Heernett Foundation Newsletter
March 2005
The migratory birds are here and singing up a storm. Spring is on the way! We really need some rain to help the fruit producing plants develop nourishing food for all of the wildlife. It has been pretty dry and the plants aren’t producing anything yet. It has been a real treat to walk through the foundation properties and notice all wildlife fussing about. In a couple of months there will be lots of little babies running around the woods. It’s my favorite time of year!
As most of you know, approximately two and a half miles of our properties are adjacent to the Thurston County Parks and Recreation “Rails to Trails” path. We all have been waiting for a number of years now for the “ Yelm to Tenino” Trail to be completed. The good news is that it should be paved all the way to the Tenino area by the end of the month. Thurston Parks and Recreation have been working hard all winter to finish the project. They have done a great job in clearing the brush away from the trail, placing as many bridges along the trail as possible, opening up the stream systems for aquatic wildlife to thrive and flourish. They have been diligent about placing wildlife information signs along the trail and are excited about collaborating with us to design signs for the Heernett properties. We are looking forward to future project with the “Trail Team”.
The Chehalis Basin Partnership is moving forward with the Chehalis Basin Watershed Management Plan’s Implementation. We’ve been working hard to develop a process in which we can begin implementing recommendations from the plan. The Plan 2 Fund program developed by Boise State University Environmental Finance Center has been an excellent resource. Bill Geroski and his assistant Amy Williams have been working with us for a couple of months now to adjust specific parts of the program to fit our needs. It has been a extraordinary experience collaborating with them in developing different aspects of the program. A large part of the work we are doing together will pave the way for numerous other Watershed groups, which are currently developing their Management Plans.
The Citizens Advisory Committee is creating a display board that we will be setting up a local festivals and celebrations this summer. There lots of information about the Chehalis Basin Watershed Management Plan, The Partnership, as well as, historical and regional species information. So be sure to keep your eyes open when your out and about, come on over and see what we have to offer. You might be surprised at just how much your input will matter!
If you would like more detailed information about what is happening around our watershed, or to attend a Partnership meeting, contact me @ 360-264-4310 or Heernett@aol.com. This is a great opportunity to come out and help us Make A Difference! Best Wishes Always, the Heernett Staff
