Black Diamond Open Space Area 

Spring Update

New Trees Planted at Henry's Ridge

In fall of 2018, King County conducted a forest health thinning project at Henry’s Ridge Open Space. Snow and winter storm cleanup delayed post-thinning trail reconstruction. Parks crews are hard at work, and we expect the trails will reopen beginning of May. This spring, we planted 930 mixed conifer seedlings where the thinning project occurred to improve long-term forest health and resiliency.

Community Meeting: The Future of Black Diamond Open Space (BDOS)

Join us at Lake Wilderness Lodge (22500 SE 248th St, Maple Valley, WA 98038) on Monday, May 13, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. We’ll provide an update about trail projects at the site, and discuss next steps to advance an overall vision for BDOS (and beyond).

Check out the New Stewardship Plan

The Black Diamond Area Stewardship Plan is complete. The plan guides the careful and responsible management of Henry's Ridge Open Space, Black Diamond Open Space, Ravensdale Retreat Natural Area, and Cemetery Reach Natural Area. King County manages these lands to protect natural systems and provide opportunities for public access, recreation and environmental education. The stewardship plan provides a foundation for decisions about these lands including those involving public use, stewardship, partnerships, grants, capital projects and improvements.

Friendly reminder: If you have ideas or concerns related to the current trail system, please contact project manager Daphne Payne. We’d be happy to hear your ideas and discuss the best approach to addressing concerns together.

Nearby Upcoming Volunteer Events

April 27: Help us plant one million trees by 2020! Mountains to Sound Greenway is hosting a tree-planting event at Dorre Don Natural Area. Click here to learn more and register for the event.

May 4: We could use your help weeding and mulching around the recently planted trees and shrubs at Dandy Lake, which is part of the beautiful Bass Lake Complex Natural Area. Contact Brian Lund at Brian.Lund@kingcounty.gov for more information.

Questions? Contact Daphne Payne, Natural Resource Land Planner
Email: Daphne.Payne@kingcounty.gov
Tel: (206) 477-3391