DESCRIPTION
Pierce Conservation District aims to remove up to 600 feet of shoreline armor and concrete debris from the Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Nature Preserve. Armor removal will restore natural sediment processes, reconnect existing marine riparian vegetations, and improve public beach access. Removal of this armor is identified as a priority nearshore project by the West Sound Lead Entity to support priority species including juvenile Puget Sound Chinook and forage fish. The Preserve, located at the northern tip of Fox Island in Pierce County, was acquired by PenMet Parks in 2013 for public marine shoreline access and habitat protection. The Preserve encompasses over 2,000 feet of marine shoreline, approximately 600 feet of which is armored with failing concrete bulkheads and concrete debris. Important habitat features at the site include eelgrass beds and documented surf smelt spawning habitat along the entirety of the Preserve (WDFW 2013). The project will also act as a demonstration site for the Shore Friendly program in Pierce County, which engages residential shoreline landowners in shoreline stewardship and restoration. The implementation phase will incorporate public outreach and engagement of adjacent Fox Island landowners and video products to capture the implementation process. As a demonstration site, the project will offer Pierce County residents a local example of multi-benefit nearshore restoration. As of December 2021, we have completed a draft feasibility report and
Pierce Conservation District aims to remove up to 600 feet of shoreline armor and concrete debris from the Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Nature Preserve. Armor removal will restore natural sediment processes, reconnect existing marine riparian vegetations, and improve public beach access. Removal of this armor is identified as a priority nearshore project by the West Sound Lead Entity to support priority species including juvenile Puget Sound Chinook and forage fish. The Preserve, located at the northern tip of Fox Island in Pierce County, was acquired by PenMet Parks in 2013 for public marine shoreline access and habitat protection. The Preserve encompasses over 2,000 feet of marine shoreline, approximately 600 feet of which is armored with failing concrete bulkheads and concrete debris. Important habitat features at the site include eelgrass beds and documented surf smelt spawning habitat along the entirety of the Preserve (WDFW 2013). The project will also act as a demonstration site for the Shore Friendly program in Pierce County, which engages residential shoreline landowners in shoreline stewardship and restoration.