Kitsap Forest and Bay (KFBP) conservation efforts have been in the news a lot lately. Several deadlines are approaching; both the March 28 2013 deadline for the option to conserve all 7,000 acres, and the State deadline on the Dept. of Ecology's (DOE) shoreline acquisition funds. The DOE issued a March 22 press release announcing an agreement with Pope Resources on the Port Gamble Bay cleanup. This clarifies that $2 million has been allocated to the Port Gamble shoreline acquisition and Pope Resources has agreed to $17 million to cleanup of Port Gamble Bay. The final disposition of the remaining $5 million will be the subject of future discussions. So we have $2 million dollars in good news, but not full resolution on the DOE funding.

Pope Resources/OPG has a long history of being wonderful community partners, allowing public trail access on their lands for decades. We're grateful for the work that has gone into finding a positive outcome for the community and Port Gamble Bay. We also want to thank Congressman Kilmer, Senator Rolfes and Representatives Hansen and Appleton for their efforts.

In other KFBP news, a U. S. Fish and Wildlife grant for $1 million towards the shoreline acquisition was announced in late January. Much of the KFBP grant efforts depend on how the State Legislature funds the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) this year. Grants to expand North Kitsap Heritage Park, the shoreline acquisition and the Divide, all depend on WWRP grants. If the complex combination of all grant finding efforts fall into place, $12-15 million towards land acquisition could be available. We're hoping for good news.

But even if all of those efforts are successful, much of the land that is most used for trails is without funding sources. The KFBP coalition has considered tough choices to further the goal of preserving as much land as possible, including some continued timber harvest. In late January, the coalition unanimously adopted the following resolution.

In order to further the goal of preserving the 7,000 acres of the Kitsap Forest & Bay Project for the public forever, we encourage the KFBP Principals to explore the idea of allowing Pope Resources (or its successor) an additional timber harvest rotation to decrease land acquisition costs, while replanting a mix of native species and transitioning to a sustainably managed forest.

Faced with the strong likelihood of losing much of the trails, and given the land has been used for timber harvest for nearly 160 years, NKTA's board unanimously confirmed the resolution. We believe some hard choices now, will increase the land and trails that will be enjoyed by future generations.

The Poulsbo Marathon organizers have once again donated Marathon proceeds, giving NKTA a very generous $3,500 donation! 519 runners, 200 volunteers and 1200 spectators all enjoyed the event. This is the third year the Poulsbo Marathon has benefitted NKTA, enabling us to focus on planning and building trails, and the land conservation efforts that are so important to the future of trails and open space in north Kitsap. Our thanks to Michelle Woodward, Lisa Cragg, Jenny Childs and Jane Dower, who put in so many hours to organize the Marathon and have been such a critical part of the team working for trails in North Kitsap!

NKTA teamed up with Great Peninsula Conservancy to apply for a Birkenfeld grant to obtain land and funds for a trail corridor across the Divide, creating a trail link between the NK Heritage Park almost to the Port Gamble Block. We'll hear the outcome in June. GPC has been a great partner, leading local efforts of an array of partners supporting the Kitsap Forest and Bay conservation efforts. Their spring dinner is coming up May 9 at Kiana Lodge in North Kitsap. Follow this link for more.

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