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| June, 2011 – Planning and Design of Lily Point Marine Park is underway. |
September 21, 2011:
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Press Release Regarding Lily Point Marine Park Construction
Lily Point Construction Access Closure Map |
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| Whatcom County Parks & Recreation staff are working on planning and park improvements for Lily Point Marine Park. The park is located within the southeastern portion of Point Roberts and encompasses more than 275 acres with 1.4 miles of saltwater shoreline along Boundary Bay. Forested upland bluffs, beaches, and rich tidelands are just a few unique natural features of this amazing place. |
Whatcom County acquired this property in 2008 with the assistance of The Nature Conservancy and Whatcom Land Trust. Preservation of the sites natural and cultural heritage and public access are major goals in the planning process for the park.
Proposed improvements include a trailhead with parking and restrooms, trails through forested uplands, viewpoints and shoreline access. (To see pictures of Lily Point click here).
Four community meetings were held in mid-January and late March to solicit public input regarding the future of the park. Comments generated from those meetings have been incorporated into a draft master plan available for viewing below.
Site Development Plan |
SEPA |
Land Disturbance |
Bald Eagle Management Plan |
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Following SEPA review the project proposal will be presented to the County Council for approval. Final project permitting and construction are expected to be completed by early 2012. Check back here for updates.
For more information contact:
Rod Lamb
Design & Development Supervisor
Phone: 360.733.2900
Email: parks@co.whatcom.wa.us
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March, 2010-- Planning underway for new South Fork Park near Acme 
Whatcom County Parks & Recreation staff have developed a draft master plan alternative for 603 acres of park land in the South Fork Nooksack Valley near Acme. The proposal addresses many elements identified in the earlier planning sessions. Now it’s time to have the community review the alternative plan. Your input ensures that the South Fork Park will address the needs of the County and effectively fulfill four primary goals – recreation, education, conservation and restoration – for decades to come. We look forward to your involvement.
May 30, 2009--Grand Opening of Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve held on Memorial Day, May 25, 2009
The official opening of the beautiful Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve was attended by over 400 people!
The ceremonies began at 11:00 with a brief presentation by County
Executive Pete Kremen and representatives of Whatcom Land Trust. The group
then enjoyed the ¾-mile trail through the wooded wetlands to the scenic
overlooks and beach. A -2.8 tide allowed visitors to
experience the abundant sea life that is often hidden from view. Local specialists in
marine life were available to provide information and answer questions.
April 1, 2009--Pacific Northwest Trail receives federal designation
On March 30, President Obama signed legislation designating the Pacific Northwest Trail as a National Scenic Trail, joining the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail as one of eleven National Scenic Trails. The Pacific Northwest Trail extends approximately 1,200 miles, from the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park, Montana to the Pacific Ocean Coast in Olympic National Park. Over 200 miles of the trail pass through Whatcom County, from Castle Pass to Samish Bay. One mile of the trail passes through Squires Lake Park in the heart of the "Cascades-to-Chuckanut Corridor," a ribbon of forestland and wildlife habitat which ties the wilderness of the North Cascades to the shores of Puget Sound.
Establishment of the trail has been a goal of the Pacific Northwest Trail Association since the 1970's. The group's volunteers have surveyed, mapped and constructed trails to create the links necessary to join together a route stretching from alpine heights to ocean beaches, crossing public lands of many agencies, and securing permission to pass through private lands. Federal designation will afford the route additional protections and funding sources.
Mount Baker from Pacific Northwest Trail
When you visit Squires Lake Park to enjoy the peaceful lakeshore and woods bursting into springtime, let your feet or mind wander along the meanders of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, east to the Rocky Mountains or west to the Pacific!
Squires Lake on the Pacific Northwest Trail
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