Puyallup-White Watershed Open Space Strategy

1
WATERSHED OPEN SPACE STRATEGY / PUYALLUP-WHITE

Puyallup-White
Watershed
Open Space Strategy
CENTRAL PUGET SOUND REGIONAL OPEN SPACE STRATEGY
May 2014
2
PUYALLUP-WHITE WATERSHED ADVISORY GROUP (WAG)
Bryan Bowden, National Park Service
Jennifer Arnold, Bonneville Environmental Foundation
Dennis Canty, American Farmland Trust, Pacifc Northwest Director
Ryan Dicks, Pierce County Department of Sustainability, Sustainability Manager
Kimberly Freeman, Pierce County, Resource Stewardship Superintendent
John Garner, Metro Parks and PC Biodiversity Network, Conservation and Education Manager
Andrew Hayes, WA Department of Natural Resources
Colin Hume, WA Department of Ecology, Watershed Characterization Coordinator
Tom Kantz, Pierce County Surface Water Management
Kirk Kirkland, Forever Green Council, Environmental Advocate
Kyrstal Kyer, Tahoma Audubon, Executive Director
Russ Ladley, Puyallup Tribe, Resource Protection Manager
Teresa Lewis, Puyallup River Watershed Council
Ryan Mello, Pierce Conservation District, Executive Director
Jane Moore, Forever Green Council, Executive Director
Tristan Peter-Contesse, Puget Sound Partnership, Puyallup Ecosystem Recovery Coordinator
Jordan Rash, Forterra, Conservation Director
Lorin Reinelt, King County River and Floodplain Management, Managing Engineer
Leslie Ann Rose, Citizens for a Healthy Bay, Senior Policy Analyst
Dave Seabrook, Puyallup River Watershed Coalition
Marianne Seifert, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Community Liaison
Lisa Spurrier, Pierce County Surface Water Management, Lead Entity Coordinator
Jefrey Thomas, Puyallup Tribe, Timber, Fish, and Wildlife Program Director
Michelle Tirhi, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Management Biologist
Robert Warren, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Model Watershed Program Director
Sarah Wilcox, Pierce Conservation District, Agricultural Roundtable Coordinator
ROSS LEADERSHIP + STAFF
Nancy Rottle, Green Futures Research and Design Lab,
University of Washington, Director
John Owen, MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design, LLP, Principal
Jefrey Raker, Lead Planner, ROSS
Ginger Daniel, Associate Planner, ROSS
Rachel Miller, MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design, LLP,
Associate Planner
Jenny Duggan, The Natural Capital Project, Assistant Planner
Peter Booren, GIS Data Intern
Erin Richmond, GIS Data Intern
MAJOR SUPPORTERS
The Russell Family Foundation, Holly Powers, Program Ofcer
Bullitt Foundation, Steve Whitney, Program Ofcer
National Park Service, Bryan Bowden
3
BACKGROUND REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY LAUNCHING THE PUYALLUP-WHITE WOSS
_________________________________________________
5
2
PROJECT OVERVIEW THE CENTRAL PUGET SOUND REGIONAL OPEN SPACE STRATEGY
__________________________________
7
3
PROPOSED ACTIONS ECOSYSTEMS, HEALTH & ACTIVE LIVING, RESOURCE LANDS, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
______
15
4
GEOGRAPHICALLY LINKED STRATEGIES & VISION
_____________________________________________________
57
A
WATERSHED LISTENING TOUR NEEDS THREATS, OPPORTUNITIES + DESIRED OUTCOMES
________________________
63
4
List of Abbreviations
BEF Bonneville Environmental Foundation
BMA Biodiversity Management Areas
CBC Cascade Bicycle Club
COI Community of Interest
DNR Washington State Department of Natural Resources
ESU Evolutionary Signifcant Unit
FFFPP Family Forest Fish Passage Program
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
PCBA Pierce County Biodiversity Alliance
PCOSTF Pierce County Open Space Task Force
PCASP Pierce County Agriculture Strategic Plan
PCC Puget Consumers Co-Op
PCS Preliminary Comprehensive Strategy
PDF Purchase of Development Rights
PRWC Puyallup River Watershed Council
PSE Puget Sound Energy
PSRC Puget Sound Regional Council
PWI Puyallup Watershed Initiative
RCO Washington State Recreation and Conservation Ofce
RFP Request for Proposals
ROSS Regional Open Space Strategy
TAC Technical Advisory Committee
TDR Transfer of Development Rights
TIP Transportation Improvement Program
TPCHD Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
