LNCT’s largest acquisition to date, the Headwaters property is a forested 119 acre parcel. It is of strong ecological significance both for its ability to sequester carbon in the trees and soil, and for the tributaries that run through it and feed into Neahkahnie Creek, where Coho Salmon spawn (see video below).
Not long before the Trust acquired Headwaters, portions of it were logged. Since acquisition countless hours of restoration were completed to plant a variety of native trees that will restore some of the natural diversity and complexity to the forest. This will improve its ability to protect the watershed, provide wildlife and fish habitat, sequester carbon, and be resistant and resilient to the impacts of global warming.
You can see and enjoy the trees, flowers, and wonderful vistas of Headwaters by hiking the newest leg of the Oregon Coastal Trail that runs through the property. You can start your hike on this portion of the Trail either from the southern trailhead, across from Nehalem Road at Hwy. 101 (see ‘you are here’ on this map), or from the north through Oswald West State Park (see ‘you are here’ on this map). Please stop and enjoy the interpretive signs that have been installed near the northern border of Headwaters, just south of the Oswald West State Park property line. We hope to see you there!
Acquisition of Headwaters was completed September 19, 2018 and made possible by the advocacy of LNCT Board Member Doug Firstbrook and donations from Seventeen Enterprises LLC and Pacific Land Conservation LLC, both of California. The donation included sufficient funds to cover the costs of reforestation of the approximately 30 acres that was logged in the summer of 2017 and contribute toward some of the future stewardships costs. See the full announcement of the acquisition including a personal letter from Doug Firstbrook here.
UPDATE: In December 2019, the LNCT was able to purchase an 8-acre forested parcel connected to Headwaters and previously owned by the Rinehart Clinic, increasing the protected Headwaters property to the current total of 119 acres. The Rinehart Clinic graciously allowed the Trust ample time to fundraise to complete the purchase. LNCT donors overwhelmingly responded to a special appeal to cover the purchase price and closing costs, as well as future stewardship costs. Supporters should take great pride in seeing their donation leveraged to the benefit of the Clinic, another local nonprofit, thereby enhancing two organizations’ efforts to grow and contribute to community resilience.
