Letter from the President: IATC Public Forum Recap & Election
Kelly Jiang is the Board President of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club.
Thanks to our community partner, Highlands Council, for their support in making our 2024 Public Forum a success!
In the run-up to a particularly charged election, it can often feel that common ground is hard to find. But, one area where we can find common ground (literally) is in our public lands, and IATC’s 2024 public forum highlighted how we fund conservation of these public lands. It was gratifying to see elected officials and candidates from both parties in attendance, coming together to share our love for these special places.
L-R: Peter Coffee, Mayor Pauly, Chad Magendanz and Joe Pratt
Our public forum brought together diverse members of our community, from those who have been involved in conservation for decades, to newer faces who are eager to make a difference. I had the honor of facilitating a panel discussion featuring speakers from IATC’s nonprofit and governmental partners. I particularly appreciated the thoughtful questions asked by our audience members.
Our expert panelists included Ken Konigsmark from the Mountains to Sound Greenway (MTSG), Kristen Ohlson-Kiehn and Jayana Marshall from the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Sam Jarrett from the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP).
L-R: Ken Konigsmark, Sam Jarrett, Kristin Ohlson-Kiehn, Jayana Marshall, and Kelly Jiang; photo courtesy of Kyle McCrohan
Ken emphasized the importance of creative thinking for innovative approaches to land conservation. In particular, he highlighted the Issaquah Highlands (where this forum was held) and Talus as win-win-win deals where 70%+ of land was conserved, while more housing was able to be built on a smaller portion of the land. More, denser housing coupled with conservation has been a key feature of Issaquah’s growth over the last 20 years and is core to what makes Issaquah so special.
Sam explained how King County’s Conservation Futures Tax (CFT) has already enabled public land acquisitions in King County. In 2023, King County approved $9.2 million in CFT funding for the “Save Coal Creek” parcel - one of IATC’s signature community advocacy initiatives. And in early 2024, King County DNRP acquired 50 acres in Bellevue and Issaquah to add to Cougar Mountain Regional Park. Thanks to all the voters who voted to support the Conservation Futures Tax in 2023 - it’s already made a difference here on the ground in the Issaquah Alps!
King County DNRP acquired 50 acres in 2024 to add to Cougar Mountain Regional Park; photo courtesy of King County DNRP
Speakers also highlighted the vital role of the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) in funding conservation efforts. In 2023, the Climate Commitment Act enabled 290 acres of land conservation on Tiger Mountain. The CCA is the main source of funding for environmental programs across the state of Washington, but we can’t take its future for granted. With Initiative 2117 on the ballot, I encourage everyone who cares about conservation and climate action to vote “No” on I-2117 to protect the Climate Commitment Act and secure essential funding for our state’s environmental programs.
Thank you to all who attended and volunteered to make this forum a success! Our community’s engagement is a big part of what makes the Issaquah Alps such a special place. We hope to see you on the trails and at future IATC events soon!
In community,
Kelly Jiang
President, Issaquah Alps Trails Club
If you were unable to attend the Public Forum, you can watch the recording on the IATC YouTube channel.
Learn more about IATC’s long history of advocacy and our continued commitment to the conservation, education, and advocacy for the land, wildlife, and trails of the Issaquah Alps for present and future generations.