Erickson Logging, Inc. applied for a state permit Feb. 28 to log 216 acres it owns on Squak Mountain. If approved, the company could begin harvesting the timber in 30 days.

Brian Flint, a spokesman for the state Department of Natural Resources, said Kurt Erickson, the company’s owner, has to demonstrate that what he intends to do is within the law. If the DNR sees no irregularities in the application, Erickson can move forward with the harvest.

“People apply for these permits all the time,” Flint said. “That doesn’t mean he’s going to log it right away.”

Erickson has said he will either sell it to the county, or log it. He said he understands the county has a number of steps it has to take before it can buy land, so he is willing to be patient.

“Oh yeah, I’ll wait until May or June,” Erickson said. “As long as we’re communicating. But I have financial institutions I have to answer to.”

The headwaters of May Creek are on Squak Mountain, and flooding is already a problem. Area residents are concerned the situation could get worse if this natural sponge is taken away.

“The process is working as it should – the state forest practice board will review the application extensively with an inter-disciplinary team looking at all issues and the public will be able to have their input as well,” said county commissioner Reagan Dunn.

Dunn added that he is confident the county will find the money to purchase the 216-acres. The King County Parks division is submitting an application for money from the Conservation Futures fund this month.

Dunn has said that by May the county will know if the Squak Mountain property is approved for the funds.

Money for the fund is collected from property taxes levied throughout King County and its cities for the purchase and permanent protection of open space lands.

Dunn feels this is a project that needs immediate attention. The conservation futures citizens oversight committee reviews all the applications as well as visiting each site.