Project Summary

The Port of Tacoma is developing a new habitat site on Parcel 12, a Port-owned property near the intersection of State Route 509 and Taylor Way.

The project will create approximately three acres of new wetland and enhance more than one acre of existing wetland. As part of the project, the Port will plant hundreds of native trees, shrubs and grasses to support local wildlife and improve ecological functions.

Work will also include removing debris and slag material to improve soil conditions. In addition, maintenance of the Fife Ditch will include vegetation removal and dredging to restore capacity and flow within the stormwater system.

Site Preparation - Fall 2026

Site preparation work planned for fall 2026 includes removal of trees and invasive vegetation to prepare the site for wetland excavation and enhancement.

Some trees identified for removal have been determined to pose safety risks due to their condition, proximity to roadways and private property, or potential to cause damage should they lose branches or fall. Many of the removed trees will be chipped and reused on site as a soil amendment.

About 100 mature cottonwood, ash, willow and madrone trees will be preserved on site and incorporated into the wetland design.

Wetland Construction - Summer 2027

Establishing and sustaining wetland conditions will require excavation of approximately three to five feet of soil across portions of the site. Excavation work is expected to begin in summer 2027, when the new wetland features will be built.

Meeting Environmental Commitments

The Parcel 12 habitat site will provide partial mitigation for impacts at Port Parcel 117 on the Blair-Hylebos Peninsula. At that site, the Port plans to eradicate invasive Mediterranean vineyard snails as part of future property development preparations.  

Additional information

Port of Tacoma Commissioners authorized the first phase of work at Port Parcel 12 in April 2026. A staff presentation about the project is available here.