Cascade Land Conservancy (CLC) has entered into an agreement to purchase Puget Sound Energy (PSE) properties in the Lower White River area provided funding can be secured. Pierce County Water Programs has offered to assist in achieving this overall acquisition by the purchase of numerous parcels. This project proposes to acquire parcels in the Buckley vicinity (from among 14 properties) that are part of the overall 2,500 acres of PSE property. Protection of these properties would prevent conversion to rural residential development and other uses, protect water quality and riparian habitat, and connect other publicly-held properties. This segment of the Lower White River (RM 22-24), including the floodplain and riparian area, is largely untouched and supports the White River spring Chinook population, as well as other salmonid species and wildlife.
Protection of the White River corridor, including floodplain and riparian habitat would have a great benefit for the White River spring Chinook population, a priority population for the South Sound sub-region. This segment includes spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook and other salmonids, including coho, chum, and pink salmon, and steelhead trout. The project is part of the 3-year project list for the Puyallup/White and Chambers/Clover watershed
