King County Parks has proposed a $5.2 million plan to develop the

418- acre site called the Three Forks Natural Area. This site is roughly

bordered by Southeast Reinig Road, 428th Avenue Southeast, Mountain

Meadows, and the Mount Si Golf Course. In 1996 the King County Council adopted

the Three Forks Program Plan which identified “conservation of the site’s

natural resources and wildlife as the primary role for the Three Forks

Master Plan.” Myself and others who are aware of this proposal feel it will

harm the natural resources and wildlife in this area by adding so much more

access to it. Also at an estimated price of $5,260,825 to develop this

natural area, it is way too expensive (especially when taking into

consideration the impact of I-695 on our county

budget).

Some of the items listed as “highest priority” on the proposal are

the Norman Bridge Site improvements include parking lot, restrooms,

entry sign, interpretive signage, boat launch, telescope, and shoreline

improvements – $72,380. Reinig Road pedestrian/equestrian trail – $378,224.

North Fork Reach Loop Trail with interpretation – $118,86. Hedgerow

plantings – $326,375. Wood rail fencing -$353,304. This is only a sampling

of the total proposal’s cost.

I think most people could support some improvements to this area’s

existing trails and parking but not something that forever changes this

area into an urban park with a rural feel.

I strongly recommend that if you care about this issue, you take

some time to research it and then mail or e-mail your concerns to the King

County Utilities and Natural Resources Committee at the County Courthouse

in Seattle. Kathy Nelson is this committee’s staff

person (kathy.nelson@metrokc.gov). This committee needs your input to

make the best decision it can and will be meeting again probably sometime

in the first part of January to take action on this proposal.

Steve Kallberg

Snoqualmie