King County Executive Ron Sims has recognized the City of Lake Forest Park as a King County Earth City for the work it has done to protect the natural environment. The award was presented to City officials yesterday during a ceremony at Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park.
"The City of Lake Forest Park serves as a great example of the kind of work that can be undertaken to ensure that a lasting legacy is left for our children," said Executive Sims. "I am pleased to be honor the City for its vision, dedication and leadership."
The Earth City award is given to local jurisdictions that have made a commitment to maintain the integrity of our natural environment through a variety of programs and initiatives. These programs have measurable benefits to the environment and encourage the public's involvement.
Since its incorporation, the City of Lake Forest Park has maintained its commitment to preserving the air, land, and water for its residents. Over the years, the City has approached environmental conservation and preservation through responsible and informed input from staff and the public. The City has stated its environmental objectives in its Comprehensive Plan and enforced sensitive area ordinances in daily practices. The community continues to stay engaged through educational newsletters and materials.
In May of last year, the City voted to approve retaining the Lyon Creek property as a park site in perpetuity. This is an important location for juvenile Chinook to feed as well as for stream recovery efforts. Similarly, Animal Acres Park was opened in November 2000, which includes a wetland, meadow, and salmon bearing stream for Chinook, Sockeye, and Coho.
Through the City's Environmental Quality Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Urban Forestry Committee, the public has worked closely with the Mayor and Council to preserve open space, protect streams and salmon, manage waste and recycling, and maintain air quality. These commissions help to nurture other local groups like the StreamKeepers, which measures water quality and facilitates stream restoration projects.
Lake Forest Park continues to pass on this legacy to its young people by encouraging them to dedicate their high school community service hours to environmental protection. Students from Shorecrest High School have worked with StreamKeepers measuring and testing the quality of the water in local streams along with picking up roadside trash and litter from the ditches along some of the streets in the City.
"The City of Lake Forest Park reminds us of the important role local government plays in ensuring our region is protected for generations to come," concluded Executive Sims.
The Earth City Award Program is part of the broader King County Earth Legacy Initiative. Launched in May 2000, the King County Earth Legacy Initiative celebrates the importance of protecting and enhancing our natural environment. The Initiative outlines a number of innovative programs that are working hard to maintain the rich integrity of our region, as well as our high quality of life. It actively engages the involvement of businesses, local government, organizations, youth, employees, and the broader community to make a difference.
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Updated: April 19, 2001
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