Corridors
Thinking holistically in a given geography, we address the important connections between people, land and work—linking city and rural town, working lands and wild lands.
Our effort is currently focused on the enhancement and sustainability of the lands and communities along our great natural corridors—the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway, Great Northern Corridor/Highway 2 and the Puyallup/Carbon River Valley. We chose these regions for their diverse economic, ecological and cultural characteristics and the synergy that can be gained by coordinating projects in the specific geography of each corridor.
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Land conservation
Our traditional ‘bread and butter,’ we preserve critical land forever while investigating new ways to secure substantial conservation and materially improve communities while providing market return.
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An engaged community
Working with a range of rural community leaders and residents we re-envision vibrant rural and major town centers and explore creative, new opportunities for economic growth and development. Key to this effort is nurturing deep and ongoing relationships with Tribal nations.
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Economic development
Aiming to provide sustainable economic opportunities for our rural towns while improving the health of our landscapes, we seek and promote a range of initiatives, including innovative green products, historic status reinvestment and outdoor recreational opportunities.
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Increased access to natural areas
Forterra collaborates to further develop and improve access to recreational opportunities while enhancing the protection and restoration of the corridors’ unique natural resources
The corridors we are working in:
Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway
Forterra’s been leading conservation and community building efforts in the Yakima River Corridor including Teanaway River Valley, Swiftwater Corridor and Yakima River Scenic Byway. With projects ranging from landscape-scale conservation acquisitions, to education and outreach, to construction of interpretive facilities, Forterra continues to lead the way, bringing a comprehensive approach to maximize the public and community value of this corridor.
Great Northern Corridor/Highway 2
This corridor has the components of a vibrant, resilient region, with employment, food and wood production, recreation and habitat restoration stretching from Everett to Stevens Pass. We’ve built long-standing partnerships with large forest landowners, taken a growing role in farmland conservation, created a new Green City relationship with Everett and launched the Skykomish Initiative bringing new energy to the revitalization of the historic town and surrounding scenic areas.
Puyallup/Carbon River Valley
This corridor connects Mt. Rainier to Commencement Bay. It follows the course of the Carbon River, from Mt. Rainier National Park through the historic communities of Wilkeson and Carbonado, and from the confluence with the Puyallup River to Puget Sound. Forterra is a leader in this corridor as a convener and partner of multiple stakeholder groups focused on cultural heritage protection, natural resource conservation, wildlife habitat protection and investments in recreational infrastructure.
Our vision of success is for Skykomish to be a recreation hub—a thriving center for outdoor activities that offers amenities like lodging, food and entertainment for visitors. Instead of stopping for a few minutes on their way to another town, families will choose to spend their weekends here.
Related Perspectives and News
Working with landowners for a more sustainable Snohomish
Forterra and Partners held workshops to promote a sustainable Snohomish County through community, agriculture and conservation.
Talking and Walking in Kittitas County
Two days of conversation with leaders across Kittitas County and one day of hiking. For the last few months and particularly over two concentrated days, we met with business leaders, advocates, planners, developers, farmers, elected officials and tribal leaders; to name some. The conversations only barely scratched the surface of course—of the richness of the place and the challenges it faces.
A timeless story in a dash of paint
Forterra’s revamp of its regional sustainability program, has made it clear that our sustainability does not solely depend on natural systems, but equally depends on our human, social ones.
A new chapter for Wayne
Forterra’s purchase of Wayne Golf Course tees up the 89-acre property for permanent protection as parkland—creating a huge new green space in the middle of our crowded metropolis. But we financed its purchase with a loan and we have limited time to pay it back.
Lobbying effort focuses on conservation fund
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Op-Ed: Growing Gracefully
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Agreement will preserve 155 acres in Enumclaw
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In record deal, more than 150 acres of farmland preserved in Pierce County
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