Salmon Habitat, Open Space Preservation Top Conservation Futures Funding List In Pierce County

Press release from the Pierce County Government:

August 31, 2021

The Pierce County Council approved legislation Tuesday aimed at open space preservation and salmon habitat restoration across the county.

Through unanimous adoption of resolution R2021-141, Council accepted the recommendations of the Conservation Futures Citizen’s Advisory Board which identified six projects ranked by priority. Conservation Futures funds can now be used to purchase the properties as land acquisition deals are negotiated.

The total amount requested for the six projects is just over $6.2 million. The county’s Conservation Futures fund has $7 to 9 million available in the 2022-2023 biennium.

“These projects represent once-in-a-lifetime habitat and open space opportunities,” said Council Chair Derek Young. “As development pressure increases in South Sound, it’s more important than ever that we protect these properties.”

Topping the project list is the North Creek Salmon Heritage Site in Gig Harbor. This 11.5-acre forested property is sandwiched between the Cushman Trail and Harborview Drive in downtown Gig Harbor, not far from the city-owned Donkey Creek Park. The intent is to leave the majority of the site in its natural condition, while adding non-motorized trails, salmon viewing areas and an interpretive loop with educational signs for the public to learn about the historical and cultural significance of this the stream to the Puyallup Tribe.

This press release was produced by the Pierce County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.