Tony_Bentley Posted November 6, 2007 Posted November 6, 2007 Heybrook Ridge myspace Heybrook Ridge dot org Heybrook Ridge is the feaure that divides the North and South forks of the Skykomish River at it's junction. It is also what climbers will look beyond while climbing the upper and lower town walls while viewing Mount Index. This photo is from Lookout Point This is an awareness campaign to help protect Heybrook Ridge from being sold for clear cutting in June of 2008. There is a group of Index residents that have formed a non-profit focused on raising money to buy the land and protect it from logging and development forever. The myspace and the website are to help spread the word so please join the myspace if you are on there. I am also reaching out the core users in the recreational arena for a helping hand. If anyone would like to be a part of this, get in touch with me via myspace or from the main website. We are looking for gear companies, retail stores and any other businesses to donate whatever they can as auction items at the next fundraiser. The last party in Everett was a ton of fun and so there is talk about having one in Seattle pretty soon as well. Quote
olyclimber Posted November 6, 2007 Posted November 6, 2007 I have a big painting in my living room of Heybrook from the perspective of top of 3rd pitch of DH: From the climbers perspective, the view from the upper wall is amazing. It would be sad to look out at a big clearcut. I know we have talked about this issue in other threads, but thanks for bringing it up Tony. Shame I didn't know about the October event. Quote
MisterMo Posted November 6, 2007 Posted November 6, 2007 Cool painting. I was at the Heybrook shindig & besides good music I was impressed at all the cool stuff (mostly art) that was in the auction, mostly by local people. Quote
olyclimber Posted November 6, 2007 Posted November 6, 2007 heh...i should post an update...more detail of the town has been added in since that picture of it was taken. sorry i missed out, if you guys hear about heybrook events, be sure to post them here in the future...I know a number of people that would be interested in attending. Quote
olyclimber Posted May 7, 2008 Posted May 7, 2008 http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/362013_index07.html Quote
olyclimber Posted May 7, 2008 Posted May 7, 2008 They've got matching funds up to $500,000. Check it out! http://www.heybrookridge.org/news/index.php The donation is tax deductible. Quote
olyclimber Posted May 8, 2008 Posted May 8, 2008 in other news... http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420ap_wa_wild_sky_wilderness.html Quote
olyclimber Posted July 18, 2008 Posted July 18, 2008 Anyone know the latest? Looks like they're going to pull it off... Quote
Tony_Bentley Posted July 18, 2008 Author Posted July 18, 2008 So far they have $573,000. They need about $800,000 more to seal the deal. If anyone would like to help out, I need a content manager for the website. I'm planning on rebuilding it but I don't have the time to both build it and keep adding content as the board sends it to me. I think they are planning on buying as much as they can before the expiration date if they can't get the full amount. Quote
olyclimber Posted July 19, 2008 Posted July 19, 2008 wow...yeah i'm going to pitch in more. for some reason i thought their total didn't include the matching. still a long ways to go! Quote
Tony_Bentley Posted July 31, 2008 Author Posted July 31, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Nick Harper, CLC Snohomish County Conservation Director, 425-303-2555. Louise Lindgren, President, Friends of Heybrook Ridge, 360-793-1534 Groups rally to conserve Heybrook Ridge from Clear-Cut Index, Snohomish County -- The Cascade Land Conservancy has joined with a grassroots group of residents, outdoor enthusiasts, Snohomish County elected officials and a generous anonymous donor to save a forested mountain ridge near Index. Index is a hamlet in eastern Snohomish County just off Highway 2 in the Skykomish Valley. Efforts have been under way for several months to conserve Heybrook Ridge, 130 acres of mature forest that provides a stunningly beautiful backdrop for the town’s 150 residents and the many visitors to the area. The Index Town Wall is a popular rock-climbing destination. Now all the elements needed for the $1.21 million purchase of the property are in place. Action by the Snohomish Conservation Futures Advisory Board, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and the Snohomish County Council are expected to come together over the next few weeks to make the conservation of the property a reality. “"Our vision of a forest park that offers education as well as recreation