Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today announced that she secured $1.616 million in federal funding for the City of Ilwaco’s Bear Ridge Community Forest project which would acquire 388 acres of forest within the Indian Creek watershed to establish a community forest surrounding the city’s water supply.
The FY22 Energy and Water Subcommittee Appropriations bill included funding for this community-supported request to acquire the land which will benefit the city and its residents through protection of its municipal water supply and the forestland surrounding it. The project also seeks to benefit the community through sustainable use of forest resources and provide new opportunities for outdoor recreation and education.
“I was pleased to advocate for this community supported request to help establish the Bear Ridge Community Forest which will go a long way in protecting Ilwaco resident’s drinking water, as well as allow for proper forest management with a focus on watershed health and offer greater recreational access for the folks who live in the surrounding community,” Herrera Beutler said.