Maloney Creek Forest

maloney creek forest

The Maloney Creek and Forest property permanently protects old-growth forest and habitat connectivity. With your help the land is permanently protected, with its many benefits from habitat to climate resiliency, to the character of the historic town of Skykomish, which sits just below.

Part of a valley that has been home to the Tulalip Tribes for thousands of years, the 300 acres around Maloney Creek border the Alpine Lakes, Wild Sky and Henry M. Jackson Wilderness Areas — some of the most rugged and beautiful lands on the continent.

The Maloney Forest abounds in conifers, including 200 year, old-growth timber towering majestically above nearly 50 acres of the property. The remainder is home to mature trees 50 to 70 years old. These valuable trees provide critical habitat and habitat connectivity for more than 50 species of animals including iconic species like the northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, bull trout, grizzly bear, Canada lynx and gray wolf. The crystalline waters flowing off the slopes feed the South Fork of the Skykomish River, critical habitat for endangered salmon.

creating resilience to climate change

Conserving Maloney Creek and Forest protects ecosystems with specialized habitat for species particularly vulnerable to climate change. Northwest forests are increasingly at risk due to fire, insect outbreak and disease—all factors exacerbated by increasing average temperatures. Preventing further habitat loss and fragmentation is critical in sensitive regions home to these endangered species.

Mitigating Flooding and Keeping Pristine Waters

The Maloney Creek and Forest stands guard above the town of Skykomish, providing a beautiful view and protecting Skykomish families from hazardous floods. Climate scientists predict increased heavy winter rains in the Northwest. Already, Skykomish has faced increased flooding in recent years. Mature trees intercept and filter water flow to provide a natural measure for lessening the threat of floods.

Maloney Creek is home to a variety of fish. The creek flows through the steep forested property before joining the South Fork of the Skykomish River. Rainbow trout swim on the property, and steelhead and bull trout are found just downstream. Protection of this property prevents future road building and other human activities that could harm stream quality.

overview

The Maloney Creek and Forest property permanently protects old-growth forest and habitat connectivity. Conserving Maloney Creek and Forest will protect ecosystems with specialized habitat for species particularly vulnerable to climate change.