"It is our task in our time and in our generation to hand down undiminished to those who come after us, as was handed down to us by those who went before, the natural wealth and beauty which is ours." JFK

On behalf of the Ashford Community, we would like to thank Joe Kane and the Nisqually Land Trust for completing the successful purchase of the Allen Estate. It’s been a long haul! We would also like to thank the Allen Estate heirs for their generosity and vision in preserving this land for future generations.

Back in October of 2005, this community was horrified, learning that this lovely forested stretch of scenic highway was soon to be logged. The Headwaters Coalition mobilized, and prevented the clear-cutting, determined to work out an equitable solution for the landowner. With the help of Pierce County Parks, we applied for a conservation land grant, and the community stepped up and paid $6300.00 for the necessary independent appraisal. While that grant was ‘too little, too late’, we really appreciate the help of all who worked on that project. In the meantime, Joe Kane was able to apply for a larger grant from the Endangered Species Fund, and the community stepped up again, to pay for all the staff time incurred by this huge project. Please visit our Special Thanks page, to see all of our generous contributors.