A partnership between the City of Tacoma, the Puyallup Tribe, and a citizens group could create a stewardship plan for First Creek and a sprawling watershed located on Tacoma’s East Side.
On Tuesday morning, Tacoma City Council’s environment and public works committee was briefed on a plan to increase public safety of the watershed, as well as restore, protect, and recognize the area’s cultural significance. “This is an opportunity to reclaim this area,” said City staff liaison Alisa O’Hanlon. “It is an asset to the community.”
O’Hanlon presented a resolution aimed to “make a statement” that the city and the tribe were committed to working together on long-term care of the area.
Indeed, the resolution states a stewardship plan would 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.
The committee unanimously recommended City Council approve the resolution, which was voted on by the full council later that evening.
During the environment and public works committee meeting yesterday morning, several people spoke in support of the idea.
Public Works staffer Chris Ott said 81 tons of debris have been removed from the First Creek watershed since a Tacoma resident contacted the city to address issues of drug use, prostitution, and other illegal activities in the heavily wooded area. Ott added that city officials shut down one methamphetamine lab during their clean-up effort.
He said focus on First Creek was initially raised by East Side resident Edwina Magrum, who approached the city about how to address nuisance activities. She contacted City Hall at a time when City Manager Eric Anderson was starting an aggressive plan to reduce crime and eliminate blight.
“We said let’s try to find some way to cut through red tape and clean up the debris,” said Ott. Since then, First Creek Neighbors has formed to specifically focus on the watershed, which is surrounded by residential homes.
Puyallup Tribe representative David Whitehead provided some historical insight into the area. According to Whitehead, the First Creek Watershed, which consists of a series of gulches, was once a vital center for the tribe, and home to an Indian school, a major fishing village, and several tribal chiefs. He also said the area was originally named Satsop.
“This will aid in changing the perception of the area from a series of gulches to a community asset,” said Whitehead. He also commented that over time the area could provide a walking trail or bike path. “We believe it’s an excellent idea,” he added. “It can also be a major step in improving government-to-government relations.”
