Anacortes Community Forest Lands

Project Overview

The Anacortes Community Forest Lands Plan is a long-term planning effort to guide the stewardship, use, and management of the City’s community forest lands. These forest lands are a vital public asset, providing emergency drinking water protection, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, climate resilience benefits, and educational value for the community. The plan establishes a clear framework to balance conservation, public access, and sustainable management over the coming decades.

The current draft of the Plan : Anacortes Community Forest Lands Plan Update

Anacortes Community Forest Lands Plan Public Hearing: 3/16

https://www.anacorteswa.gov/1962/Anacortes-Community-Forest-Lands-Plan-Up

Note:

Although the proposal is comprehensive at 82 pages, the inclusion of numerous photos allows for a streamlined reading experience. I encourage you to note any areas where you would like to see further development or changes. Thoroughs notes will be an excellent resource when sharing your perspective at the March 16 public comment session.

Whistle Lake, ACFL South

The Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL) is a 2,950-acre forested area within the city limits of Anacortes, Washington. The land is owned and managed by the City of Anacortes with the help of Skagit Land Trust. It is open to the public and provides over fifty miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and other recreational activities.

There is a diverse landscape with forests, wetlands, lakes, ponds, and meadows. The forest is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including deer, beavers, owls, ducks, swans, and eagles. The many wetlands also provide a great habitat for a variety of migratory birds.

It is a place for people to enjoy the outdoors, learn about nature, and connect with the community. The ACFL is a valuable resource for the community, and it is vital to protect it for future generations to enjoy.

The habitat is a significant part of the ecosystem in an ever-expanding population. The ACFL needs to be managed in a respectful way for the wildlife in the area to flourish and let nature maintain a healthy balance.

There are many different activities you can enjoy in the Anacortes Community Forest Lands:

Go hiking or biking on one of the many trails.
Go horseback riding on the designated trails.
Fish in one of the lakes.
Swim in one of the lakes.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

The Anacortes Community Forest Lands is a special place where you can enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. It takes all of us to respect the land for future generations to enjoy the beauty it provides us all.

Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL) BLOG

A SPECIAL PLACE

Wood Duck

Wood Duck and Skunk Cabbage Have you ever asked yourself ” I wonder if wildlife would eat that beautiful but very smelly Western Skunk Cabbage”? I have the answer to that question with the help
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ACFL North

Little Cranberry Lake, Big Beaver Pond, Wildlife I went on a short hike checking out the Beaver Ponds with Bob Jepperson . We had a great short walk in the area to see what was

ACFL South

Whistle Lake, Wildlife Please be careful when hiking in the Whistle Lake area, it opens to motorcycles on April 1st. There were four motorcycles in the area on this day (03.22.2023). Unfortunately, there are individuals