Black Diamond NOW

King County Economic Outlook - The Latest

Our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) task force yesterday received a briefing from staff providing an updated economic forecast for King County.  Following is a summary of the latest outlook starting first with employment trends:

To think that employment levels in the county during 2001 exceeded current levels is sobering.  On the plus side, current county employment trends are positive, exceeding growth trends at the national level. 

Seattle continues to be the bright spot for construction and values while the suburbs remain a significant drag.  Although construction in 2012 is now expected to exceed previous forecasts, trends are still  heading south overall for the next several years. 

As are assessed values.  We'll see what the county assessors have to say once they have completed their magical assessment process and we receive our tax bills.

One thing would appear for certain - if you are a city, county, school or other government agency, it would be best not to plan on growth in assessed values and property tax revenues for some time.

Pipe Lake Circa 1920 - Update

In early April, I did a post on Pipe Lake and a log dump that was operated there in the 1920's.  This would seem to imply that a sawmill was also located there - why else would a log dump be on the lake?  But then there was no direct rail service to Pipe Lake at the time, so how could a sawmill operate economically relying on trucking lumber to market?  To explore this question, I did some more research. First, another picture of the log dump and log truck.

Photo courtesy of Maple Valley Historical Society

Do you realize how perilous just driving the logging truck onto such a narrow boardwalk this was?  And then try to back out.  This was a semi and unless you backed out perfectly square the trailer would go sideways on you.  Here's another picture of the log truck before logs were dumped.

Photo courtesy of Maple Valley Historical Society

So what happened to these logs when dumped?  Was there a sawmill?  I still don't know for sure but I have been able to establish a few facts.  These photos were all donated to the Maple Valley Historical Society by a resident of Pipe Lake and there would appear to be no reason to believe that they may have been taken somewhere else.  In addition, I have been able to confirm that a company called the Pipe Lake Logging Company did in fact operate in the area during the 1920's - this based on a listing in "Index of Lumber Businesses & Mills King County WA", compiled and Copyright by Eric Erickson and published by the Issaquah History Museums.  Regarding rail access, I can find no record of rail access directly serving Pipe Lake but I did find that the Milwaukee RR which had a rail line that ran roughly along where Kent Kangley is today was in place during the 1920's.  To get to Pipe Lake from there would be much less than a mile.  Would it be possible/practical to truck finished lumber from a mill at Pipe Lake to a rail line less than a mile from the mill?  Interesting question and still with no definative answer.  But I do know Mr. Erickson from prior Lake Sawyer research and he has lots of PNW sawmill production records from the early 1900's but still waiting to hear back and see what we can learn.  Will keep you informed.

 

Are You Ready For A Green Roof?

One way to reduce pervious surfaces and control stormwater runoff is to make your roof a "green roof".  Basically, the idea is to create a garden or lawn on your roof so that rainwater is absorbed rather than have it run off into our down spouts and eventually into our streams and lakes.  No more worry about clogged gutters.  You also gain significant insulation value for your home.

Part of our roof is flat but even as gung ho as I am to try just about anything, putting a garden up there is beyond my risk profile - and I have a good friend who is the best structural engineer in the area.  With this part of the house an old cabin dating back to the early 50's, adding the weight of soil that can be very wet (and heavy) may well stretch the capacity of our roof beams.  But, if you are starting from scratch and can design for it, particularly for commercial space, it's something worth thinking about.

BlackDiamondNow Blog Hits New Milestone

Thanks to the readers of this blog, last week we passed a new milestone - totaling over 100,000 page views since we started 2+ years ago.  Beginning with just a few family and friends as readers, interest continues to grow, reaching levels currently beyond any of my expectations.  Regular/repeat site visitors now exceed well over half the number of total households we have in our community.  This outlet has given me a great incentive to keep learning and to seek new insights into our community, history and the area in which we live.  As always, your comments, input and suggestions for future topics are always appreciated.  There have also been some lessons learned along the way - like being sure that my data sources are true and accurate, which can be more of a challenge than one might think.  Though I have tried hard to keep local politics out of this, smack me down if you think that I have strayed too far.  Thanks again for your continued interest and readership.  And here's a toast to Black Diamond and the wonderful community that we live in.

