The move by King County and the Trust for Public Land to purchase 216 acres atop Squak Mountain is good news for everyone interested in preserving important forested land.

The two have signed a conditional agreement to buy the land now owned by Erickson Logging, Inc. and keep it for the public’s enjoyment. The company’s owner, Kurt Erickson, had purchased the land with the intent to cut the trees.

To his credit, Erickson had indicated from the start that he would sell the land to the county if an agreed-upon price could be reached. The concern was that government and other interested parties couldn’t move soon enough to save the trees.

The news Wednesday by County Executive Dow Constantine shows that the county and land trust are more than able to act quickly when necessary,

Residents below the mountain’s top feared that if the trees were gone, additional water runoff from rains would threatened the land – and their homes – below.

The next step is for an independent appraisal of the land and an agreement on the final purchase price. Erickson has agreed to postpone any logging. If all sides agree, the county will work to come up with the money, targeting such sources as Conservation Futures funds and regional open space acquisition funds in the King County Parks levy. That levy will be on the August ballot to replace the a levy that expires at the end of this year.

If that hurdle is cleared, the Trust for Public Land would buy the property in February 2014. The county would get title to portions of the property as it secures the necessary money.

Let’s get this deal done.

– Craig Groshart, Issaquah & Sammamish Reporter