Press Release
KINGSTON, WA
Community efforts to Save the Port Gamble Forest (SavePG.org) is fast approaching the July 31, 2017 fundraising deadline. This multi-year campaign to purchase 3500 acres of forest as a public park will soon come to an end. To date, 1890 acres have been purchased (in 2014 and 2016). The campaign underway now will save as many as 1650 acres more to add to this legacy park in north Kitsap.
This is not an all or nothing campaign. Every dollar raised will be used to buy land at approx. $2,500 per acre. To date, nearly $2.7 million has been raised to purchase approx. 1067 acres. That leaves about 543 acres still at threat of being sold and developed. All lands conserved will be added to Kitsap County’s Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park.
This once in a lifetime chance to save a legacy forest to be enjoyed today and for many generations to come has inspired some amazing stories of generosity and commitment to preserving this community treasure.
Tim and Beverly Ryan of Tim Ryan Construction donated $150,000 to save one acre for each of their 60 grandchildren and great grandchildren!
Many donors have given repeat gifts like a Gig Harbor donor who gave $2,500 in May and then gave another $30,000 in June! Like others, she is proud to be able to make a difference.
Through July 31, three generous donors have pledged $125,000 if their gifts are matched. This is an amazing opportunity to give $1 and have it become $2. Buy an acre and have it become two acres. Recruit family and friends and buy an acre together.
Over 65 miles of logging roads and trails crisscross the property which has long been commercial timberland owned by Pope Resources and has always been open to the public. If the land isn’t saved now, it will be divided into 20 acre house lots and sold. Trails will be lost as will extensive habitat for wildlife.
The Campaign is led by Kitsap County, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, Suquamish Tribe, Forterra, Great Peninsula Conservancy, Kitsap Audubon Society, North Kitsap Trails Association, Evergreen Mountain Bike Association, Back Country Horsemen, and many other community groups and public entities.