CRITICAL HABITAT AREAS and DESIGNATED WILDLIFE CORRIDORS

The City of Mountlake Terrace has designated three areas within the property as Critical Habitat Areas and Designated Wildlife Corridors. These are the two branches of Lyon Creek that run through the property, and the central trail area between the upper and middle levels of the property. The COA is responsible for insuring all rules and regulations set by the city and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are followed in these areas.

At the request of the board, the Manager of the Mountlake Terrace Storm Water project and the Associate Planner of the Long Range Department toured the three Critical Areas of the property. The board received a letter from the City of Mountlake Terrace on 3/18/2023 which provided guidance on how to protect and maintain these areas. On March 21, 2023 the board took the following action:

The board voted to prohibit all recreational activities in and access to the two creek areas, and to restrict activity to the developed trail in the wooded area between the upper and lower levels.

Effective 3/21/2023 access to the two creek areas is strictly prohibited. There are to be no recreational activities in the areas, including without limitation: no playing in or around the creek; no obstruction of the creek flow; no disturbance of the creek bed; no playing in the culvert pipe; and no creation of paths to access the creek.

NO TREES, BRANCHES, SNAGS, OR STUMPS MAY BE CUT DOWN OR REMOVED BY RESIDENTS.

Residents found in violation of this provision may be required to pay in full any fine from the City of Mountlake Terrace that is levied against the COA as a result of removal of trees, branches, snags, or stumps without permission.

Effective 3/21/2023 access to the central wooded area between the upper and middle level of the property is restricted to the established trail. No new trails or shortcuts are to be created.

As at other areas on the property, dumping of garbage or litter of any kind in these areas is prohibited, as is the planting or removal of any live or dead plant and tree materials.

Penalties for violations of the rules apply to these three areas on the property, and residents violating the rules are subject to being fined.

The House Rules reflect these directives the board has received from the City.