Submitted by Nisqually Land Trust
The Nisqually Land Trust has partnered with Forterra and the Anderson Park and Recreation District to acquire some of the last remaining undeveloped shoreline property along Puget Sound—17.6 spectacular acres that will be added to Jacobs Point Park on beautiful Anderson Island, within the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve.
The acquisition expands Jacobs Point Park to 100 acres, making it the largest protected marine park in South Puget Sound. The park offers pristine shorelines, mature forest and wetlands, hiking trails, and great views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier – all just a 20-minute ferry ride from Steilacoom.
Jacobs Point also provides valuable habitat for threatened Chinook, chum and pink salmon that use the Nisqually Delta and Nisqually Reach.
“On top of everything else, this project supports the Nisqually Chinook and steelhead recovery plans,” said Joe Kane, executive director of the Nisqually Land Trust. “It’s also the first project for our new Marine Conservation Initiative, and exactly the way we wanted to launch it – in partnership with other groups doing good work in the South Sound.”
The Land Trust joined the project at the eleventh hour, when grant funding fell short, and provided $70,000 of the $258,000 purchase price. The core funding was provided through Pierce County Conservation Futures; the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account, administered by Washington State’s Recreation and Conservation Office; and a private funder.
The new property sits on East Oro Bay, close to the Nisqually River, making this valuable habitat for migrating juvenile Chinook salmon. The property’s beach and tidelands also provide habitat for many invertebrate species, as well as spawning surf smelt and sand lance.
The project also fulfills a longtime goal of the Anderson Island Park and Recreation District, per Commissioner Rick Anderson, who said that “the acquisition of the remaining private lots on Jacobs Point brings to fruition a dream Anderson Island residents and park commissioners have nurtured for many years.”
Pierce County Council Chair Doug Richardson praised the project. “The further acquisition and expansion of Jacobs Point is a tremendous asset to the County and a beautiful place for individuals and families to recreate,” he said.
The property will be accessible to the public via a trail network. Jacobs Point provides public access to more than 1,600 feet of shoreline.
Forterra led and managed the complex project, which closed just days before grant funding expired. “We are proud of our work that protects vulnerable shoreline and also gifts the people of Puget Sound with amazing views of our natural world,” said Darcey Hughes, Forterra’s Conservation Transactions Manager. “This is a place where people can come hike, paddle, beachcomb or catch sight of a bald eagle, heron or orca.
For more information, please contact Joe Kane at (360) 584-7386 or jkane@nisquallylandtrust.org