TRFF The Russell Family Foundation
UFC Urban and Community Forest
WAG Watershed Advisory Group
WOSS Watershed Open Space Strategy
WRIA Puyallup-White
WSDOT Washington State Department of Transportation
5
BACKGROUND REPORT
LAUNCHING THE PUYALLUP-WHITE WATERSHED OPEN SPACE STRATEGY
This report presents the results of the Puyallup-White Watershed Open Space Strategy (WOSS) an
initiative supported by The Russell Family Foundation (TRFF) and stafed by University of Washingtons
Green Futures Research & Design Lab. This initiative represents the frst of multiple open space
conservation strategies to be developed for the Central Puget Sound Regional Open Space Strategy
(ROSS). These WOSS strategies will identify projects and actions that contribute to the formation
of the fnal integrated regional open space and green infrastructure strategy and therefore merit
regional and interjurisdictional eforts and resources. When completed, the WOSSes will be
integrated into the ROSS which will inform decisions and increase the efectiveness of eforts to create
a robust, diverse, accessible, and connected regional open space system.
The WOSS for the Puyallup-White Watershed was produced through a process led by community
representatives that are dedicated to the health of the Puyallup-White watershed and its
communities. It builds on previous work such as the 2009 Pierce Open Space Taskforce and Pierce
County Biodiversity Network. These leaders convened as a Watershed Advisory Group (WAG) that
reviewed analytical work, identifed priority actions, and recommended a set of priorities for open
space acquisition, conservation, enhancement, protection and other measures that merit regional
resources and interjurisdictional collaboration.
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
C
H
A
P
T
E
R
LAUNCHING THE
PUYALLUP-WHITE WOSS
1
6
The ROSS team and the WAG worked with the communities of interest under the leadership of
Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) as part of TRFFs Puyallup Watershed Initiative (PWI). By
convening these groups, the WAG can continue to work with local partners to develop a consistent
vision and broad consensus among the communities of interest regarding shared priorities for open
space and green infrastructure enhancements.
Generally speaking, the PWI is investing in local capacity to allow the Communities of Interest to
determine long-term goals, providing multi-year support to help achieve these goals and pursue
targeted local strategies within the watershed, while the ROSS will be identifying those local projects
and actions that: 1) require outside assistance and collaboration; and 2) contribute most to the
development and function of the inter-watershed, regional open space system.
This WOSS is intended to identify and elevate the most important actions identifed among local
partners and existing plans that merit regional, state, and national resources. The heightened level
of collective prioritization will encourage decision-makers to approve these projects and will provide
a rationale for attracting additional resources for open space conservation eforts in the Puyallup-
White watershed and across the region. As a public information document, it also demonstrates the
importance of a watershed-wide open space system to our livelihoods, health and livability.
The primary fnding of the WOSS efort is that there are several measures, which if successfully
undertaken, will provide the Countys residents with a stronger, multi-faceted economy, signifcantly
improved recreational and healthy living opportunities, more livable communities, and a more
resilient ecology adaptable to the impacts of climate change and a distinct, high-profle identity. But
to realize these benefts, local and regional partners must collaborate across jurisdictional and agency
boundaries, resolve apparent conficts, invest in future generations, and work together toward a
common vision. This watershed open space strategy provides such vision and, in conjunction with
other eforts such as the Communities of Interest work and local projects, is a frst step toward that
direction.
.
