First Creek Watershed: 2009-07-26

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

July First Creek Update

On July 1st, we had a very well attend Picnic in First Creek, approximately 66 people showed up to enjoy the Meadow at First Creek (just below East 32nd Street bridge). The food and interest in First Creek was terrific.

The First Creek Watershed Stewardship Committee continues to meet twice a month in an effort to come up with a long range plan for the First Creek Watershed. We've had some really good speakers and have got a lot of feedback and interest from the City of Tacoma and the Puyallup Tribe.

Invasive plants are growing wild (and out of control) in First Creek. Unfortunately, there is not much we can do about it at this time. The City of Tacoma is working with the Green Tacoma Partnership to come up with better ways for volunteers to work on city property, which most of First Creek is.

Our next big public event will be September 26th with a tour of First Creek!
This will be an opportunity to learn about First Creek and the future plans to make this area into a community asset and Wildlife Habitat. Tours will leave at 11:00, 11:30, Noon, and 12:30. Bring sturdy hiking boots and dress for the weather conditions.

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

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

July First Creek Update

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