StreamNet Interactive Mapper

The above image is a Print Screen I took from the StreamNet website (be sure to click on it to enlarge).  It is based on a data query I did for coho salmon spawning in our local watershed including Ravensdale Creek, Lake Sawyer and Covington Creek.  Co-sponsored by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and several other PNW agencies, the site offers a wealth of information services including the following extracted from their website:

Data Development

StreamNet develops data (by data type) from the region's management agencies by converting them to a commonly agreed on format (our Data Exchange Format - DEF) and adding georeferencing. For current data types that have a DEF, trends are updated annually and other less regular data are updated as needed.

Data Storage and Delivery

StreamNet utilizes state-of-the-art database and geographic information system (GIS) technology to compile and maintain aquatic resource data. Data from StreamNet can be obtained as tables, GIS layers, charts, graphs, maps or as the entire database in Access format.

Technical Assistance to Agencies and Tribes

StreamNet-funded staff provide significant technical database, geographic information system, and data transfer support services to state fish and wildlife agencies.

Library Services

The StreamNet Library is a full service library and includes materials relating to the fish and wildlife resources of the Pacific Northwest.

Assistance to Watershed and Restoration Projects

StreamNet can assist Fish and Wildlife Program-sponsored projects and related watershed and stream-specific projects by 1) providing baseline information on fish abundance, distribution, and other factors, 2) promoting utilization of data exchange protocols across watershed projects, 3) preparing custom data and map products for use by project participants, 4) serving as a repository for data and reports prepared through these projects, and 5) providing summarized data by subbasin.

Custom Products and Data Requests

StreamNet's principal product is its database and accompanying electronic data delivery systems. StreamNet also prepares custom GIS maps, graphs, and data reports for use by those involved in the protection, management and restoration of the region's aquatic resources.

It's rare to see this much cooperation among state and federal agencies.  Let's hope that there are some efficiencies that come with it and valuable data as well.  In addition to my query re Coho salmon habitat, the query I ran for winter steelhead was very interesting and you can also find excellent links to other related websites.  If you are so inclined, give it a try.

A Walk In Federation Forest

A bonafide Tree Hugger, photos taken in Federation Forest State Park, May 26, 2012

If you are looking to get out, maybe have young children in your family and you want to help them gain an appreciation for the natural beauty that we have in our area, then going to Federation Forest State Park is a must do excursion.  Located about 15 miles east of Enumclaw along Hwy 410, this is a great place to see some really big timber and native undergrowth dating back to well before the big fire of 1846.  Though they have 9 miles of trails, I would characterize these as more of a "walk in the park" than vigorous hikes - it's all pretty flat.  But worth the trip it is as we enjoyed the natural beauty and old growth timber dating back so many years.  These are really big trees. With such a big overstory of old growth, no need for sunscreen or concern for getting sunburned.  You can still see the remnants of fire on some of these big Douglas Firs dating back to 1846, as shown by Vanna (aka Judy) in the following picture.

In all, we were able to identify Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, Northwest Yew, Hemlock, Sitka Spruce, Western Red Cedar and many more deciduous varieties.  The undergrowth is amazing.  Notice the devils club to your right and the big red cedar on your left in the picture that follows.

After wandering for a while, I starting taking pictures of the tree bark from the many trees here.  The Doug Fir bark had to be at least 8" thick.  Amazing.  And then hiking down to the White River adds even more to the variety and views that we see here.  Lot's of logging still going on.

Don't forget your Discover Pass.

 

13th Annual Welsh Heritage Day - Saturday June 2

Mark your calendar for Saturday June 2 and be sure to attend the 13th Annual Welsh Heritage Day event sponsored by the Black Diamond Diamond Historical Society.  This also marks the 30th Anniversary of the opening of the Black Diamond Museum.  Enjoy the music, learn about the early days of coal mining in Black Diamond and have fun hanging out with your neighbors and friends.  Dysgu Hanes!

