Category Overview
Washington is famous for its gorgeous and abundant waterways, from the Salish Sea to the Nisqually River, but many communities lack open public beaches and waterfronts where everyone can enjoy picnicking, swimming, paddling, boating, and angling. Water Access projects fund public shoreline access, boat launches, and fishing docks to create more opportunities for water recreation.
Project Highlights
Project Overview This project involved the successful acquisition of 12.72 acres of wildlife habitat to protect rare tidelands and estuary. The process included various components to ensure the site met regulatory, environmental, and community standards. Project Components and Completion Summary Relocation of Tenants All tenants occupying the property were successfully relocated prior to the initiation of demolition or site preparation activities. Relocation was conducted in accordance with applicable local and state regulations, ensuring minimal disruption and proper compensation. Demolition of House The existing residential structure on the property was demolished. The demolition was completed safely and responsibly, with materials disposed of or recycled as appropriate. Wetland Delineation A formal wetland delineation was conducted to identify and map jurisdictional wetlands on the property. The findings were documented and submitted to relevant agencies to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Noxious Weed Control and Removal Targeted removal and control of noxious weeds were completed on the site to prepare it for long-term restoration and ecological stewardship. This effort improves the native plant community and reduces the risk of re-infestation. Cultural Resource Assessment A cultural resource assessment was conducted to identify any archaeological or historical resources on the property. The assessment confirmed that there are no significant cultural resources that would be impacted by the land use changes. Conservation Easement Finalization A permanent conservation easement was finalized and recorded for the property, ensuring its long-term protection and alignment with conservation goals. This easement will guide future land use and stewardship actions. In-Kind Contributions Several in-kind contributions were provided that supported the acquisition effort: A portion of the land value was contributed in-kind by the seller or partner organization, reducing the direct cost of acquisition. Sponsor indirect costs were also provided in-kind, covering administrative and coordination efforts without drawing on project funds. Conclusion The land acquisition was completed successfully with all required incidentals and assessments finalized. The project represents a collaborative effort between partners, stakeholders, and community members. With the conservation easement now in place, the land is secured for future restoration, habitat enhancement, and preservation activities.