7
BACKGROUND REPORT
THE CENTRAL PUGET SOUND REGIONAL OPEN SPACE STRATEGY
The Puget Sound basin is facing signifcant ecological and economic pressures, which will be further
exacerbated by the increasing intensity of climate change impacts. These stresses afect water quality
and supply, fsh, farm and forest production, food and other environmental hazard vulnerability,
biodiversity, economic opportunities, and overall quality of life. Additionally, not all of the regions
people equitably share the health, recreational, and aesthetic benefts open spaces provide. It is
essential that the region recognizes and supports the value of green infrastructure provided by open
space systems, positioning it alongside other foundational investments such as transportation or
education as a necessary dedication of public and private resources to shape future development and
ensure community well-being. Strategically coordinated action is needed in order to conserve and
enhance the regional complex of open spaces on which the people of Puget Sound depend.
The Central Puget Sound Regional Open Space Strategy is an efort to address this need
and to conserve and enhance open space systems that contribute to the ecological, economic,
recreational, and aesthetic vitality of our region. The efectiveness of the numerous ongoing open
space eforts (such as the 2009 Pierce Open Space Taskforce) can be greatly enhanced by directing
added resources to the most critical priorities, and supporting individual eforts through cooperative
approaches to shared challenges. By stitching together current eforts and fostering more efective
collaboration among the many activities underway the ROSS will, along with its many partners, create
a robust, diverse, accessible, and connected regional open space system.
THE CENTRAL PUGET
SOUND REGIONAL OPEN
SPACE STRATEGY
2
PROJECT
OVERVIEW
C
H
A
P
T
E
R
It is essential that the
region recognizes and
supports the value of green
infrastructure provided
by open space systems,
positioning it along other
foundational investments
such as transportation and
education.
8
To successfully accomplish this goal, actions must be coordinated at the regional level. Ecological
systems, in particular, must be considered at the watershed scale, and protecting threatened rural
and resource lands, public health, and community development require inter-jurisdictional solutions.
At the regional scale, the ROSS team will employ ecosystem services identifcation and valuation
as a tool for regional green infrastructure planning, placing an emphasis on a set of key regional
challenges: climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity, health, social equity and economic
development. The ROSS Open Space Services Committee is developing a methodology for evaluating
the benefts that open space provides to the people of our region. By evaluating the open space
measures benefts in terms of human health, economic and community development, ecological
resiliency and resource land protection the ROSS will provide information needed to make better
public decisions and take more efective action.
The fnal ROSS will support the following outcomes:
A set of strategies to achieve an interconnected open space system linking seven watersheds,.
Watershed and regional scaled GIS analysis and a clearinghouse of GIS data available for future
regional planning.
A strategic list of priority projects and actions that provide regional benefts and will merit regionally
based resources.
A set of prioritization criteria and a methodology for assessing the value of ecosystem services
performed by open space systems with a focus on climate change, human health, social equity and
economic development. A toolkit will be developed to support future prioritization eforts regionally
and serve as a model for others nationally.
A mobilized regional constituency for open space resources.
A greater sense of a regional community and an increased capability to address other regional
challenges.
These outcomes will directly assist eforts within the Puyallup/White River watershed and Pierce
County as open space enhancement eforts continue. Primarily, it will help local leaders secure the
resources and collaboration needed to accomplish the larger, more ambitious and interjurisdictional
projects that may be beyond the capacity of an individual jurisdiction or organization. Additionally,
it will uniform public policy decisions and encourage inter-agency and organization implementation
towards common goals.
ROSS PROCESS + WORK PHASES
To develop an open space strategy that addresses regional needs and opportunities and is sufciently
detailed to address local activities and the intricacies of ecological systems, ROSS planning is being
pursued both at the regional and watershed scale in four phases depicted in the ROSS process chart
on the left.
