FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Forterra has acquired some of the last remaining undeveloped shoreline property along Puget Sound—17.6 acres of shoreline habitat that will be added to Jacobs Point Park on picturesque Anderson Island in the South Sound. The acquisition continues Forterra’s commitment to secure keystone lands for public recreation and conservation. The sustainability nonprofit helped found the Park with the Anderson Island Park District when it first secured 82 acres on the Island in 2011.
With this acquisition, Jacobs Point Park expands to 100 acres and becomes the largest protected marine park in South Puget Sound. The Park offers unaltered shorelines, mature forested uplands and wetlands, and unparalleled views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. It provides valuable habitat for threatened Chinook, chum and pink salmon that use the Nisqually Delta and Nisqually Reach. And its recreational assets, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Steilacoom, are unmatched.
This most recent 17.6-acre parcel, purchased for $258,000, sits on East Oro Bay close to the Nisqually River, making this valuable habitat for migrating juvenile Chinook salmon. Beach and tidelands provides habitat for a wide range of invertebrate species. The habitat also serves spawning surf smelt and sand lance.
“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.”
Forterra teamed up with the Anderson Island Park and Recreation District to complete this second phase of Jacobs Point Park.
Funding was provided through Pierce County Conservation Futures Program; the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account, administered by Washington State’s Recreation and Conservation Office; Nisqually Land Trust; and a private funder.
“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,” said Rick Anderson, commissioner with the Anderson Island Park and Recreation District.
“It’s a great salmon project,” said Joe Kane, executive director of the Nisqually Land Trust. “It furthers our mission and work inside the Nisqually watershed.”
Pierce County Council Chair Doug Richardson thanked the Park and Recreation District, Forterra and the Conservation Futures Program. “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.
For more information:
Aerial photo credit: Washington State Department of Ecology
Jacobs Point Phase II by Joe Sambataro/Forterra
Aerial map courtesy of Forterra