txʷaalqəł Conservation Area

Conservation Area phase 4

The City of Gig Harbor acquired nearly 40.5 acres of forested land for conservation in 2022 in three phases. A fourth phase of 11.4 acres was added in 2024, bringing the total acreage to 51.95. This acreage will be set aside in perpetuity for conservation, permanently protecting approximately 2400 lineal feet of North Creek (aka Donkey Creek). 


The only uses that will be allowed on these properties are trails, signs, and possibly a small parking area for hikers. Phases 1, 2 and 4 are adjacent to the Cushman Trail, and future plans will provide for a connection between the Trail and Harborview Drive.


The properties on the west side of Harborview Drive have mature trees and native plants, with very few invasive plants. Phase 3 previously had a home, driveway, and outbuildings on it, so has fewer mature trees and more invasive vegetation that will need to be removed.

  • Phase 1
    • Phase 1 is located just north of the City’s wastewater treatment plant, across Harborview from Donkey Creek Park. The City bought the 11.5-acre property for $500,000 from the Lyons Family in April of 2022. This property is important to the Puyallup Tribe, as it was part of the main village of the sxʷəbabč people. The Puyallup Tribe donated $50,000 to help with the purchase. 
  • Phase 2
    • Phase 2 is located just north of Phase 1, and was purchased in October of 2022 from the Shaw, Warren, and Peschek families for $4.2 million. It contains six parcels totaling 23.87 acres. Part of this property will be named after Richard H. Shaw, the longtime owner of four of the Phase 2 properties.
  • Phase 3
    • Phase 3 doesn’t have North Creek running through it, but saving it from development will help the health of North Creek. Located across Harborview Drive from Phases 1 & 2, Phase 3 contains 5.15 acres that were once going to be developed into 18 homes. Phase 3 was purchased from the Haub Family for the discounted price of $1 million. The Gig Harbor Land Conservation Fund raised and donated $50,000 toward the purchase.

The city recently acquired Phase 4, which adds an additional 11.41 acres to the conservation area. The property is located immediately north of Phase 2 and contains an approximately 500-foot stretch of North Creek and more than three acres of wetlands. The City would like to thank the following organizations for their help and contributions:

  • Great Peninsula Conservancy
  • Pierce County Conservation Futures Program
  • Hugh & Jane Ferguson Foundation
  • Gig Harbor Rotary
  • KGI Watershed Council
  • Gig Harbor Land Conservation Fund

The city would also like to extend a special thank you to several people who were instrumental in seeing this acquisition come to fruition:

  • Walter and Carolyn Brooks – These generous property owners were happy to have the option to conserve it, rather than sell to a private buyer or developer.
  • Ali Querin with Great Peninsula Conservancy - Helped spearhead the acquisition process from the beginning, negotiated with the property owners, prepared grant applications, and much more.
  • Chris Chaput with Pierce County Conservation Futures Program – Helped with funding, paperwork, and all that goes along with property sales.
  • Pierce County Councilmember Robyn Denson – Brought the idea of this phase to the city in late 2022, helped connect us with Great Peninsula Conservancy and the Conservation Futures Program, and worked to raise funds with the Gig Harbor Land Conservation Fund.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, Pierce County, and several smaller grants, we are acquiring this property with no impact to our city budget, aside from some staff time and the small cost for an environmental report.

Phase 3 plan coming in 2026

Click HERE for Phase 4


Natural resources and open space are important to the City and a vital component to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan. The natural environment provides habitat and refuge for fish and wildlife, enhances water, air and soil quality, and provides area for recreation, reflection and relaxation.  

The City currently owns 40 acres of natural parkland, which offer natural outdoor experiences and enjoyment:

  • Wilkinson Farm Park
  • Adam Tallman Park
  • Grandview Forest Park
  • Austin Estuary Park
  • Donkey Creek Park

In addition to these natural parks, the City owns over 80 acres of open space and undeveloped land. This acreage provides habitat for flora and fauna and boasts a beautiful, natural landscape for residents to enjoy.

In addition to owning natural and open space properties, the City participates with the following environmental agencies/groups in order to maintain and restore critical habitat: 

PugetSound Partnership West Central Local Integrating Organization 
                
WestSoundWatershed Council

KeyPeninsula-Gig Harbor-Island Watershed Council (KGI Watershed Council)