Translate
Healthy Lands Project (HeLP)
The Healthy Lands Project (HeLP) provides invasive weed control and stewardship assistance on conservation lands to keep open space healthy for people and the environment.
The Healthy Lands Project (HeLP) controls invasive weeds on both private and public lands in cities and unincorporated areas throughout King County, on recently protected conservation lands and open space. The project's goal is to increase the success of conservation by providing invasive weed control when it is most needed. In addition, through workshops, technical assistance, tool loans, and other resources, HeLP makes it easier for county residents to practice stewardship on their own lands.
Download a printable version of the information on this page:
Why HeLP?
King County has embarked on a bold mission to save the last, great places in the county for future generations. Known as the Land Conservation Initiative, King County has joined with cities, businesses, farmers, community groups and non-profits to preserve the most important resource lands and open space opportunities that remain. Farmland, forests, natural lands, rivers, trails and urban green space are all being protected as quickly as possible before the opportunities are lost.
However, invasive plants can create a major challenge for conservation on these lands. They can overwhelm native trees and plants that provide habitat for wildlife, protect air and water quality, and provide natural places for people to enjoy. Working farms and forests can be overrun by invasive and noxious weeds that are costly and difficult to control. The significant impacts of invasive plants and noxious weeds can undermine the benefits generated by the region’s investment in conservation.
In particular, for lands that are not currently in an open space or conservation program, the initial cost of controlling invasive weeds can be a significant hurdle for an individual, organization or agency considering conservation. HeLP lowers that hurdle by reducing invasive weeds to a manageable level and setting in place a long-term stewardship plan to sustain the benefits of open space protection for future generations.
How does HeLP Work?
Once a site is added to our work scope, trained crews map and control invasive plants in open space, trail corridors, riparian, and forestry lands in cities and unincorporated areas that are in the process of being protected (or have been recently protected) through acquisition, conservation easement or other property owner agreements. HeLP also controls infestations on immediately adjacent infested lands and rights-of-way to prevent weeds from re-infesting protected lands. HeLP controls both state-regulated noxious weeds and non-regulated invasive plants that impact natural areas. Control work is done in coordination and cooperation with property owners and public agencies and includes education and stewardship planning to ensure long-term maintenance and protection of the lands.
What is the cost to the landowner?
There is no charge for HeLP services. However, landowners commit to implement a stewardship plan to sustain the benefits of the invasive weed control. To help property owners achieve the goals of the stewardship plan, HeLP can provide assistance such as plants for restoration, training on weed control and restoration, permitting assistance, equipment loans and help organizing community volunteer events. The key to the success of any invasive plant control work is long-term stewardship.
How does HeLP achieve equitable outcomes?
Equity is a cornerstone of HeLP. Top priority is given to areas of King County where people have limited access to open space, a high level of poverty, or more pollution, all of which impact their health and well-being. Contractors are also required to find ways to improve access to jobs for people of color and underserved communities when recruiting crew members.
How are HeLP sites selected?
All HeLP sites are properties that have land conservation potential (from an internal list shared with us via the Land Conservation Initiative. Property owners of sites that qualify may consult with our program specialists who recommend their property to be considered for the HeLP initiative. To be considered, landowners must demonstrate a commitment to keeping up with restoration maintenance beyond our supports. Additionally, these sites are typically infested with various noxious weeds and require varying amounts of invasive species control work and native plant installation. Landowners are welcome to reach out to our program if they think their property is a good candidate at noxious.weeds@kingcounty.gov. Please know that whether a site can be added is up to our specialists capacity at the time of the request.
Does my property qualify to be supported by HeLP?
This information is not publicly available. Email us with your property address and we can check for you, be sure to note your interest in HeLP in your email: noxious.weeds@kingcounty.gov. This will confirm only that your property location qualifies, you will need to consult further with one of our specialists to see if your site needs qualify for what our program can offer at that time.