DESCRIPTION
In partnership with Forterra, Pierce County closed on the largest farm conservation project in Pierce County history.Through its Conservation Futures program—a grant program that helps to establish parks, protect critical habitats and conserve working farms and forests—the county purchased a conservation easement and development rights on 116 acres of farm land. Through this transaction, Pierce County will retain an important piece of its agricultural history and character for future generations."The things that make Pierce County unique are the things that we want to continue to be able to see into the future and preserve for our children," said Kimberly Freeman, Pierce County Resource Stewardship Manager.Conserving farm land in the Puyallup River Valley is critical to the community, environment and regional economy. By protecting farms such as the Matlock Farm, the county:Ensures farm land continues to be available for agricultural use, generating millions of dollars in annual economic activity in the County.Prevents farm lands from being developed while protecting sensitive salmon habitat, reducing flood and lahar risk to infrastructure and protecting water from pollution coming off of roads, lawns and storm drains.Secures access for the community to enjoy the open space, particularly in the Puyallup Valley, home of the widely-popular Foothills Trail.The County also purchased 37 acres to protect and restore critical floodplain and salmon habitat.
In partnership with Forterra, Pierce County closed on the largest farm conservation project in the County to date in January, 2015. Through its Conservation Futures program the county purchased a conservation easement and development rights on 116 acres of farm land. Through this transaction, Pierce County will retain an important piece of its agricultural history and character for future generations while protecting sensitive salmon habitat, reducing flood and lahar risk to infrastructure and protecting water from pollution coming off of roads, lawns and storm drains.Secures access for the community to enjoy the open space, particularly in the Puyallup Valley, home of the widely-popular Foothills Trail.The County also purchased 37 acres to protect and restore critical floodplain and salmon habitat. The property includes over half a mile of riverbank on the Puyallup River and over 1,300 feet on Ball Creek, a salmon-bearing tributary of the Puyallup River.
Restoration was completed in September of 2018, and included the removal of three culverts and an additional barrier at the mouth of Ball Creek. The ditched creek has been returned to a larger, meandering channel. Native vegetation was planted along the creek that included plants selected for pollinators, continuing the multiple benefit theme of the project.
