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Hammons Preserve
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Status |
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Protected in 2006; site restoration pending funding
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Location |
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South Whidbey Island |
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Acreage |
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9.5 acres |
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Public Benefits |
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Connection to public land, wildlife habitat, wetland and stream, public access and trail, heritage orchard
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Description |
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Long-time Whidbey Island resident, Alvin Hammons was a veteran of World War II and a retired railroader. He lived on his beloved Whidbey Island family farm for 40 years. There, Al found beauty and serenity in its gently sloping agricultural fields, orchard, forested edges and sweeping unobstructed views of Cultus Bay. Al’s wish was to keep this land as a place where others could come and enjoy the quiet beauty, raptors and deer that gave him so much pleasure during his lifetime. His dream was to have his farm turned into a wildlife refuge where all are welcome to come and “rest their souls awhile”. His gift was to donate his spectacular land to the community.
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| Hammons Preserve Management Plan
Click the icon above to download a the entire plan (2.7 MB, requires Adobe Reader)
For slower speed connections, click on the links below to access the plan and appendices:
Hammons Preserve Management Plan
PROJECT STORY
Protecting a Landmark Property Overlooking Cultus Bay
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In 2006, the Estate of Alvin Hammons donated the 9.5 acre farm to the Whidbey Camano Land Trust once we paid estate expenses and property taxes that had accrued in the years since Al’s passing. Now, in order to be good stewards of the land, we must develop a site management plan and raise adequate funds to restore the wetlands and native vegetation, thereby enhancing wildlife habitat, maintaining the open space and providing for passive, low-impact public use and enjoyment.
During the first half of 2007, the Land Trust will finish cleaning up the property and will develop a site plan for restoration, use and long-term management. Throughout this process, we will consult with our Cultus Bay neighbors and natural resource specialists.
In accordance with Al Hammons’ wishes as the donor of this property, the Hammons Preserve is to be protected as a wildlife preserve where people can enjoy the views, wildlife and quiet tranquility.
The project has five phases. Phase 1, transfer of ownership to the Land Trust, is completed. In Phase #2, we will insure that the property is safe and attractive nuisances are removed. Phase #3 will be site planning and public involvement, resulting in a site management plan guiding future use and development of the property. In Phase #4, the Land Trust will raise the remaining funds needed to implement the site plan, restore native vegetation and wetland habitats, and provide for ongoing stewardship. Phase #5 will be to open the site to the public.
The Hammons Preserve is located at the crossroads of Possession and Cultus Bay roads on the south end of Whidbey Island. It’s adjacent to an isolated 40-acre forested, state-owned property with significant wildlife habitat and watershed values. Once protected by the Whidbey Camano Land Trust, the Hammons Preserve will provide the only public trail access to this state land, which is also slated for protection. There will be no trails built on this state land until: (a) ownership is transferred to Island County; (b) the property is inventoried for wildlife and plant habitat; and (c) plans are developed insuring that trails do not impact important wildlife habitat
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