A Black Diamond Outdoor Activities Checklist - Summer 2012

The following map was developed by Courtney Feeney with the Middle Green River Coalition to highlight the many fun activities that are available to us in our immediate area.  Dubbed "Spend Some Time On The 169", let's see how many of you and your families can take it all in this summer.  Thanks Courtney - very well done!

Pacific States Lumber Co. - Railroad Trestle Circa 1927

Photo courtesy of the Maple Valley Historical Society, circa 1927

Pacific States Lumber Co. developed the town of Selleck to exploit timber resources along the Cedar River watershed.  They also operated a sawmill but shipping lumber to market required rail access.  To get there proved to be a major undertaking.  The above trestle across the Cedar River has been suggested by some to be the highest such trestle in the world at the time reaching 204 feet above the river.  Whatever the truth to this claim, this is a huge wooden structure.

Popular lore also has it that before the train would cross the trestle on each trip, the trestle engineer or other railroad employee was required to walk across to be sure that it was safe.  The locomotive's engineer would then start the train moving forward at a slow pace and jump off along with others to let the train progress across "driverless".  Once safely across, all would climb back aboard and resume the trip.  Judging from the picture above, this would appear to be very prudent and gives some credence to these stories.  Sure makes sense to me.  I continue to be amazed at the lengths to which the mining and timber industries would go early in the 20th century to access our local natural resources.

Rainbow Trout Stocked In Area Lakes

The annual right of spring also known as opening day is well behind us now for our local lakes.  I trust that those who participated were rewarded with a big catch and I can't think of anything more fun for young children - and old children too.  Each year, the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife stock area lakes with hatchery grown fish to supplement any native rainbows that may still be growing there.  Most of the trout are small, but there are some large triploid trout released that exceed 1 1/2 pounds each.  Apparently the triploids are voracious eaters and if they survive their first season, they can become real lunkers.  Triploids are sterile and cannot reproduce and thus will not disturb native cutthroat spawing areas.  Curious about the numbers and where and when these fish were stocked, I was able to find a Fish & Wildlife Catchable Trout Plant Reports web page and another focused on Triploid Trout Stocking.  Following is a summary of the numbers for our local lakes:

Let's hope that some big ones are still out there.

A Hike To Teneriffe Falls - Wow!

Photo taken of Teneriffe Falls (aka Kamikaze Falls) on May 18

Anxious to get out and enjoy the weather and discover a new hike, we headed off to Teneriffe Falls with a trailhead located just a few miles east of the trailheads for Little Si and Mount Si trails.  We had never been there before and had no idea what to expect.  The hike is 3 miles (6 miles roundtrip) with an elevation gain of just under 1,000 feet.  The trailhead is unmarked and starts along an old forest service road for about a mile, then turning gradually uphill and along a ridge for another mile.  Here you will get some really nice views of the valley floor as shown below.

At the end of this leg, you then turn sharply uphill on switchbacks that gain the final 700 feet elevation in the last mile.  This segment is very rocky, so wearing boots is a must and be careful not to twist an ankle.  Along the way, you run into the stream that is formed by the falls at several switchbacks - crystal clear and very cold.

We thought that several of these larger falls were Teneriffe Falls and were quite pleased that we had made the trip because they were beautiful. 

But no - we had a way to go yet.  The above picture is not of Teneriffe Falls as we suspected.  Just keep on going.  And then we turned a corner along the final switchback and Holy Cow was all I could say.  Judy stepped back and uttered a big WOW.  Totally unexpected in it's size and spectacular nature, we just stood there in awe for a long time and took it in.  With the sun shining on the falls, it was an amazing view.

With all of the mist hanging in the air, it became pretty chilly real fast.  So be sure to bring some warm clothes no matter the weather if you want to hang out there for a while and take in the views.  At this time of year, the water in the falls is running strong so you get some particularly spectacular views.  I expect that its great year round but this time of year must be prime time.  If you can make the trip in the next several weeks, you won't be disappointed for sure. 

