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Activist group fights to save 216 acres of forest land

A battle is brewing between residents and a company that owns over 216 acres of forest land on Squak Mountain.

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — The development company that owned the land, located south of Issaquah, went into foreclosure, and had to sell it. A logging company then purchased it.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Amy Clancy spoke with David Kappler, who is the president of the Issaquah Alps Trail Club and a longtime activist who has worked to preserve forest lands east of Seattle.

“I’m definitely opposed to them logging the property,” said Kappler.

Erickson Logging, out of Eatonville, recently purchased the land, and may soon file for a permit to allow clear-cut logging. This raises some concern.

“There’s just a lot of concern from downstream residents that during storm events, there will be more runoff because of the logging, and also more silt to come down,” Kappler.

However, the clear-cutting is far from a done deal.

Kurt Erickson, the owner of the logging company, did not want to be interviewed on camera, but told KIRO 7 he was willing to sell, but won’t wait forever.

Kappler is trying to raise support of the country to purchase the land and have it be used for preservation and hiking.

“He owns the property. He has some options here. I’m just trying to make it clear to King County, and the rest that there’s a lot at stake here,” said Kappler. “This is something that’s worth saving for the long-term future.”

The State Department of Natural Resources said it has already been work with Erickson on a logging plan.

Click here for more information about the forest land on Squak Mountain.