Donation By:  USFW Grant Via Wahington Department Of Ecology                                      
Location:  North Fork Road
Size:  42 Acres
Public Access: No
Property Acquired:  1999
Owner:  Whatcom Land Trust

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    Whatcom Land Trust purchased the property from Barbara Alexander on January 26, 1999 with funds from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. North Fork Eagle is a 42 acre tract located on the North Fork Nooksack River about 5 miles east of Deming, Washington. The property lies between the North Fork Road and the North Fork River, just upstream of the confluence of the North and Middle Forks. About ½ of the property is wooded and ½ lies within the active floodplain of the North Fork.  The property was acquired under a grant from the USFWS, in cooperation with the Washington Department of Ecology. The terms of the grant require the Land Trust to manage the property for protection of wetlands, wildlife and habitat protection.

    The North Fork Eagle property is located at a point on the Nooksack River where annual chum salmon runs spawn and die. This salmon spawning attracts large numbers of bald eagles who feed on the fish carcass and roost in the riparian forest on the property. No flood control structures impede the natural meandering of the Nooksack on the property, allowing the river to create numerous side channels, river bars, and quiet pools. Several natural logjams have developed on the property, providing cover for salmon smolts and creating large pools for resting fish. The open pastures on the property provide some winter grazing habitat for the Nooksack Elk Herd.