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A rare glimpse of the critically endangered sunflower star on a local beach.
Sea Star Disease: The Past, the Present, and the Future
A deep dive into one of the most alienlike creatures alive, its rough past, and uncertain fate. more
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The parasite life cycle, showing canid, rodent, and human hosts.
Parasitic Threat to Dogs and Humans Arrives in Western Washington
There is little evidence of the infection spreading from wild to domestic animals for now. more
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Wildlife rehabilitator Jennifer Van Orman released the rescued bald eagle at Joemma Beach State Park in May.
Rescued Bald Eagle Released at Joemma Beach State Park
A juvenile bald eagle found on Herron Island was rehabilitated and released at Joemma Beach in May thanks to the sharp eyes and good work of islanders. more
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On a tour of the Minter hatchery organized by the KGI Watershed Council. Hatchery manager Ben Lowery shows off a few of the 13 million eggs in his care.
New Flow at Minter Creek Hatchery from Upgraded Creek Diversion
The hatchery is the largest of its kind in South Puget Sound, incubating up to 13 million eggs each year. more
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Pierce County Fire Marshal Ken Rice said, “I love education. I don’t like enforcement, but we’ll do it if we have to. ... You get one warning.” Report illegal burning to 911. Report non-emergency fireworks complaints at 253-287-4455.
Fire Marshal Steps Up Education and Enforcement Ahead of Wildfire Season
A new program focuses on preventing illegal burning and enforcing firework restrictions. The Key Peninsula is concerning because of its isolation. more
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Both the 1926 pier and 1928 warehouse need renovation.
Remediation and Rebuilding Underway at Lakebay Marina
The long-term project is slowly moving forward even as new obstacles arise. more
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Eagles will seize any opportunity for a meal, even oysters they crack open by dropping in flight.
Record-Setting Recreational Shellfish Harvest at Penrose State Park
If the data is accurate, more clams were harvested at Penrose State Park in 2025 than at any other beach in the state. more
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Vital wetlands were also included in the 360 Trails expansion.
More Key Peninsula Land Comes Under Conservation
Once land is set aside, stewardship actions include volunteer work parties to control invasive species and maintain newly planted trees. more
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Herron Island Broadband Project Hearing Fills a Meeting Room
Islanders are in favor. Mainlanders express opposition. A second meeting is scheduled before a final decision. more
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DNR Forester Nat McPherson-Segrist (left), DNR Forest Resilience District Manager Matthew Axe, property owner Lenné Musarra, and local forestry contractor Dan Wehmeier examine progess onsite.
Wildfire Risk Reduction and Forest Cleanup Come to the KP
A state-funded service forestry program aims to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk. more
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Photo Caption
County Evaluates Wildfire Hazard and Emergency Planning
What is the risk of wildfire on the Key Peninsula? What can residents do to prevent and prepare for them? “Pay attention to the burn ban.” more
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Resident member of the Friends of Burley Lagoon Bruce Morse looks to the future with a cooperative new way to provide environmental stewardship on the lagoon.
Commercial Geoduck Farming to Move Forward in Burley Lagoon
Friends of Burley Lagoon and Taylor Shellfish Co. reached an agreement via mediation on a geoduck cultivation proposal for Burley Lagoon in April. more
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Volunteers finish the new welcome to the KP May 2.
Key Peninsula Beautification Expands to the Purdy Spit
A restored sign, mural, and plantings now greet everyone driving onto the KP. “I got to thinking about towns that got all cleaned up and looked great.” more
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Herron Island hosted a lunch May 9 to celebrate and thank Fire District 16. Several Key Peninsula firefighters attended, and a plaque was presented by the Herron Island Boosters Club.
Herron Island Lands a Fire Truck for Wildfire Suppression
After losing a residence to fire last year, Herron Island purchases a used fire truck for a buck. “They have always wanted a truck.” more
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Part of the nearshore complex of Sound View Camp looking south.
Sound View Camp and Retreat Center Evolves
The southernmost camp on the KP has a new board, partnerships, and expanded offerings after pairing with Nisqually Land Trust. more
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Burn Ban for Key Peninsula to Begin June 1 From Now On
A Stage 1 burn ban will start in unincorporated Pierce County June 1 at 8 a.m. until further notice. more
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Orca Pods T99 and T123 visited Henderson Bay April 5.
Transient Orcas Make Extended Visit to Key Peninsula and South Sound
At least two orca pods visited the waters of the Key Peninsula periodically for a week or 10 days in mid-April. more
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Eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) observed growing nearshore during low tide at Joemma Beach State Park.
Pierce County Receives EPA Grant to Study Eelgrass
Collected data will help inform the 2029 Shoreline Master Program, which regulates how the shoreline is developed. more
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“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” Nelson Henderson.
Forest Stewardship Gains Momentum on the Key Peninsula
A forestry course sparked the growth of a local Forest Stewards group for landowners. more
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A kayaker emerges from the newly opened Whiteman Cove.
Dam Breached at Whiteman Cove as Salmon Restoration Moves Ahead
Years of argument, planning, litigation and construction led to restoring an estuary for juvenile salmon. more
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