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	Crockett Lake


	Status	Protected

	Location	Central Whidbey Island

	Acreage	60

	Public Benefits

	Provides critical feeding grounds for migratory waterbirds, scenic vistas and wildlife habitat, located within Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve

	Description

	Crockett Lake is a shallow brackish lake and complex of salt and freshwater marshes. It provides vital habitat for a variety of resident and migratory birds. Thousands of shorebirds (more than 17 different species) rely on the lake as an important migration staging area. The area provides critical wintering and nesting habitat for more than 13 species of ducks. At least nine species of raptors are regular visitors, including Peregrine Falcons and Merlins. And, more than 238 species of birds have been recorded in the Crockett Lake area.







PROJECT STORY Donations from Gene and Janet Zema

In 2006, Gene and Janet Zema assured protection for 40 wildlife-rich acres of their Crockett Lake property by donating it to the Land Trust. The $510,000 value of this land donation was used to provide the matching contribution for a federal grant secured by the Land Trust from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect additional high value conservation lands and waters at Crockett Lake. In December 2008, working again with the Land Trust, the Zemas sold 20 acres of their remaining Crockett Lake property to Washington State Parks, donating another $85,000 of land value to make up a shortfall in grant funding. The Land Trust also contributed $20,000 to the funding shortfall using a contribution from the late Thero North. Also in December 2008, the Land Trust reserved a conservation easement on the original 40-acres, reflecting the Zema’s desire to protect it for wildlife and compatible low-impact recreation, and transferred it to State Parks. These 60 acres are now part of Fort Casey State Parks and boast a variety of habitats including lake, mudflats, fresh- and saltwater wetlands, upland conifer forest and open fields, all providing critical habitat for more than 238 bird species and low-impact recreational opportunities to park visitors. Dave and Thero North Bequest Dave and Thero North loved Whidbey Island. Dave, an avid sailor and Thero, a deeply knowledgeable birder, particularly loved the town of Coupeville and the rich habitat of Crockett Lake. Their long friendship with Whidbey began in 1956. During summers, the Norths brought their three daughters to camp near West Beach. Year round, Thero observed the changing array of birds around Crockett Lake and at Penn Cove. Dave and Thero wanted to ensure that the natural environment they loved would continue to provide habitat for wildlife and enjoyment for people. With this in mind, their daughters, Chris Peterson, Patricia North and Katherine North, directed a bequest to the Land Trust, in honor of Dave and Thero, for the purchase of land on the shores of Crockett Lake. Read January 9, 2006 Press Release Read May 8, 2006 Press Release