Location:  Agate Heights Road
Size:  75 acres
Public Access:  Limited
Easement granted:  February 2003
Easement type:  Conservation
Grantees:  Whatcom Land Trust

    Adding one good deed to a list of many others, this non-profit mental health services organization offered a conservation easement to Whatcom Land Trust on the wooded acreage surrounding its Agate Bay residential facility.  This land provides a buffer for its mental health operations, and the easement protects a portion of the Lake Whatcom watershed. 

    In a 1978 agreement, Whatcom County pledged to help fund construction of the facility, in return for an option to purchase the buildings and surrounding two and a half acres for one dollar in 2028.  The center later expanded its property to its present 75 acres.

    In order to facilitate the establishment of the easement, the county gave up its 2028 purchase option, but did retain right of first refusal to purchase the property if the center were to cease providing services.

    The property is on the southern slope of Squalicum Mountain, and has two streams, which merge together and flow into Lake Whatcom.  A stand of birch trees is an addition to the Douglas firs, Western Red cedar, alder, maple and western Hemlock more commonly found around the lake. 

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