Pierce County approves $857,250 Conservation Futures purchase for Wilkinson Recreation and Conservation Site near Wilkeson

Pierce County’s Council voted Oct. 21 to authorize $857,250 from the Conservation Futures Opportunity Account to purchase a 139‑acre property southeast of Wilkeson, described as the Wilkinson Recreation and Conservation Site. The purchase was presented as an opportunity‑account acquisition — a mechanism for buying properties that meet conservation criteria and face imminent threat of development or financial distress outside the normal grant cycle.

Council member Krueger briefed the council on eligibility and project priorities: open space, passive recreation, protection of watershed springs adjacent to the town water collection, archeological and historic resources, and timberland values. The property sponsor said the site is threatened by proposed large‑lot residential development and therefore meets the opportunity account’s urgency test.

Funding for the opportunity account was included in the adopted 2024–25 biennial budget. Council staff said the opportunity account held $1,322,000 and that authorizing $857,250 would use most of the available balance; an additional $250,000 will become available to the account in 2026. The town of Wilkeson will manage the property and develop low‑impact trails; timber management could occur consistent with conservation objectives. The Community Development and Environment Committee provided a due‑pass recommendation.

Town leaders and local stakeholders addressed the council in support during public comment, stressing the property’s connection to Wilkeson’s mining history, watershed protection and the potential for small‑town economic resilience.

The council adopted resolution R2025‑215 by roll call (7–0), authorizing the finance director to expend the specified conservation funds for the acquisition.