Sunday, September 13, 2009

First Creek Tours and Green Tacoma Day 2009

Please join us to discover and learn about First Creek on September 26th. We will be offering tours at 11:00, 11:30 and Noon. Tours will start at Fairbanks and First Creek, located just East of Portland Avenue on the Eastside of Tacoma.

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. Bring sturdy hiking boots and dress for the weather conditions.

This event is in conjuntion with Green Tacoma Partnership and in celebration of Green Tacoma Day 2009.

For additional information visit the Green Tacoma Partnership.
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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.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Earth Month Community Project
April 4th


FIRST CREEK SPRING CLEAN-UP
EARTH MONTH CELEBRATION


Saturday, April 4th - 9 to Noon
Celebration and Volunteer Lunch from Noon to 1:30

Please Join Us in Helping to Make Our Neighborhood
Cleaner and Our Environment Better

This major clean-up event centered around the care of our environment and making our neighborhood a better place to live. It’s also about starting to protect and preserving the First Creek Watershed, a major green belt just off Portland Avenue. Please join us for a three hours of picking up liter and trash, and removing Ivy. We’ll be working on and cleaning up the green belt between East 29th to East 34th (near the Emerald Queen Casino) as well as cleaning up the area at Fairbanks and First Creek.

Let’s show the City of Tacoma that we care about making our environment and the Eastside better. Organize a team/group from your network of friends, co-workers, youth or church groups and join us. Even without a team you can join us, individual always welcome. Lunch will be provided, please RSVP by April 2nd if possible or just show up on the 4th of April. Lunch served from Noon to 1:30 at Portland Avenue Community Center.

When: Saturday morning April 4th, 9 to Noon
Where: 1801 East 34th Street, Tacoma, WA 98404.
Church Parking lot at East 34th and “R” Street (off Portland AVE)
Celebration Lunch: Noon to 1:30 (Portland Avenue Community Center)

You should dress appropriate to the weather in layers, bring heavy gloves (leather recommended) and wear sturdy work boots.

To RSVP or request additional information: email: firstcreekwatershed@gmail.com or call Dan Fear at (425) 260-4991.

Website: http://firstcreekwatershed.blogspot.com/ (additional information and pictures on the website).

Please volunteer and support this community event, with your help we can make a difference.

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About First Creek
First Creek is located between Portland Avenue and Roosevelt Heights and it also runs through Salishan.The City of Tacoma, Puyallup Tribe, Tacoma Housing Authority, community and environmental groups are partnering to transform First Creek into a community asset. 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. We envision a clean and healthy habitat with native plants, recreational trails, and educational materials related to the creek’s historical and cultural significance.

This event is in association with the Green Tacoma Partnership, The Puyallup Tribe, The City of Tacoma, First Creek Neighbors, Tacoma Housing Authority and the Washington Native Plant Society.

Monday, March 2, 2009

First Creek - February 27th

Lovely morning on First Creek and here's some proof.
Please join us for our April 4th, Spring Clean-up and Celebration, additional information in previous post.



First Creek is located between Portland Avenue and Roosevelt Heights on the Eastside of Tacoma.

The City of Tacoma, Puyallup Tribe, Tacoma Housing Authority, community and environmental groups are partnering to transform First Creek into a community asset. 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. We envision a clean and healthy habitat with native plants, recreational trails, and educational materials related to the creek’s historical and cultural significance.

Please plan on joining us on April 4th. 9-Noon.
Lovely Barbeque lunch for everyone helping with the clean-up.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

First Creek Clean-up Results
February 14th

Last week on Valentines Day, a group of 15 volunteers ventured into First Creek for our first Creek Clean-up Day. It was a perfect day for some hard work and to show community support and interest in the creek. We managed to pick-up enough trash and garbage from the creek, wetlands and the surrounding hillsides to fill a large 20 foot dumpster. Below are a few pictures of the clean-up.















The City of Tacoma has recently been been cleaning up some very large illegal dump sites along the creek. First Creek Neighbors, an Eastside community group organized this volunteer event to show support of the city efforts.

Future clean-up will be held on the second Saturday of month, from 9-Noon. Please join us and help make First Creek a community asset and a wonderful environment. We meet at East 34th and R Streets in the church parking lot.

On April 4th, (the first Saturday of April) there will be a major
First Creek Clean-up. We're looking for teams of volunteers from various organizations, schools, community and environmental groups. The Green Tacoma Partnership and the Puyallup Tribe will also be participating and supporting this event. More information on the event will be posted soon or to be contacted directly about this event email firstcreekwatershed@gmail.com.

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Puyallup Tribal Council / Resolution 120109A



City of Tacoma / Resolution #12037

City of Tacoma
Resolution #12037

A RESOLUTION relating to the environment and public safety and health; declaring the City’s intent to work collaboratively with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians on a stewardship plan for the cleanup of the area now being referred to as First Creek.

WHEREAS, as part of the City’s efforts to reduce crime by 50 percent and eliminate blight, City staff has worked with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians (“Puyallup Tribe”) and representatives of First Creek Neighbors and Tacoma Eastside Action Membership (“TEAM”) to undertake an ambitious cleanup of the area now being referred to as First Creek, and

WHEREAS, as of September 2008, 81 tons of debris have been removed from the First Creek area, and

WHEREAS, based on this success, staff of the City and the Puyallup Tribe have recognized the opportunity to continue the momentum that has been built around First Creek by developing a stewardship plan for the area, and

WHEREAS the planning process will consider elements, such as appropriate naming, preservation of open space, storm water management, and public safety, and

WHEREAS a stewardship plan for First Creek would, among other things, assist the City in protecting infrastructure in the area, contribute to the City’s open space planning and environmental preservation efforts, recognize the cultural significance of the area, and allow the area to contribute to the quality of life in the area, and

WHEREAS, in addition, both the World Vision and the Tacoma Housing Authority organizations have expressed an interest in participating with First Creek Neighbors, TEAM, the Puyallup Tribe, and the City, and

WHEREAS it is anticipated that additional partners that will be contacted as part of the planning effort; Now, Therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TACOMA:
That it is the intent of the City to work collaboratively with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians on a stewardship plan for the cleanup of the area now being referred to as First Creek.

