First Creek Watershed: First Creek Stewardship

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

First Creek Stewardship - November Meeting Notes

I called the meeting today to begin the discussion about creating the Community Stewardship Plan for the First Creek Watershed. I'm attaching the list of partners/players that we developed during that meeting. David plans to talk with his tribal representatives and hopes to persuade them to allocate funds to hire an experienced facilitator and consultant to draft the stewardship plan. He has already had a conversation with Eric Anderson (Tacoma City Manager) and will contact Alisa O'Hanlon (Tacoma Government Relations Officer) to see if the City will allocate matching funds for the hiring of the consultant/facilitator. Dan Fear volunteered to use his experience as a former program manager for the Boeing Airplane Company to lead the effort and some people in the group think he should get paid for it if he does but there simply is no money for such things at this time. Perhaps David can come up with the money when he talks to the tribe and to the City Manager.

Chris would like to meet with the group in two weeks to continue the discussion. David indicated he would be unavailable until after the new year. The group set upon Monday, December 15th at 1:00 in the Portland Avenue Community Center for the next meeting. Chris asked everyone to look online at other examples of stewardship plans to see if there is a model that we could follow or to identify specific components that should be included in the First Creek Stewardship Plan.

Attending Meeting: David Whited, Guy Thompson, Martin Stoaks, Tiffany Stoaks, Dan Fear, Jane Dudley, Edwina Magrum, John Larson (Tacoma Weekly & Puyallup Tribal News) and Chris Ott.

In the meanwhile, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Submitted by Chris Ott
Emailed 11/24/08

1 comment:

Theresa Dusek said...: I am currently assisting Metro Parks Tacoma in acquiring permits for removal of non-native and invasive species at Snake Lake. I would be happy to assit your group in doing the same for First Creek and possibly assisting in preparation of a stewardship plan. I currently work for a consulting firm but previously worked for the the City of Tacoma processing and issuing the very permit you will need for your stewardship activities. Chis knows me well. Hi Chris. I also know what wetland and stream delineations have been completed in and near First Creek which will assist in reducing baseline costs for documentation needed for submittal of a permit application. I can be reached at 253-383-2422 if anyone would like to discuss my involvement. I will watch your website and attend you next meeting.; December 30, 2009 at 4:11 PM

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Brief Description

This site relates to the First Creek Stewardship Plan as well as other activities occuring in First Creek.

Summary about The First Creek Community Stewardship Plan. It is a community-driven effort that seeks to transform First Creek into a community asset. The community has partnered with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the City of Tacoma, the Tacoma Housing Authority, environmental groups, and others in order to achieve this vision.

Brief History of First Creek:
The area that is now known as First Creek was once the political and social center for the Puyallup Tribe. The creek, the first creek the Tribe came to they paddled home on the Puyallup River from Commencement Bay, was at the center of a thriving Puyallup tribal community with a salmon-laden creek.

Headwaters of First Creek:
The spring fed headwaters for the main stem of First Creek as well as both of it's tributaries all originate in Midland, which is the community located on the plateau on the county side, above the area currently under restoration. The main stem flows (or still tries to) on the east side of Portland Avenue, both tributaries flow on the west side of Portland Avenue.

The 1st Tributary formed the ravine that runs down the west side of Portland Avenue to just about 48th Street East, where it veers to the east under Portland Avenue and meets the main stem.

The 2nd Tributary joins the main stem at around 44th Street East, just below the 1st fork and also flows under Portland Avenue from west to east.

In 1999, the Midland Resident's Association was successful in gaining protection for the main stem by having that stretch declared Rural Separator. It took them over 3 years, lots of meetings, lots of door knocking and lots of petition signature gathering. In 2008, Pierce County planning finally acknowledged the 1st Tributary as an actual waterway as well.

First Creek Today:
Over recent years, First Creek has taken on different names, such as the "T" Street Gulch, as well as a deteriorating physical appearance. Much of the area is now covered by invasive plants, sewer lines, roads, and garbage. As a result, this important and beautiful area, like the neighborhood that surrounds it, now has a poor reputation in many people’s minds.

Our Vision for First Creek’s Future:
The City of Tacoma, Puyallup Tribe, Tacoma Housing Authority, and community are partnering to transform First Creek. While we recognize we may not restore the creek to its original condition, we do believe we can preserve the area for future generations to enjoy as part of their community. Working in collaboration with the Puget Sound Partnership, we envision a healthy habitat with native plants, natural and recreational trails, and educational material related to the creek’s historical and cultural significance. Our efforts in First Creek will work to complement what some of our neighbors in the Eastside are doing to improve the community.

We’d love to give you a tour of First Creek. We are looking for more volunteers to help with various aspects of this project throughout its upcoming phases. If you or someone you know would like to know more, email us at firstcreekwatershed@gmail.co

First Creek Watershed

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

First Creek Stewardship - November Meeting Notes

1 comment:

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