Land conservation project safeguards forest, wetlands and stream habitat – while expanding public access and preserving traditional use

Oct. 24, 2025 – Forterra has successfully facilitated the $3.49 million purchase of 113 acres in the Frederickson area of Pierce County on behalf of the Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club Conservation Land Foundation. The property purchase from Tacoma Water (City of Tacoma) was made possible with a $2.7 million grant from Pierce County Conservation Futures.

The acquisition protects critical forest and watershed lands in a fast-developing area while supporting the needs of a small community facing the loss of open space, tree canopy, and wildlife habitat. It also reflects a forward-thinking model of conservation — one that balances traditional land uses with new public benefits.

“This unique project protects a critical watershed and essential habitat while delivering on community priorities – from expanded public access and trails to preserving opportunities to safely and responsibly engage in target shooting,” said Forterra President and CEO Michelle Connor. “We’re proud to lend Forterra’s conservation and specialized real estate expertise to this collaborative effort. We’re grateful to our partners at Pierce County, Tacoma Water, the Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club Land Conservation Foundation and the Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club for their persistence in navigating a complex transaction to a meaningful outcome.”

Property Highlights:

• More than a mile of Clover Creek headwaters — an urbanized stream corridor with riparian buffers that help maintain cold water temperatures and ecological function.
  
• Five distinctive wetlands, including four Class 1 wetlands covering 14.5 acres — home to a beaver lodge, dams, and ponds that improve water quality, reduce flooding risk, and support wildlife habitat.
  
• Traditional recreational public outdoor rifle, pistol and archery ranges.

• Expanded public access – with new interactive trails planned.
   

Forterra extends its gratitude: To Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello for his conservation vision and commitment to broadly diverse community benefits. To Tacoma Water, Tacoma City Council and Tacoma Public Utility Board for their assistance in propelling this complex transaction through to successful completion. And to the Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club Land Conservation Foundation and the Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club for the partnership opportunity and their steadfast engagement.

Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello quote:
“I’ve followed this property for years, and it’s gratifying to see it protected. With development pressure rising, conserving this land has been a long-term goal. This outcome provides vital environmental benefits while expanding community access in the growing, underserved area of Frederickson.”

Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club Conservation Land Foundation quote:
“Our vision for this land brings together the intersection of conservation, public access, and a long-standing recreational tradition. We’re proud to be stewards of these forests, wetlands, stream corridors and wildlife habitat. And we’re excited to welcome the public to explore new trails with interpretive learning,” said foundation President Michael Slevin.

The Tacoma Sportsman Club adds: “We support conservation of this land, along with all public lands, as we have for 90 years.”

The land lies within the regional recharge area for the Clover and Chamber Creek aquifer system. Its conservation aligns with multiple watershed priorities, including the 2018-2023 Chambers Clover Creek Watershed Council Action Agenda and the Salmon Habitat Protection and Restoration Strategy for the Puyallup and Chambers Watersheds, both of which identify the upper reaches of Clover Creek as critical to preserve.

Forterra

Sandi Peck, Forterra Vice President, Communications
Speck@forterra.org; (360) 870-1038

ABOUT FORTERRA

Forterra is an unconventional land trust that works across Washington’s communities and landscapes, from the ranches and shrub-steppe of eastern and central Washington to the estuaries, farms, and forests of Washington’s coast, reaching more than 100 counties, cities, towns, and rural communities. For 36 years, we’ve innovated and scaled land-based solutions to address the climate crisis, conserve and care for wild and working lands, and support equitable, green and prosperous communities. Visit Forterra.org.