Jim Creek Naval Radio Station

Jim Creek Naval Radio Station is a United States Navy facility at Jim Creek near Oso, Washington.

VLF radio facility

The primary mission of this radio site is to provide VLF radio transmitting capabilities for the Pacific submarine fleet. Established in the 1950's, the 1.2 million watt transmitting system developed for the site remains 'state -of-the-art' in producing low frequency emissions world-wide. It is, in fact, one of the most powerful transmitters in the world. [cite web|url=http://ludb.clui.org/ex/i/WA3248/|title=Jim Creek Naval Radio Station|publisher=Center for Land Use Interpretation|accessdate=2008-01-06] Located near Arlington, Washington, in the foothills of the Cascades, north of Seattle, the site has 5,000 largely forested acres.

Recreation area

Jim Creek serves as a Naval Radio Station and a Regional Outdoor Recreation Area for active duty personnel, reservists, retirees, DoD civilians and sponsored guests. It is just outside of Arlington, Washington, about one and a half hours north of Seattle. Jim Creek offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. The Twin Lakes are famous for great trout fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Jim Creek flourishes with fish, wildlife and Northwest flora. A group lodge is perfect for retreats and seminars; guest quarters, 2 group camps, 3 picnic pavilions, 20 cabins, 18 RV sites, 16 drive-in campsites, 3 hike-in campsites, 2 playgrounds, showers, laundry room, country store, recreation center, boat rentals, hiking and biking trails, and breathtaking scenic viewpoints. [cite web|url=http://www.navylifepnw.com/site/67/Jim-Creek.aspx|title=Jim Creek Recreation Area|publisher=Commander Navy Region Northwest - Community Support Programs |accessdate=2008-01-06]

Programs include environmental education, outdoor recreation and leadership training. Navy Legacy projects include trail construction, and a salmon hatchery built in cooperation with the Stillaguamish Indian Tribe to restock the salmon spawning stream.

Resource management

In 1991 the Navy purchased rights to 225 acres of old growth forest, associated lakes, creeks, and wetlands, using $3 million of Legacy Resource Management Program to protect the largest remaining old-growth spruce and cedar forest in the Puget Sound trough. Natural mountain lakes provide pristine habitat for wildlife including beaver, river otter, waterfowl and bald eagles.

Jim Creek is a prime example of priceless resources on military lands: many trees in the 225 acres are estimated to be up to 1500-1700 years old with some over 260 feet tall and 10 feet in diameter. The prevention of further ecosystem degradation to this old growth environment will provide essential habitat for the marbled murrelet and other sensitive species for years to come and serves as a model of the military's concern for protecting the nation's natural heritage.

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