Seattle Press on Line - City: "Absolutely No Trails on Private Land"

Thornton Creek

City: "Absolutely No Trails on Private Land"

Apr 18, 2001 -- "Absolutely no plans are being considered by the City of Seattle for putting public trails on private property along Thornton Creek," according to Denise Andrews, Urban Creek Coordinator for Seattle Public Utilities.

In February, 65 creekside homeowners formed an organization to fight creekside trails on private land, in response to reports that the Thornton Creek Watershed Management Committee (TCWMC) Draft Action Plan would recommend such trails.

However, when the plan was issued on March 20, it stated that the TCWMC "does not support a riparian trail system on private land along the Creek."

Kerrie McArthur, chair of the TCWMC, said, "Our purpose is to inventory, evaluate and study the creek with a goal towards improving the quality of life in the creek. We take the view that if life is better for the fish, insects and animals who live there, that makes it better for people too."

The TCWMC, which includes individuals, community groups and public officials, was formed four years ago to develop public policy for the watershed.

Andrews said SPU would like to see more public access to publicly owned creekside land, but she said this must be balanced with protecting the creek as wildlife habitat. Ninety-five percent of creekside land is privately owned, she said. The Draft Action Plan will be released for public comment in mid-May, McArthur said.

Reader Comments

Discuss this article in the forums!

No comments yet!