P
H
A
S
E

3
P
H
A
S
E

4
WATERSHED
OPEN SPACE
STRATEGIES
(WOSS)
REGIONAL
OPEN
SPACE
STRATEGY
P
H
A
S
E

1
P
H
A
S
E

2
SCOPING
PRELIMINARY
COMPREHENSIVE
STRATEGY
(PCS)
STILLAGUAMISH
SNOHOMISH
CEDAR/SAMMAMISH
DUWAMISH/GREEN
PUYALLUP-WHITE
NISQUALLY
KITSAP
9
BACKGROUND REPORT
Phase 1 Scoping
The project began with a scoping process and case study to identify the inter-organizational
collaboration, technical methods, time, and resources necessary to complete the ROSS.
Phase 2 Preliminary Comprehensive Strategy (PCS)
In order to provide the ROSSs fundamental direction, the planning team assembled four Technical
Advisory Committees (TAC) of experts in the felds of Ecosystems, Rural and Resource Lands, Urban
and Community Development, and Recreation and Trails. Each TAC held a series of meetings to
develop vision, values, strategic directions, as well as analytical tools and guiding frameworks for
developing the ROSS. These results were assembled into the PCS , which guides ROSS eforts. The
fnal PCS was advanced by the ROSS Executive Committee in August 2012.
Phase 3 Watershed Open Space Strategies (WOSS)
Individual WOSS will be incorporated into the fnal integrated regional strategy. The workplan for
each WOSS is structured to respond to key gaps in current eforts and analysis highlighted by partner
organizations in each watershed. This will ensure that the work builds on previous and current
activities and advances both local and regional actions across the full array of identifed priorities. The
Puyallup-White River WOSS is the frst of these watershed based eforts.
Phase 4 Regional Open Space Strategy (ROSS)
Findings from the WOSSes will frame the development of a fnal integrated regional open space
system. The ROSS development will be guided by a set of prioritization criteria applied to the WOSSes
that employ an ecosystem services framework, with a specifc lens to climate change adaptation and
mitigation, biodiversity, human health, social equity, and economic development. The ROSS will be
a spatial vision, as well as recommended projects and policies and that can be stewarded by current
and future generations.
ROSS & REGIONAL PARTNERS
The ROSS complements and supports PSRCs Vision 2040, Forterras Cascade Agenda, and Puget
Sound Partnerships Action Agenda. The ROSS is working with PSRC to implement Vision 2040 actions
calling for the development of a Regional Open Space Strategy to identify, preserve, and enhance
signifcant regional open spaces and linkages across jurisdictional boundaries.
The ROSS is also in direct partnership with other organizations working on major initiatives including
the Washington State Department of Ecology watershed characterization, the Mountains to Sound
Greenway, as well as county health districts eforts to use land use planning as a means to confront
health disparities and social equity. The Phase 1 ROSS analysis found that these eforts are largely
independently led or technically specifc in scope. The ROSS provides a neutral and supportive forum
in which these activities can be better coordinated.
10
PUYALLUP-WHITE WATERSHED OPEN SPACE STRATEGY
The Puyallup-White WOSS is the frst of multiple watershed strategies that will comprise input for the
regional strategy. Essentially, the WOSS will gather existing plans and recommendations, add new
information and data in GIS format and identify those activities and projects where regional support
or inter-governmental/inter-organizational collaboration would be useful. At the end of the process,
local governments and organizations will have recommendations and public information tools that
will help them accomplish their open space objectives particularly those ambitious projects that
warrant regional resources. Those working at the regional scale (e.g. PSRC, Forterra, Futurewise, State
& Federal Agencies, etc.) will have the analysis needed to make better decisions regarding funding
allocation, regulatory measures and program development.
The WOSS work is being conducted concurrently with The Russell Family Foundations Puyallup
Watershed Initiative (PWI). These two eforts are complimentary in that the PWI project will explore
local priorities to determine where to support eforts that are primarily local projects and programs
within the watershed while the ROSSs intent is to further regional scaled and interjurisdictional
eforts. The two projects will maintain close communication throughout the process.
Central to this process is the Watershed Advisory Group (WAG) that is made up of leaders and experts
working on open space and other activities within the watershed. The WAG played an active role in
the analysis of existing conditions, framing the WOSS strategy, formulating the recommendations
and establishing watershed scale priorities that evaluated a regional scale prioritization framework
in future phases. The planning team engaged the WAG in four work sessions and consulted with
members, as appropriate. The WAG also advised the planning team regarding the most efective
public outreach and engagement eforts.
