DESCRIPTION
Barker Creek, located on the Kitsap Peninsula, with headwaters at Island Lake flows primarily through large undeveloped and single family parcels, emptying into Dyes Inlet. This project will purchase 54 acres of conservation easements and 50 acres of real property along this stream corridor. The acquisitions constitute phases 2 and 3 of a 4-phase project which began with the purchase of Three Springs property in 2000. This parcel, considered a cornerstone of the project, contributes 13% of the total streamflow of Barker Creek. Purchase of the parcel was contingent on an agreement that the local community pursue protection of the entire riparian corridor. This proposal constitutes their effort to meet that requirement.
The proposal was initiated and developed by the Chums of Barker Creek, a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1993 for the purpose of protecting and enhancing the salmon stream and its habitat. The area is heavily forested with cedar, Douglas fir, deciduous trees and a lush ground cover of rainforest vegetation.
Salmonids to benefit from the acquisition project include chinook, chum, coho, steelhead and cutthroat. Numerous migratory and resident birds utilize the corridor for nesting and feeding. Problems addressed by this proposal include effects of logging activities, a rapidly developing urban growth area, and increased taxes which could force some landowners to sell land they would otherwise prefer to preserve.