In the fall of 2018, King County Parks thinned trees at Henry’s Ridge Open Space to improve the health of the forest.

Prior to our ownership of Henry’s Ridge Open Space, this forest was industrial timber land. We acquired this land to protect open space and manage it as a working forest.

Active management includes periodic thinning of these timber lands, which makes room for remaining trees to grow bigger. Thinning also opens the treetop canopy, letting sunlight reach the forest floor. In a few years, our efforts will result in a more resilient forest with more plant diversity and a better habitat for wildlife.

In fact, our forest stewardship activities at Henry's Ridge are certified sustainable by the Forest Stewardship Council!

Next on deck at Henry's Ridge:

• Repair the trails impacted by forest health project*
• Plant 1,000 conifer seedlings

*Note: Trail closure will remain in effect until we repair the trails, which we anticipate to be in March 2019. Map of trail closure area

Also note - We've postponed forest thinning activities at Ravensdale Retreat Natural Area until summer 2019.

Check our Forest Stewardship webpage for updates on the status of the trail closure at Henry's Ridge.

More information about forest stewardship in this area can be found in the draft Black Diamond Area Stewardship Plan.