Environment

Gig Harborites love the natural surroundings in which they live, and Gig Harbor Now staff members keep them apprised of opportunities to enjoy and preserve their forests, waters and creatures.

Fox Island park plan could include more parking, picnic shelter, paved walkway

Feb 22, 2024 | By:

According to a master plan nearing completion, Tacoma Demolay Sandspit Park will receive expanded parking, a new building, lawn area and paved ADA path to the beach.

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Kopachuck State Park improvements finally forthcoming

Feb 13, 2024 | By:

A renovated Kopachuck State Park, at long last, will begin to emerge this spring. Fourteen years in the works, construction is slated to commence in late April. All permits have been approved. Drawings are finished. Bids will be sought by the end of February. Groundbreaking would follow. “I’m very excited to get out to bid

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Two in Tow & On the Go | ‘Manhunt,’ bonfire and more DeMolay memories (Part II)

Feb 10, 2024 | By:

I first visited Fox Island’s Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Park in 2021, when the kids and I were still the seeking out the Puget Sound’s elusive “real sand” beach after moving here from California. At the time, I’d never heard of the word “DeMolay” before. But I figured it was the last name of a local

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Two in Tow & On the Go | The history of the DeMolay club behind this PenMet park (Part I)

Feb 09, 2024 | By:

The sandspit is a slice of Washington geography that’s truly special around here — and unlike any place we’ve ever been. But, did you know this nature preserve also has a uniquely interesting social history filled with mystery and intrigue? Namely, in its past relationship to … a secret society. Have I got you hooked yet? Read on.

Have I go

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Pierce County weighs stripping urban growth designation from Purdy

Jan 29, 2024 | By:

If Purdy ever truly dreamed of an urban future, that possibility may be slipping away. The tiny agglomeration of businesses, schools, homes and utility company maintenance yards at the head of Henderson Bay, just over Gig Harbor’s northern border, has long been designated an urban growth area (UGA) under the Pierce County Comprehensive Plan. That’s

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County reaches, then scraps impact fee deal with PenMet Parks

Jan 22, 2024 | By:

The interlocal agreement would have shared $472,000 with the local parks district for 2023, plus more going forward.

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King tides cause little flooding in area

Jan 17, 2024 | By:

The 13.57-foot tide Wednesday spilled slightly into a Purdy shopping center parking lot, but didn’t rise quite high enough to do any damage.

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Idle incubator largely responsible for absent chum run

Jan 16, 2024 | By:

Because of a salmon virus, locals who operate a remote site incubator on North Creek couldn’t get eggs to supplement the few fish the stream produces naturally.

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Wild weather week includes a wind advisory, possible snow and king tides

Jan 08, 2024 | By:

First, a wind advisory. Then, possible (though far from certain) snow late in the week. After that, we could see king tides.

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Waterfront Alliance pitches downtown playground

Dec 27, 2023 | By:

Editor’s note: Before publishing this story, Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance executive director Carrianne Ekberg told Gig Harbor Now that plans for a downtown playground are “on hold.” Soundview Park is also no longer the preferred location for a downtown playground. Images previously presented with this article, which were included in information provided to the

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