KITSAP – A non-profit group that hopes to purchase 36 acres of pristine forested land on the southeast border of the Illahee Preserve said it had 90 percent of the $767,000 it needs to purchase the first 25 acres.

The group, Illahee Forest Preserve, hopes to find the rest of the money they need by early July to prevent the land from being turned into an 87-lot development. The group hopes to purchase the rest of the 36 acres by September. Total cost of all 36 acres is $1.7 million, but the group plans to use donations, a half-million-dollar discount from the owner of the property, and a $300,000 Birkenfeld grant to pay for it.

“If anybody knows of anybody who has deep pockets we’re certainly willing to talk to them and tell them how we’re doing,” Aho said.

Aho said the preserve was also known as “The Lost Continent” – a nickname bestowed upon the area by Washington State representative Frank Chopp.

The 36-acre property consists mainly of forested plateau and sloped riparian areas that abut Illahee Creek. Salmon live in the Illahee Creek that flows through the property. On the east end of the property is the site of the four acre Avery Homestead.

Learn more at the group’s website, www.thelostcontinent.org.