Location:  Mosquito Lake Road, Deming
Size:  Approx. 30 acres
Public Access:  No (private property)
Easement granted:  May 1991
Easement type:  Conservation
Grantees:  Whatcom Land Trust

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    Although this property has changed hands several times since the conservation easement was granted in 1991, successive residents have abided by the intention of that original agreement:  for human inhabitants to live lightly on the land, thereby minimizing interference with wildlife and the character of the property.

    The property consists of two parcels along the Middle Fork of the Nooksack River, at the confluence of the Middle and North Forks.  It has substantial significance as a wetland, an overflow area for the Nooksack River, and as animal habitat.  It is an important part of the winter elk range in Whatcom County, and is frequently used by bald eagles, Canada geese, and a variety of migratory birds.  Pileated woodpeckers, band-tailed pigeons and purple finches are among species noted by the owners of the property.

    The property has a multi-layered canopy of numerous tree varieties, providing excellent habitat for many bird and animal species.  There are Western red cedar, spruce, maple, red alder, paper birch and willow, with an understory of vine maple and berry bushes.  Some of the conifers are old growth, although much of the property was logged off in the early 1900’s.  In 1914, a railroad was constructed and a logging depot established there to transport logs to Bellingham.  In the 1930’s a homesteading family named Barter turned the property into a small farm.  It remained in the Barter family until it was purchased by the Ansley family in 1974.