I know that I shouldn't post too many pictures at a time but couldn't resist given how excited we were from the hike.  To get there, take Interstate 90 through North Bend to exit 32 - the same exit for getting to Rattlesnake Ledge except take a left across the freeway and drive 1/2 mile to SE North Bend Way.  Turn left (west) and in about 1/4 mile turn right (north) on SE Mt. Si Road.  In approximately 3 1/2 miles, going past the Little Si and Mount Si trailheads, you will reach a School Bus turnaround area on your left.  Be sure to park close to the gate.  The trailhead is unsigned and does require a Washington State Parks Discover Pass. 

One last picture from our descent looking southeast.

 

Local Business Focus - Taphouse Ink & The Dazzled Dame

We are pleased to welcome two new home grown businesses to Black Diamond, Taphouse Ink and The Dazzled Dame. 

Taphouse Ink is located in Diamond Square in the space previously occupied by the Swinging Arm.  Owners Derrick Garrett and Belinda Ferguson bring their local flavor to the establishment - which means good food and a great selection of beer, ales and wine. 

The Dazzled Dame is located in the Black Diamond Bakery building in the site previously occupied by Leih's Gifts.  Owner Leih Mulvahill has ventured out into a new direction - applying her unique tastes and retail skills to offer a wonderful selection of finery oriented to the fairer sex.

If you haven't visited these businesses yet, make it a point to stop by and sample their new offerings and support our local businesses.

The Power of Volunteers

The above picture was taken earlier this week of one of the many piles of debris piled up in the Lake Sawyer Regional Park at the south end of the lake following the damage caused by the ice storm earlier this winter.  I believe that special thanks go to Valerie Brazier who led, if not personally did, most of the work in assembling the over 20 piles of debris that the storm created within the park.  A fire hazard to be sure and the cleanup of which is nothing that the City has the resources to accomplish without volunteer and/or grant help.  Though the above picture shows a bit more of an artistic assembly, most of the piles scattered throughout the park look like this:

Lot's and lot's of debris all along the trails and along the shore.  Fortunately, the City recently received a FEMA grant for cleanup from the ice storm that will now permit going in and removing all this mess.  The fact that most of it is already collected and assembled in nice neat piles makes the job soooooo much easier and far less expensive.  Although I appreciate the fact that we are eligible for federal FEMA grant money, the fiscal conservative in me has to ask the question - is there a better way in future years that can rely 100% on volunteer resources without the need for federal, state or even city money?  Being the idealist, I think so and while we clean up the remains of today's mess with available external resources, let's find a way to do this differently and better in the future using the resources of our own community volunteers.  Thanks so much Val for your many hours of work and showing us the way for the future.

Cougars Spotted in Lake Sawyer Regional Park - Update

Earlier, I posted some photos of cougars that were represented to me as being taken at Lake Sawyer park.  Although there have been sightings of big cats in the area, the photos provided apparently were not taken at the lake.  The source of the photos appears to be pictures taken at Soap Lake in eastern Washington.  Seeing so many animals together at one time would seem to be highly unusual, particularly on the west side.  I apologize for the misunderstanding and will take stronger steps for verification from my sources in the future.

I would offer one further point.  Although we may not have 8 big cats making a home around here, it would seem that we do have some that occasionally wander through along with black bear, elk and other large mammals.  The advice I have always received from the professionals is that we should not be feeding them nor should we be feeding their food, like deer, racoons etc. 

See you on the trails.

 

 

 

Wonderful Weather

One common characteristic of people who live in the PNW is that no matter what the weather, you will hear lots of complaints.  It's too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry, too humid, too much sun, depressing cloud cover - you name it.  I dare anyone to complain about our current weather.  Nice and warm and sunny during the day, cool at night.  It's like August in May without the humidity or warm nights.  We even saw people swimming in Lake Sawyer this past weekend despite the temperature.  According to Lake Sawyer Weather, the current water temperature is 64 degrees.  This must be measured just inches below the surface.  I guarantee, dip your toes down 2 or 3 feet and you will get goosebumps.  But even this is great by me - it's only mid May. 

How unusual is our current weather?  It may be a bit longer period of extended warm weather than we typically see but to my surprise when I looked up historical highs and lows, it has been even hotter in the past.  Following is a day by day weather history in the Seattle area for the month of May.

