NATIVE GROWTH PROTECTION

RULES ON NATIVE GROWTH PROTECTION AREAS

PURPOSE
Native Growth Protection Easements (NGPE) are part of a buffer that protects wetlands, which filter out water pollution coming from new development. The size of the NGPE, as shown on the approved subdivision plat, must be maintained or the system won’t work as designed.

NGPE Easements are Shown On Your Subdivision Plat
Native growth Protection Easements are shown on your subdivision plat map. Although individual property owners hold title to parts of these lands, the activities within them are extremely limited.

These Activities are NOT Allowed in NGPE’s
• Grading or re-contouring of the land
• Placement of any man-made structure or non-natural planting (i.e. lawns / gardens)
• Vehicle activity
• Grazing
• Dumping
• Removal of naturally occurring vegetation, including trees

These Activities are Allowed in NGPE’s
• The City of Lake Stevens may enter upon NGPE’s and perform work necessary to maintain the    drainage function of the basin and to maintain public recreation facilities.
• Trees may be removed by the City if they present a hazard to health or property.

Use Caution in Identifying Your Easement Boundary
Although signs and wooden stakes (labeled NGPE) have been placed on each lot showing the presence of a Native Growth Protection Easement, they are not necessarily on the actual legal easement boundary. Please call the City of Lake Stevens staff at the number shown below, to help locate the easement boundary, before you build or plant anything in your yard, that might later have to be removed.