretariat" timber sales would clearcut 170 acres of legacy forest bordering the channel migration zone of the North Fork of the Nooksack River. These sites are home to rare western redcedar- and hardwood-dominant legacy forests, in a region where most low-elevation forests have already been converted to timber plantations. North Fork Start Up would clearcut slopes directly adjacent to an imperiled riparian plant community, and both sales are in proximity to bald eagle nests, along a stretch of the river known for its eagle viewing. The sales threaten substantial impacts on the hydrology of the Nooksack River and would destroy the best remaining low-elevation native forests in the entire watershed.

*Interested in carpooling? Request or offer a ride here: https://groupcarpool.com/t/dw08rb

**The terrain and distance of this hike may pose challenges to some individuals. We recommend that participants be comfortable with hiking in potentially challenging conditions. Additionally, it is advisable to wear appropriate attire, including sturdy hiking footwear, long pants to prevent scratches, and waterproof boots to ensure comfort and safety throughout the hike. While we strive to create an inclusive and accessible experience for all participants, we recognize that individual needs may vary. If you have specific accessibility concerns or require accommodations to participate in the hike, please contact kyle@wlfdc.org in advance.