King County, WA, Honors TPL

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, 11/29/01 – This week, King County Executive Ron Sims honored the Trust for Public Land (TPL) as an Earth Hero for Fall 2001. TPL was recognized for its recent success in saving the historic 370-acre Tollgate Farm property in North Bend. In addition, North Bend Mayor Joan Simpson was honored for her dedication to preserving the farm and advocating for open space in her community.

“Through effective partnerships and the dedication of Mayor Simpson and the Trust for Public Land, our region’s environment will be protected for generations to come,” said Sims. “I am pleased to honor and recognize the outstanding collaborations that take place in King County.”

Sims also commended TPL’s work in preserving 1,700 acres on the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River, including 3.5 miles of pristine riverfront and critical wildlife corridor; and its ongoing partnership with the Mountains to Sound Greenway (MTSG). Together, TPL and MTSG have protected more than 9,000 acres along the picturesque route, helping the I-90 highway that defines the Greenway be named the first National Scenic Byway.

Concluding the awards ceremony, Sims remarked, “We will all be a better community because of you.”

Launched in Spring 2000, the King County Earth Legacy Initiative celebrates the importance of protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

The Trust for Public Land is a private, nonprofit land conservation organization that works across the nation to conserve land for people. Founded in 1972, TPL specializes in conservation real estate, applying its expertise in negotiation, public finance and law to protect land for public use. Working with private landowners, communities and government agencies, TPL has helped protect nearly 8,000 acres in King County for people to enjoy as parks, playgrounds, community gardens, historic landmarks and wilderness lands. For more information about TPL’s work in Washington and the Northwest, please call (206) 587-2447.