For the past 100 years, it’s been home to 90 percent of the storm water that runs through Burlington, a bathtub for free-range cattle and a final resting place for sewage backup.
According to Margaret Fleek, Burlington city planning director, Gages Slough has been a veritable garbage dump — a comparison the Burlington Parks Foundation has been trying to disprove for the past six years.
Working through partnerships with local businesses, volunteers and donations, Fleek said the foundation hasn’t had a big boost for the project until now with a $15,000 donation.
Fibrex Corp., a nonprofit organization that manufactures fiberglass piping designed for use in environmentally sensitive situations, donated the funds.
“It’s a huge opportunity to get things done,” Fleek said.
Manager Paul Kevis said Fibrex has always been an environmentally conscious entity and after seeing the efforts the city has put into rehabilitating Gages Slough, the corporation decided to join in.
“We want to help out where we can,” he said.
Kevis said he hopes the donation will kick start the restoration process and turn the slough into the centerpiece of Burlington.
Since the slough dumps into the Skagit River, Fleek said the most important aspect of rehabilitation is clearing wastes which can affect endangered species living in the river.
“It’s our responsibility to clean (Gages Slough) up so we have clean, clear water flowing through the Skagit River,” she said.
There are currently two habitat restoration sites: Jack Doyle Memorial Park and the Goldenrod Bridge.
Kathi Williams, treasurer for the Burlington Parks Foundation, said the neighborhood park was chosen because it had been in bad shape for some time. She said the park’s proximity to the slough was an advantage and gave the park an added dimension.
The park is currently under the watchful eye of Ecotone Solutions, a local wetland restoration company, so it doesn’t fall back into its previous state.
“If you let nature take its course, you’re going to be right where you were,” Williams said.
Williams said the Burlington Parks Foundation acts as a source of funding for any project “that enhances the quality of life for citizens in terms of environment.”
At this point, the use of the $15,000 is unclear, she said. A decision is expected during the Burlington Planning Department meeting later this month.
Fleek said the donation will most likely go toward work on another of the 15 sites needing care along the slough. She said the foundation hopes to form as many partnerships within the city as possible to stretch the money out.
“(Gages Slough) has the opportunity to become a beautiful asset,” she said.
Donation to enable Gages Slough cleansing
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