The Northwest Straits Foundation, Lummi Island Heritage Trust, Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee (MRC), and Whatcom County Parks and Recreation are partners in the effort to restore and reclaim the Lummi Island Quarry, now known as Aiston Preserve. The Lummi Island Heritage Trust (LIHT) recently acquired the 105 acre quarry for the purposes of restoration, protection, and passive recreation. Of the 105 total acres including 4,000 feet of shoreline, 20 upland acres and 500 linear feet of shoreline have been degraded by past mining related activities.
A feasibility study is currently underway to analyze the site and develop restoration and reclamation alternatives. This first phase of planning will be completed by fall 2016. Elements of the feasibility study include concepts for: restoration of the armored shoreline; removal of overwater structures; reclamation of the mined area for conversion to passive recreation as well as conservation; upland trails and public access via the water. The project partners are coordinating with Washington Department of Natural Resources Surface Mining and Reclamation division as well as the Aquatic Lands division.
The Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee will be leading the effort for pre- and post-construction citizen science monitoring. Contact the Foundation for information on how to get involved.
To provide your comments on the various elements of the restoration and public access planning, complete this on-line survey by July 31, 2016: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AistonPreserve
For more information about this great project, click here for the Lummi Island Heritage Trust’s website.
Click here for the Aiston Preserve July 21st public meeting presentation.
