CRITICAL HABITAT AREAS and DESIGNATED WILDLIFE CORRIDORS

The City of Mountlake Terrace has designated three areas within the property as Critical Habitat Areas and Designated Wildlife Corridors. These are the two branches of Lyon Creek that run through the property, and the central trail area between the upper and middle levels of the property. The COA board is responsible for insuring all rules and regulations set by the city and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are followed in these areas.

At the request of the board, the Manager of the Mountlake Terrace Storm Water project and the Associate Planner of the Long Range Department toured the three Critical Areas of the property. The board received a letter from the City of Mountlake Terrace on 3/18/2023 which provided guidance on how to protect and maintain these areas. On March 21, 2023 the board took the following action:

The board voted to prohibit all recreational activities in and access to the two creek areas, and to restrict activity to the developed trail in the wooded area between the upper and lower levels.

Effective 3/21/2023 access to the two creek areas is strictly prohibited. There are to be no recreational activities in the areas, including without limitation: no playing in or around the creek; no obstruction of the creek flow; no disturbance of the creek bed; no playing in the culvert pipe; and no creation of paths to access the creek.

NO TREES, BRANCHES, SNAGS, OR STUMPS MAY BE CUT DOWN OR REMOVED BY RESIDENTS.

Residents found in violation of this provision may be required to pay in full any fine from the City of Mountlake Terrace that is levied against the COA as a result of removal of trees, branches, snags, or stumps without permission.

Effective 8/19/2025 access to the central wooded area between the upper and middle level of the property is restricted to the established trail, and is limited to pedestrian use.‍ ‍

No new trails or shortcuts are to be created.

As at other areas on the property, dumping of garbage or litter of any kind in these areas is prohibited, as is the planting or removal of any live or dead plant and tree materials.

Penalties for violations of the rules apply to these three areas on the property, and residents violating the rules are subject to being fined.

The House Rules reflect directives the board has received from the City.

Wildlife That You Might See at Markland Woods

Thanks to the 3 Critical Habitat Areas on the Markland Woods Condominiums property, we have an abundance of bird and wildlife that call this home, too.

People have spotted (and heard) interesting animals like coyotes, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, one bobcat, and deer on the property at various times.

There are several bird species - Barred Owls, Crows, Juncos, Chickadees, Anna’s Hummingbirds, Spotted Towhees, American Robins, House Finches, Goldfinches, Bald Eagles, and more - that either live here or visit.

Two species that are not so cute or welcome are rats, and Mountain Beaver (boomer, not a real beaver, more like a short-tailed weasel). Both are destructive rodents and populations are monitored.

The animals are fun to watch, but please don’t feed anything but birds!

If you feed birds, be sure to keep bird seed from spreading too far. Rats love bird seed, and dog poop, too, so be sure to pick up after your pet!

With so much wildlife all around us, please be sure to keep your pets on a leash when walking outside, and clean up after your dogs! The City of Mountlake Terrace has seen dog waste near storm drains during inspections in 2026 and Association Members (all owners) need to clean up our act (and that means cleaning up dog poop).

Don’t let pets or children near dead animals on the property. Contact Tom Gish or the board and they will be taken care of.

Don’t let pets chase any animals you see while walking around the property. Some animals will run, but some may attack, especially if they are protecting their young.

Never let small pets run loose on the property. Many of the animals that live here are predators. Coyotes, owls, hawks, eagles, and bobcats are all likely to go after pets, especially after dark.

Remember that real life is not like a Disney theme park - these animals are not animatronic, and can cause real damage to your or your pet if approached.

(Animals are also not good roommates. If you suspect you may have raccoon, bird, rat or squirrel roommates in your attic, contact Tom Gish. Trees are kept trimmed so infestations are unlikely, but they can happen.)