Hello neighbors,

From an upcoming state Parks and Recreation Commission open house about Nisqually State Park, to small grant application opportunities and the release of Pierce County property tax assessments, my email inbox has filled with information that I think you may find valuable.

Below is a roundup of the various topics, with links to find out more. 

Nisqually State Park Public Open House

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to an open house to learn more about plans for day-use facilities and trails at Nisqually State Park.

The proposed project would construct a “village center” and the first phase of the park’s trail system. The public has the chance to provide input on two design alternatives which will be used to inform development of a preferred alternative plan for day-use facilities and trails. Planners will also update the public on the status of other park improvements including the park entrance, campground and access to the Nisqually River.

• What: Public Meeting
• When: Thursday, March 3 at 6 p.m.
• Where: Eatonville Community Center, 305 Center Street W, Eatonville, WA

For more information see the webpage https://bit.ly/3J304Jp. To enter the building, the public must not exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 and will be required to comply with current state law around personal protective equipment. See https://bit.ly/2YJXcPZ for current information.  

For additional information, or if you need special accommodations for the meeting contact Nikki Fields at [email protected] or (360) 902-8658. Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 for TTY/Voice communication.

Community invited to apply for Watershed Small Grants

Pierce County is partnering with watershed councils, local nonprofits and agencies to fund a small grants program supporting community projects that improve habitat and water quality across the county.

The 2022 cycle will award up to $70,000 total to projects in four watersheds: Key Peninsula-Gig Harbor-Islands, Chambers-Clover Creek, Puyallup-White River, and Nisqually. Individual grants are funded up to $2,500.

Grant applications are due by April 7, 2022. Prospective applicants are invited to a virtual information session on March 2, 2022, at 3 p.m. to learn more about the program. Sign up for the presentation, download grant applications and review watershed boundaries at www.piercecountywa.gov/sgp.

• Puyallup River Watershed Small Grants

  This grant is for nonprofit organizations, schools, businesses and individuals that want to enhance water quality and habitat in the Puyallup-White River Watershed. Pierce County and the Stormwater Community of Interest of the Puyallup Watershed Initiative fund this grant.

• Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed Environmental Grants

  This grant is for nonprofit organizations, schools, jurisdictions and individuals to work collaboratively with the Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed Council on drainage, water quality and habitat projects in the watershed. Pierce County and the City of Lakewood fund this grant.

• Lu Winsor Memorial Environmental Grants

  This grant is for nonprofit organizations, schools and individuals supporting environmental education and watershed protection projects in the Key Peninsula-Gig Harbor-Islands Watershed. Pierce County, Peninsula Light Co. and the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation fund this grant.

• Nisqually Watershed Small Grants

  This grant is for nonprofit organizations, schools, businesses and individuals working to enhance water quality and habitats in the Nisqually River Watershed. This program is new in 2022, thanks to a partnership with the Nisqually River Foundation.

Past projects supported by these grants include a training program that engages the public to collect meaningful scientific data in the Key Peninsula-Gig Harbor-Islands Watershed, an outdoor lab facility that gives students a hands-on opportunity to explore habitat stewardship and restoration in the Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed, and a community cleanup meant to inspire citizens to become stewards in the Puyallup-White River Watershed.

Pierce County property tax statements arrive this week

At the end of last week Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer Mike Lonergan announced property tax statements will hit mailboxes soon. Included in his release was information about the 2022 property assessments, including what he said is a “moderate” increase in most parts of Pierce County.

You can find the full release online.

There are several property tax deferral and exemption programs in Pierce County that you might not be aware of. You can find more information about them, including exemptions for seniors (those at least 61 years old by Dec. 31, 2020) with an income of $45,708 or less, on the Assessor-Treasurer website.

Pierce County Juvenile Court vacancies

Pierce County’s Juvenile Court is currently accepting applications to fill vacancies within its detention officer ranks. The court has openings for positions of Detention Officer 1 and Detention Officer 2.
 
This is a great opportunity for someone looking to connect with young people who would benefit from coaching and mentoring and to help provide supervision and a thoughtful nurturing presence to help them work through adversity, their feelings and transition them back into the community so they can thrive and succeed.
 
The court is looking for applicants that are adaptable, forward-thinking, trauma-informed and compassionate, while able to maintain the safety, security and wellbeing of young people under the jurisdiction of Pierce County Juvenile Court.

Sound like you? Check out the online application: PierceCountyWa.Gov/JuvenileCourt
 
Applications will be reviewed immediately. Full benefits are offered, including paid time off, medical and dental coverage and retirement and deferred compensation.

Grateful to serve!