Let's enjoy it while we can, although I did find it a little odd that I needed to water the plants in our rain garden.  And don't forget your sunscreen.

Veazie School - Circa 1909

Photo courtesy of University of Washington Libraries, Pierson & Co., WAS0496, circa 1909

Located between Enumclaw and Cumberland near where Nolte State Park is now located, Veazie was a community that grew up in the coal mining days during the late 1800's and early 1900's.  According to HistoryLink.org, the Veazie post office first opened in 1890 but closed soon thereafter in 1892.  Apparently, there remained enough folks dedicated to the coal mining industry in the Cumberland area and perhaps logging to keep a school open from 1905 to at least 1909 when this photo was taken.  Big flag and an interesting way to spell Veazie at the time - a backwards Z.

Chart of the Week

Based on 2011 data, I find the above graphic interesting from several perspectives.  First, it shows how dramatically Apple has succeeded in capturing market share and $$$, even in retail.  And to find Costco with their big warehouses so high on the list is surprising at least to me.  How about all of the high end retailers such as Tiffany, Coach and Ralph Lauren - apparently the better off continue to spend.  And the power of GameStop and their small stores but apparently high revenue - wow.  I had never understood the retail strategy/appeal of Walgreens and CVS pharmacies since I never go there but I guess we now see why they have so many stores out there.  And perhaps most telling from this list are those retailers that are absent from the list, including many of the big mall based retailers.  Interesting changes going on. 

Maplewood Trestle Then and Now

Photo courtesy of the Maple Valley Historical Society, 85.1071 PR, circa 1894

The above photo of the Maplewood trestle was taken in 1894 as it was being built by the Columbia & Puget Sound railroad that played such an important role in the development of our communities of Black Diamond and Maple Valley.  As you can see, the trestle was constructed of wood.  Since wood shrinks and swells, how could the engineers make sure that it was structurally sound.  If you look on top of the structure you will see a couple of guys and a really big wheel.  Apparently, steel posts or cable were installed that connected top and bottom and the wheel was turned manually to tighten it up.  Amazing.

For those of you not familiar, this trestle crosses the Cedar River between Renton and the Maplewood Golf course on SR169.  Since I decided to hit a few (quite a few) of those funny little white balls that do nothing but frustrate me, I stopped by to see what the current trestle looks like.  Not made of wood anymore or used for rail traffic (it's a great trail than you can ride, jog or walk from Black Diamond to Renton), the trestle is still pretty old and "rustic".  Fun to see.

Walker Lake - Beautiful and Open for Fishing

The above picture of Walker Lake was taken in early April and shows some of the beautiful terrain around the lake.  I had heard of Walker Lake but had never been there before so made it a point to do some exploring and see what I could find.  The setting up against the hillside to the east is unique for local area lakes in semi-urban areas.  I am sure that the homeowners around the lake enjoy their peace and quite and the natural beauty of the lake.  Nestled in the foothills just east of Cumberland, I found a lake access point owned by Washington State Parks that provides a convenient boat launch area, but you must have your Discover Pass to use and park there.  I can't really comment on the fishing but worth a try just to enjoy the environment if you get a chance.  Following is another picture taken in April from the boat launch area.

To get there, the easiest way to orient yourself is to head to Nolte State Park or Cumberland.  There is access here from the Veazie-Enumclaw highway several ways.  Following are two aerial photos from Google Maps that shows the lake.  First, the big picture.  Note the location versus the main arterial which is the Enumclaw - Veazie - Cumberland hwy.  Walker Lake is located in the southeast quadrant.

And now the closeup showing the road that circles the lake.

Exploring can be pretty fun.  The Washington State Parks access point is located on the northeast corner of Lake Walker Drive SE.

Spring

Of all the plants that signal to me that it is spring time, Trillium tops the list.  So delicate but so healthy too.  As the days progress, white blooms turn to purple.  Being away enjoying the sun of Kona, we returned to some great new growth and color change.

If you like bleeding heart and rhododendrens like we do, they are so beautiful this time of year.

We are blessed to live in Black Diamond and the PNW.