Location:  Homesteader Road, Deming
Size:  28 acres
Public Access:  No
Easement granted:  June 2006
Easement type:  Conservation
Grantees:  Whatcom Land Trust

    Granted by Ken and Carolyn Lane, this easement was established to protect the wetlands, wildlife habitat and open space of the property, which includes an important wetland complex. 

    Situated in the middle of the South Fork Nooksack Valley, the wetlands are part of the Black Slough wetland system, which provides storm water retention during winter months, and base flow support to the South Fork Nooksack River during the summer months.  The wetland complex is significant as a rearing area for South Fork Chinook salmon, a federally listed species.

    From approximately 1940 through 1980, forest on the property was harvested.  Currently, the majority of the land is covered with a mature forest of Black Cottonwood, Red alder and birch, with some smaller red cedar.  The understory is varied, containing salmonberry, sedges, skunk cabbage and stinging nettles.

    A natural gas pipeline easement runs along one side of the property, and two mitigation parcels have been established.  These areas will be enhanced with native plants, by the Nooksack Tribe.