Tumwater Secures Funding for Conservation Efforts

The City of Tumwater, Washington, announced on December 22, 2022, that it has received a $1 million donation from the Angela J. Bowen Conservancy Foundation to assist in the purchase of 300 acres of land known as Tickner Farm. This property, located on Littlerock Road Southwest adjacent to Black Hills High School, is intended for habitat mitigation and the protection of threatened and endangered species. The total investment for the acquisition is estimated to be between $15 million and $20 million.

The Olympian

The Tickner Farm is significant for its suitability as a habitat for the threatened Mazama pocket gopher and the endangered Oregon spotted frog. City officials, including Community Development Director Brad Medrud, emphasized the dual necessity of meeting development needs while simultaneously protecting critical habitats. The funding from the Bowen Foundation is seen as a crucial initial step in raising the additional funds required for the purchase.

The Olympian

The land acquisition aligns with the city’s draft Habitat Conservation Plan, which mandates that Tumwater set aside suitable habitats for species listed under the Endangered Species Act to facilitate future development projects. The city aims to conserve approximately 1,650 acres of prairie habitat over the next 30 years, which will also contribute to greenhouse gas sequestration efforts.

The Olympian

City Administrator Lisa Parks highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “By gathering the resources to purchase mitigation land, the city will create habitat for endangered and threatened species in perpetuity in large, connected spaces.” This approach is intended to prevent inefficient, piecemeal development that could arise from smaller, unconnected mitigation lands.

The Olympian

City officials have expressed optimism regarding the potential of this conservation project. Parks noted, “If we can gather the funding and bring this habitat project to fruition, we will conserve prairie habitat that is crucial to nature in Tumwater.” She also mentioned that successful conservation efforts could unlock opportunities for commercial and housing developments, thereby supporting the city’s quality of life and economic growth.

The Olympian

While the initiative has garnered support, there are concerns regarding the balance between development and conservation. Critics argue that the need for housing and commercial spaces must be carefully weighed against environmental considerations to avoid potential conflicts in urban planning.

The Olympian

• “The Foundation’s contribution provides seed money as we work to raise the additional funds required to purchase the property and set it aside for wildlife,” — Lisa Parks, City Administrator

The Olympian

• “Purchase of the land would help avoid expensive, inefficient, piecemeal development in unconnected, smaller mitigation lands.” — Brad Medrud, Community Development Director

The Olympian

This conservation effort represents a significant step toward balancing urban development with ecological preservation in Tumwater, reflecting a growing trend in urban planning that prioritizes sustainability alongside economic growth.

The Olympian