Bergsma Purchase Celebration

The efforts of grass-roots citizens, non-profit organizations and government agencies have all come to fruition - all funds necessary for the public purchase of the Bergsma parcel are in-the-bag. The milestone was celebrated on November 13 at the Harvey Manning Park at Talus, which abuts the Bergsma parcel. The event was sponsored by the City of Issaquah, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land, King County and the citizen group Save Cougar Mountain.

Speeches were made, followed by a short hike on the newly acquired parcel.

By way of background, the land is located on the northeast corner of Cougar Mountain between Newport Way Northwest and Talus has been proposed for development – most recently as 57 homes. It is one of the last significant pieces of privately-owned open space property zoned for development in Issaquah. The acquisition of this parcel will provide a gateway to the trails of Cougar Mountain from the Issaquah Valley floor, and is close to the Issaquah transit center. For more background, visit the Save Cougar Mountain website.

Here are some photos of the event:

King County Executive Dow Constantine makes a point.

Kay Haynes of Save Cougar Mountain speaks of the grass-roots effort that led to this milestone.

City of Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly reflects on the challenges that were met.

Kay Haynes cuts the symbolic ribbon-of-boughs so the debut hike can begin.

The hikers pause as David Kappler discusses features of the land with City of Issaquah Parks Director Jeff Watling.

Mission Accomplished - a gem of the “Wilderness Within” protected.