Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Wetland This is to give notice that the City of Ferndale, the Responsible Entity under 24 CFR Part 58, has determined that the following proposed action under the CHIP program (Contract #26-96330-004) has three wetlands on the project site, and Kulshan Community Land Trust along with the City of Ferndale will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the wetland(s) and the potential impacts on the wetland(s) from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11990 and in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The proposed project location is 2039 Thornton Street in Ferndale, Whatcom County. The proposed project will include the demolition of the existing structures on the site and the redevelopment of the property with a Planned Unit Development which includes 46 affordable housing units. Driveways, parking facilities, and sidewalks will be located throughout the site for vehicular and pedestrian access. Several small common usable spaces will be accessible by residents and guests. Three large open space areas will be retained on the property to avoid/minimize wetland impacts. The site layout has been designed to avoid wetland impacts to the greatest extent feasible. All wetlands on the site will remain and almost no wetland fill is proposed. Only minor buffer impacts and one small area of direct fill are proposed. Mitigation for the proposed fill and buffer impact will occur on-site, or through the purchase of credit from the Lummi Mitigation Bank. Wetland and buffer impacts on the project site include 375 sq ft direct wetland impacts, 20,060 sq ft permanent buffer impacts, and 1,710 sq ft temporary buffer impacts. Wetland and buffer enhancement both include removal of animals grazing onsite, removal of invasive species as needed, and planting a variety of native trees and shrubs. Fencing and signage will be installed on the property to mark the enhancement areas and retained wetland and buffers. A conservation easement will be filed to permanently protect these areas. Mitigations will include approximately 9,000 sq ft of wetland enhancements and approximately 33,800 sq ft of buffer enhancements Maintenance and monitoring of the mitigation project shall be provided for a minimum of five years after the as-built report is approved, to determine project success. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in wetland(s) and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the wetland(s), alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the wetland(s). Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about wetland(s) can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in wetland(s), it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by the City of Ferndale at the following address on or before June 19th, 2026: City of Ferndale, 2095 Main Street, and 360-685-2531, Attention: Jori Burnett, City Administrator. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9:00am to 5:00pm at 2095 Main Street. Comments may also be submitted via email at joriburnett@cityofferndale.org. Date: June 3, 2026 IPL0344955 Jun 3 2026