Location:  Walker
Size:  38 Acres
Public Access:  Yes
Easement granted:  January, 2006
Easement type:  Conservation
Grantees:  Whatcom Land Trust

    In the early 1900’s the Mt Baker Gold Rush was on.  One of those intrepid prospectors was Hamline B. Williams.  In 1904 Williams staked adjacent claims on Goat Mountain that became known as the Mt. Vernon claim and the Jumbo claim.  Hoping for riches from the claims Williams built a small shack to “prove up” him claims.  But like so many claims in the area they did not produce the riches hoped for.  The claims and the 38-acre property sat idle for decades and eventually became completely surrounded by the Mt Baker Wilderness.  By that time the property was used only for recreation and a new cabin replaced the old one.  In 2000 the property was put up for sale.  On a tip from the Whatcom Land Trust, Doug and Margaret Walker of Seattle acquired the property for the express purpose of preserving it in it’s present natural state.  In 2006 the Walkers donated a conservation easement on the property to The Whatcom Land Trust.

     The property rests high on the east slopes of Bear Mountain at elevations from 4,700 to 5,200 feet.  Scattered groves of Silver Fir and Mountain Hemlock dot the talus and heather meadow.  A snowmelt stream drains to the West Fork of Silesia Creek and eventually to the Fraser River.  The property is classical North Cascades alpine meadow in appearance and use – home to the animals and birds that frequent these remote high places.  Access to the property is from Twin Lakes on old, little used miner’s trails.

     Though small by comparison to the Mt. Baker Wilderness, conservation of this in-holding property is important.  In-hold properties under private ownership may not be subject to the same restrictions as their surrounding wilderness.  An owner’s use of the in-holding property may pose a risk to the intended preservation of the wilderness environment.  Whatcom Land Trust is pleased that we can help enhance the integrity of the Mt. Baker Wilderness through this conservation easement.