JRR Preservation Project
Project OverviewProject Status
Project Overview
The JackRabbit Ridge (JRR) Preservation Project is a volunteer community effort dedicated to preserving this remaining island of native habitat as a connective open space natural area for limited-use educational, research and muscle-powered recreational activities.
Location
The proposed JackRabbit Ridge Natural Area is a sloping, approximately 200-acre private and publicly-owned combination of shrub-steppe and riparian habitat. As envisioned, JRR will extend from S. 38th Ave. in West Richland to Duportail St. in Richland's City View business development. The southeast portion of JRR will also include property on the east side of the Yakima River that will extend to the south end of W.E. Johnson Park. (See: Urban Wildlands Island map.)
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| (see large map) | (see large map) | |
| Above is an aerial vision of the proposed JRR Natural Area, as seen
from above Richland’s City
View Business Center. JRR at City View will include the Urban
Wildlands Ecology Education Center with access to shrub-steppe, riparian
and geological “field Laboratories”. |
The above view shows the JRR Natural Area as seen from West Richland.
Trails would provide a hike along the ridge, through shrub-steppe
habitat, starting at S. 38th Avenue and ending at the trailhead at
the City View Business Center. |
JackRabbit Ridge can be seen to the west from the by-pass highway between the intersections of Swift Blvd. and Van Giesen. A red barn atop the ridge sits approximately midway along the natural area.
Concern
The concern is that major portions of the proposed natural area are destined for development. New housing and other development is rapidly approaching JRR from the west, north and south. Future plans will likely allow subdividing of the surrounding rural areas.Value
JackRabbit Ridge provides our communities with open space for muscle-powered recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding and cycling, and native habitat for preservation and enhancement, and educational opportunities. Wildlife at JRR includes the black-tailed jackrabbit (a listed Species of Concern), deer, coyote, an assortment of songbirds and raptors, butterflies, dragonflies. Native plants abound and disturbed areas offer educational restoration opportunities.Vision
The JRR Preservation Project is guided by the concepts of preservation, education and recreation.Connectivity
The JRR Natural Area is a valuable link to the Tapteal Greenway trail and preserve system, W.E. Johnson Park, the Yakima Delta Habitat Management Unit, and hopefully Badger Mountain.
Project Status
The project has been underway at a low-level for about a year. The word is getting out slowly via brochures, presentations and this website.
The time has come for serious communications and for working the issues of land acquisition.
"Development" or "preservation" is the biggest issue facing the Tri-Cities right now. How are we going to accommodate quality of life and open space issues at a time of rapid economic growth? What we do now will shape forever the face of our town.
Do you like the concept of setting JackRabbit Ridge aside?
Can we count on you to support the project?
Please let us know your opinions. Contact the project lead: donna@jackrabbitridge.org.