Northwest Ecological Services created a 20-year master plan for Little Squalicum Park for the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department. Due to the site’s status as a Superfund site, the master plan was an important step in rehabilitating the park’s soil and waters to create an asset that is safe for recreation and habitat.
NES, a member of the Belt Collins consulting team, helped create a master plan for the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department. The plan updated the original Park Management Plan, incorporating recreational uses, resource conservation, and restoration. Our tasks included updating prior wetland delineations, working with engineers and landscape architects to create multiple design options, and evaluating permitting requirements. We also assisted with an intensive public review and planning process, including coordination with the EPA regarding the related environmental clean-up efforts.
benefits
NES understood the importance of coordinating the master plan with the EPA’s on-going clean-up efforts and the City’s surrounding street improvements. In addition, our work helped the City advance their efforts with the many stakeholders including the Port of Bellingham, the Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom County, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe.
NES advantage
- Applied local knowledge of the site including hydrologic inputs, marine resources, and fisheries
- Worked as a team in a high-profile project that generated substantial public interest and stakeholder participation
- Presented options that were respectful and thoughtful of public values
- Informed effective decision-making with sound scientific information
- Flexible and creative when presented with constraints
- Effectively utilized local knowledge of the past and current political climate during the public review process
NES helped envision a vibrant, healthy park that reflects our community values. -Gina Austin, PE MSCE, City of Bellingham Project Engineer