The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has produced a fairly detailed map of soil liquefaction susceptibility across Island County....

Soil is the tissue that holds an ecosystem together. Its characteristics determine the types of plants that exist on a property. When combined with water retention levels, compaction, depth of organic layers, and proximity of underlying hard layers, it all combines to form the underlying structure...

Contour maps can be helpful in planning site design, locating roads, being aware of slopes, and more. The helpful forester from the Washington Department of Natural Resources sent a copy of a contour map for my property and the surrounding area. By using Google Earth and walking the property, I...