Speeches from various public officials, guided hikes and walks, and a celebration will mark the end of the saga of the Squak Mountain acquisition by King County. On May 10 the public is invited to see what will become a treasure for all.

The property, approximately 216-acres of pristine forest, was purchased by Erickson Logging, Inc. in December 2012.

Concerned neighbors, wildlife enthusiasts and hikers rallied to save the mountain from potential logging by creating a group called “Save Squak.” After months of negotiation, the county and Erickson came to an agreement for the property to be purchased in perpetuity for all to enjoy.

The property, the result of a partnership between King County and The Trust for Public Land, adds to King County’s Cougar-Squak Corridor parkland.

“This is a great victory for the residents around Squak Mountain that brought this important issue to our attention,” said King County Council member Reagan Dunn, whose district includes Squak Mountain. “Thanks to the advocacy of organizations such as ‘Save Squak’ and the Issaquah Alps Trail Club we are saving valuable habitat while increasing recreational opportunities for King County residents.”

The forestland will be closed to the public until 2015 due to specific preparation requirements, so the May 10 event will be an early opportunity for the public to see the property. Dave Kappler, the president of the Issaquah Alps Trail Club, said there are some areas where the trails are quite steep and hugging cliffs, and other safety features that need to be addressed. Parking issues, and an old lodge will need some work, too, he said. If they keep the lodge, which could be rented out for events, it will need work Kappler said. For example the county will have to be sure the septic system is up to speed, and if it’s viable to break even if they rent it out.

King County Parks must also prepare the site for public use before full access can be allowed, including property clean-up, removing infrastructure, and establishing trail routes.

The Trust for Public Land purchased the 216–acre property in six parcels from Erickson.

King County recently purchased about half of the total acreage from The Trust for Public Land using King County Parks Levy regional open space funds, Conservation Futures funds, and Real Estate Excise Taxes.

The Trust for Public Land will retain ownership of the remaining acreage until King County raises the additional funds to complete the purchase, when it will be added to the County’s Cougar-Squak Corridor.

Dunn said if the county’s Parks Levy and Conservation Futures funding request is approved by the Conservation Futures citizen’s committee and allocated by council in the 2015 budget, then they anticipate purchasing the final parcel from TPL in late 2014 or early 2015.

The acquisition has moved much faster than originally anticipated because the county had extra real estate excise tax money from all of the property Amazon bought in South Lake Union.

The celebration site is located at 10610 Renton-Issaquah Road SE (State Route 900).