will soon be a reality,” said Louise Lindgren of the Friends of Heybrook Ridge. “Partnering with the CLC and local residents to purchase Heybrook Ridge allows us to provide a legacy to the residents of Index and the region,” said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “Under the County’s protection, Heybrook Ridge will continue to provide opportunities for hiking and climbing and contribute to the natural beauty of the area.” “This is a great example of a community coming together to preserve a local jewel that is central to both its charm and character. All of us owe a big thank you to the Friends of Heybrook Ridge for making this happen,” said County Councilmember Dave Somers, whose district includes the Index area. “What a wonderful accomplishment for the resident of Index and the county,” said Maryanne Tagney Jones, CLC Board Chair. “The region will soon have a new park right on the edge of the new Wild Sky Wilderness Area.” “Cooperation and partnerships are the key to maintaining the regions quality of life,” said Gene Duvernoy, President, Cascade Land Conservancy. “The Conservancy is pleased to have worked with the Friends of Heybrook Ridge, Snohomish County and the landowner, WB Foresters, to make this project a reality.” The Cascade Land Conservancy secured an option to purchase the property which was set to expire July 31, 2008. The property was appraised at $1.21 million, which the landowners have accepted. Friends of Heybrook Ridge are contributing $550,000, including $500,000 from an anonymous donor. Snohomish County through the Snohomish Conservation Futures voted Tuesday to approve $700,000 for the project. The Conservancy is exercising its option on the property and a sale agreement is being worked out with the County, Friends of Heybrook Ridge and landowners over the next week. Snohomish County Parks will be the eventual owner of the property with the Friends of Heybrook Ridge contributing additional funding toward trail building and interpretation. “The smooth formation of this purchasing partnership showcases the importance of preserving Heybrook Ridge for our county. Conserving this forested treasure is a once in a lifetime opportunity and will benefit generations to come,” said County Councilmember Brian Sullivan, who as Chair of the Finance Committee, helped make funding a reality. Besides the importance of the land to the residents of Index, the ridge's impacts reach far beyond them. The forest regrew naturally, after an early logging of the ridge's old-growth timber, so it's considered an "outdoor classroom" for students of all ages. For example, a University of Washington, Bothell, professor, David Stokes, has taken students onto the ridge to study its ecology. Supporters also point to a new U.S. Forest Service program, More Kids in the Woods, which could be a natural fit. Index also benefits. Its general store, B&Bs, and new Outdoor Adventures Center cater to hikers, climbers, and river adventure enthusiasts. Index and Heybrook Ridge will now become an important gateway to the new Wild Sky Wilderness Area. Quote
archenemy Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 I'm gonna celebrate this weekend by climbing like a crazy woman and enjoying the view! Quote
olyclimber Posted July 31, 2008 Posted July 31, 2008 celebration will be in September according to the email i just got. hope to see you there! Quote
jshamster Posted August 1, 2008 Posted August 1, 2008 Great news! BTW - nice panorama shot, but it sure makes it a pain in the ass to read such an important thread. Cheers. Jimbo Quote
sambataro Posted October 8, 2008 Posted October 8, 2008 Hello everyone, I'm excited to share among this great news. The celebration on Saturday was a blast. Heybrook Ridge, 130 acres of mature forestland above the Town of Index and directly opposite the Town Walls, is now a county park. It was a partnership with the Friends of Heybrook Ridge, Snohomish County, Cascade Land Conservancy, and the landowners, W.B. Foresters. It came with the support of many donors and hard work among the local community and many of us who consider Index a second home. As the project manager for CLC in Snohomish County, I was fortunate to provide the transactional assistance and negotiate the purchase and assign it to Snohomish County. Now, the Friends of Heybrook Ridge and County will continue their amazing work for stage 2 to build hiking trails and spearhead environmental education with the local community. Thanks to everyone that gave their support along the way! Click here for photos of the celebration More background info can be found at: Friends of Heybrook Ridge Cascade Land Conservancy Cheers, Joe Quote
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