Adopted and signed: November 18, 2008

Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
Approved as to form:
City Attorney

Monday, February 9, 2009

First Creek Neighborhood Clean-Up
Saturday, February 14th, 9-Noon

FIRST CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN-UP

Please join us on Saturday February 14th, 9 to Noon as we help clean up First Creek.

We will be focusing our efforts on cleaning up the lower creek wetlands and hillside just below East 34th Street. It will be fun, some hard work and it will help make the neighborhood cleaner and safer. We’ll primarily be picking up small paper and trash that the city clean-up crews did not get. Recently, the city removed 53 tons of trash from the hillsides above First Creek. And, they will be removing more this week, so let’s support their efforts and show them we care about of neighborhood.

Bring heavy gloves (leather recommended)
Wear sturdy work boots.

When: Saturday morning February 14th, 9 to Noon
Where: Church Parking lot at 34th and East “R” Street.

Please call Dan Fear, 425 260-4991, if you need additional info.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

First Creek Tour - Saturday February 7th

A tour of the First Creek will be held this Saturday, February 7th. Join us to learn about this historical creek/watershed and to discover its beauty. The tour will last approximately two hours, and we'll be exploring three areas of the creek. The lower wetlands between the Emerald Queen Casino and 34th, middle area near Fairbanks, and the upper creek area between Lister and First Creek Middle School.

Tour starts at 10:00 a.m. Portland Avenue Community Center and we'll leave from there. Hiking boats are recommended but not required, you might also bring gloves and a camera.

What: Tour of First Creek
When: Saturday, February 7th, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Where: Portland Avenue Community Center (3513 Portland AVE)

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Also, the First Creek Neighbors community group has scheduled a clean-up of the lower creek area for Saturday, February 14th, 9:00 a.m. to Noon. The work party will meet at 34th and East "R" Street, bring your gloves and help the community to clean up this beautiful area.

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Sunday, February 1, 2009

January Pictures of First Creek

A beautiful morning on First Creek!









Pictures of First Creek just below East Fairbanks heading down the creek towards 34th. Taken by Dan Fear, late January 26, 2009.

Puyallup Tribal Council
Supporting First Creek Stewardship Plan

By Clare Jensen
For Tacoma Weekly
cjensen@tacomaweekly.com
Published on: January 22, 2009


Tribe and neighbors united to restore First Creek

Puyallup Tribal Council approved a resolution Jan. 12 stating that they are officially on board with work the East Side community began last year.

Local residents began to retake the area now commonly referred to as First Creek that has been plagued with trash, blight and unwanted activity for years.

The historic creek, which was the first creek geographically to link to the Puyallup River as well as a prosperous fishing site and location of former tribal village, started getting the attention of locals as neighbors became frustrated with the excessive trash and seedy behavior that coincided with it.

Last summer, the groups worked with the city of Tacoma’s “Clean and Safe Initiative” to remove approximately 80 tons of trash from the creek.

In November, Tacoma City Council approved a stewardship plan backing the community’s existing efforts to reclaim and transform the area. And now with the Puyallup Tribe formally on board as well, players feel confident that their mission is attainable.

The tribe agreed that it would work collaboratively with the city on a community stewardship plan that will clean up and assess the development of the historic area.

“It’s not that it takes an act of tribal or city council to make this stuff happen,” said Alisa O’Hanlon, government relations coordinator for the city. “This stuff is happening already (in the community) and both the governing bodies have said, ‘We’re right behind you.’”

O’Hanlon noted that the city and the tribe plan to bring forth any and all resources available to fulfill the vision for the area, which includes improving safety, reducing blight, addressing environmental concerns and creating a green space out of the creek that the East Side can be proud of.

“To know that things are happening and that both councils are fully supportive, it gives (neighbors in the area) confidence that they aren’t having to go on this journey all by themselves,” O’Hanlon said. “It’s very exciting to know that both councils… are committed to seeing this all the way through.”


To read Clare Jensen's full article visit the link below:
http://www.tacomaweekly.com/article/2753/

January Meeting Minutes

First Creek Stewardship Committee
Meeting 1/07/09

Present: Natalie Dam, Jane Dudley, Dan Fear, Chris Gilliand, Krystal Kyer, Edwina Margum, Lorna Mauren, Eric Meyer, Alisa O’Hanlon, Chris Ott, Laura Rodriguez, Guy Thompson, David Whited

Meeting Recap:
1. Introductions

2. 30 Second Elevator Speech
We looked over the draft that Eric prepared. Several comments were made, which Eric will incorporate into the next draft.

3. Data on First Creek:
The data Eric sent out on First Creek had incorrect borders. Eric will correct

4. City’s Stormwater Management in First Creek
Lorna presented on what the City is currently doing in relation to storm/waste water management.

5.First Clean Up
We discussed potential sites for initial quick, visible clean up of the area. We discussed some of the challenges we would face, including obtaining permits from the city.

6. Action Items – Next Meeting – First Wednesday in February
1) Benchmark other stewardship plans
2) Catalogue activities in First Creek that are already under way
3) Invite Alicia Lawver to discuss Splash Grants
4) Discuss the next clean up
a. Small, visible, doable
b. What permits required
c. April
d. Start with litter, homeless camp
e. Include Council, Homeless Camp