The city of Bonney Lake and Pierce County took the first step toward building a trail within the city.
In a first-time partnership between the city and county, along with help from the Cascade Land Conservancy, nearly 10 acres of lush natural growth along Fennel Creek in the city was conserved as part of a trail system.
The newly-acquired property will be the trailhead for the six-mile Fennel Creek Trail and Naches Trail.
The 9.75 acres of open space are along Fennel Creek and the $680,000 transaction closed May 22.
“This property acquisition reflects the important collaboration of private owners, jurisdictions, many citizens, agencies, elected officials and groups who have formed valuable partnerships over the years to achieve this success,” said Marian Betzer, a member of the Fennel Creek Trail Committee and facilitator for the trail committee.
The city is working on the trail that will link to the Foothill Trail from Tacoma to Mount Rainier.
Betzer and other residents worked for years to raise visibility and awareness for the need for protection, preservation, and restoration of the Fennel Creek Watershed.
The trail system addresses some of the public need for an extended park system and provide critical open space in a rapidly developing area.
During the past several years, the Cascade Land Conservancy played a role in the transaction by engaging the landowners – Lavern and Juanita Cimmer – and secured grant funding through the city and county Conservation Futures Program.
It’s the first time the city and county worked together on the preservation of important natural lands.
“This property along Fennel Creek will be a great addition and serve the citizens of this city as a wonderful natural area,” Bonney Lake Mayor Neil Johnson said.
Betzer said the land will be a valuable destination place along the Fennel Creek Trail system that citizens, visitors and future generations to enjoy.
The Fennel Creek Preservation Group was formed in March 2004 and partnered with the city, county, Puget Sound Partnership, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Puyallup River Watershed Council, ForeverGreen, Foothills Trails Coalition, Stream Team, Cascade Land Conservancy, Sumner School District and others.
Reach Dannie Oliveaux at doliveaux@courierherald.com or 360-802-8209.
