WTA purchases 31 acres in an effort to lower carbon emissions

FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) made an agreement to purchase two properties near Ferndale in an effort to offset carbon emissions.

WTA partnered with Whatcom Land Trust and Whatcom Million Trees Project to acquire 31 acres that will expand the Kelsey Nature Reserve to 51 acres and connect Butler Creek to the Lake Terrell Wildlife Management area—a 1,100-acre area managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

In purchasing the properties, the three organizations hope to facilitate the decrease of carbon emissions by preserving trees. According to Whatcom Million Trees Project, the annual carbon capture from 13,000 trees is equal to the annual emissions of four hybrid-electric buses.

The WTA Board of Directors unanimously voted to approve the agreement on Aug. 15, 2024. The total of $300,000—$150,000 in 2024 and $150,000 in 2025—will be covered by funds from Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act.

“As WTA works toward reducing its own carbon emissions, and towards helping reduce transportation emissions throughout our community, they’re also building toward innovate partnerships,” said WTA Board Chair Ali Hawkinson. “This partnership benefits air, trees, water, salmon and other wildlife right here in Whatcom County.”

WTA expressed that the partnership and purchase of the two properties is one of the many steps being made as they work toward environmentally enhancing modes of transportation, the community and the county.