Kristoferson Creek
- Status: Protected in 2006
- Location: Camano Island
- Acreage: 2.5 acres
Public Benefits
Fish and wildlife habitat, public access, wetland protection, only salmon-bearing stream on Camano Island
Description
The lower portion of Kristoferson Creek has been identified as containing very important riparian and wetland vegetation that provides excellent wildlife. It also includes a healthy, “Class A” wetland. Three species of salmon are documented in Kristoferson Creek, including spawning chum salmon in the project area. Estuaries with a supportive creek system, such as Kristoferson Creek, contribute the greatest amount of biodiversity for wildlife and are very important for flood control and water quality.
Project Story
Camano Residents Rally for Kristoferson Creek
In early 2006, Island County Commissioners approved the Land Trust’s request for $125,000 in Conservation Futures funding to permanently protect 2.5 acres and nearly 255 feet of the lower reach of Kristoferson Creek. In addition, a willing landowner agreed to a bargain sale, which helped make acquisition possible.
Sponsored by the Whidbey Camano Land Trust, this project provides a permanent, safe and convenient, publicly-owned location where school children and the general public can access the creek for educational and wildlife viewing purposes. Acquisition of the property also provided wetland protection beyond the required regulatory setbacks. The Friends of Camano Island Parks and its volunteers, including school children, will help steward and appropriately develop the property. Activities are likely to include native plant restoration and installation of low-impact public access facilities, such as a trail and viewing platform.
Conservation Futures is a land conservation program administered by Island County to protect significant farm, forest, open space, wildlife habitat, shoreline and recreation lands. Program funds are used to acquire land or the rights to future development of land. The Conservation Futures program is funded by 6.25 cents per thousand dollars of assessed property tax on Island County properties.
