ABOUT DCNA
Denny Creek Neighborhood Alliance (DCNA) is a is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the Denny Creek watershed and natural environs in and around the communities of Big Finn Hill, Kenmore, and Holmes Point. Formed by residents with a shared vision, the organization’s mission has been consistently to preserve, protect, and restore the natural resources of the area and promote stewardship of wildlife and the environment.
By working with neighbors, local citizen and business groups, schools, and governmental agencies we promote stewardship of the area through:
- Preservation and restoration of area watersheds, creeks, and woodlands for fish and other wildlife
- Trail clean up and maintenance to help protect natural areas and promote a positive recreational experience
- Education and community outreach to raise awareness of local ecology and issues that impact our natural spaces
- Promotion of environment-friendly practices for community residents
Accomplishments
Since our founding in 1993, DCNA has made remarkable progress toward its vision and goals.
- Juanita Woodlands. In 2003, the State of Washington made known its intention to sell a 40-acre parcel of woodlands abutting Juanita Drive for private R-4 (Urban Residential) development. DCNA led an effort to
convince King County to help fund purchase of the land. In return, neighbors of the woodlands would pledge half a million dollars of their own funds. In 2008, after the conclusion of a five-year pledge campaign, the King County Council extoled the focused efforts and response of the community with the official dedication of a new urban forest and wildlife habitat preserve–Juanita Woodlands Park.
Learn more about the Juanita Woodlands campaign and ongoing efforts to preserve the health of the woodlands.
- Denny Creek Watershed Protection and Enhancement Project. In 2007, a team of DCNA volunteers–George Ploudre, Kurt Seiffert, and Jim Sproull–completed a three year study of Denny Creek and the 860 acre watershed surrounding it to determine the health of the creek and identify reasons for the absence of salmon and cutthroat trout in the stream. Through extensive scientific testing and observation, the team concluded that development has had a significant impact on the ability of the watershed to supply a controlled flow of water to Denny Creek, and that King County drainage plans are moving water to other watersheds, leading to a loss of wetlands and wetland buffers. They also offered several recommendations for policy makers and politicians, concluding that effort and cooperation can help return fish to the stream.
Read the Denny Creek Watershed Survey. (PDF, 5.8 MB)
- Denny Creek Fish Ladder. In 2006, DCNA completed a fish ladder, making the entire 1.3 miles of creek accessible to salmon. Populated by incubated Coho salmon eggs, the stream shows promise as an ecosystem for future generations of the Northwest’s signature fish species.
Learn more about our restoration efforts in the Denny Creek watershed.
- Finn Hill Park and Recreation District. Because of budgetary shortfalls, King County became unable to properly operate and maintain O.O. Denny Park. DCNA responded by forming a local park and recreation district to fund the park’s proper maintenance and operation.
Learn more about the program.
- Tree and Hillside Protection. Through dedicated efforts of DCNA and council members, King County adopted a zoning ordinance to preserve trees and prevent erosion in the upper Denny and Holmes Point neighborhoods.
Learn more about the program.
Ongoing Programs
- Juanita Woodlands preservation
- Denny Creek Watershed Protection and Enhancement Project
- Kirkland Annexation oversight
- Neighborhood Parks – Trail and Habitat Restoration
Learn more about our initiatives.