Central to the process
is a Watershed Advisory
Group (WAG) made up
of leaders and experts
working on open space and
other activities within the
watershed.
PUYALLUP-WHITE
WATERSHED OPEN
SPACE STRATEGY
11
BACKGROUND REPORT
WAG
1
LAUNCH
WOSS
AUGUST NOVEMBER
WAG
2
REVIEW REPORT,
DISCUSS
CRITERIA
FOR KEY WOSS
PROJECTS +
ACTIONS
FEB
WAG
3
REVIEW +
AUGMENT
IDEAS/
ACTIONS,
PROVIDE
DIRECTION,
DISCUSS
ECOSYSTEM
SERVICES
WORK
EVALUATE
ACTIONS,
DISCUSS
IMPLEMEN-
TATION
WAG
4
APR SEPT/OCT DEC/JAN MAR
M
E
E
T
I
N
G
S
D
E
L
I
V
E
R
A
B
L
E
S
R
O
S
S

S
T
A
F
F
GATHER DATA
Identfy existng
planning actvites,
existng GIS data
across ROSS
technical areas
FORM WATERSHED
ADVISORY GROUP
(WAG)
Identfy key
watershed leaders
representng all
ROSS Technical Areas
across government,
NGOs, tribes, etc.
IDENTIFY INITIAL
NEEDS, THREATS,
OPPORTUNITIES
INDIVIDUAL
MEETINGS
to beter under-
stand implicatons
of data and current
plans
SYNTHESIS
of needs, threats
and opportunites
BEGINNING
ECOSYSTEM
SERVICES
ANALYSIS
IDENTIFY
PROJECTS +
ACTIONS
REFINE IDEAS/
ACTIONS
BACKGROUND+
OPPORTUNITIES
REPORT
PRELIMINARY
IDEAS/ACTIONS
REFINED
ACTIONS, WOSS
OUTLINE
FINAL
(DRAFT)
WOSS
JUN/JUL
+
+
+
PARTIAL
BACKGROUND
REPORT
+
DRAFT PUYALLUP-WHITE WOSS: WORKPLAN + TIMELINE
2013 2014
KEY
FOLLOW UP
+
+
CONTINUE
ECOSYSTEM
SERVICES
ANALYSIS
MAY/JUN
REVIEW
WOSS,
DISCUSS
HOW TO
MOVE
FORWARD
WAG
5
JUL
PRODUCE
WOSS
+
COMPILE
DATA, MAPS
12
THE PUYALLUP-WHITE RIVER WOSS PROCESS
The process to complete the WOSS is illustrated in the workplan + timeline chart on the following
page and consists of the steps below.
During summer 2013, the ROSS planning team formed the Watershed Advisory Group and
conducted preliminary research regarding existing physical conditions. The August WAG meeting
#1 introduced the project and participants, presented the proposed work agenda and a partial
draft of the Background Report, described the projects analytical methodology and discussed WAG
members ideas on how the WOSS can serve their eforts. During Fall 2013 the team gathered
data and went on a Watershed Listening Tour to learn the physical and planning context of the
watershed and to understand the needs, gaps, opportunities and desired outcomes of a WOSS to
develop this Background and Opportunities Report.
At the November WAG session, the planning team presented this report and shared a draft set of
criteria and guiding principles with which regionally-scaled priorities will be developed to frame an
optimized open space strategy. This will include the ROSS emphasis on ecosystem services, climate
change, human health, social equity, and economic development.
In December 2013, the ROSS planning team conducted an analysis to optimize the needs and
opportunities for open space measures based on this set of criteria and begin a preliminary
ecosystem services analysis. Because of the comprehensive work already accomplished through a
strong background in open space planning as part of the Pierce County Comprehensive Plan, the
Pierce County Open Space Task Force and the Biodiversity Network, this analysis was expedited.
The analysis incorporated other activities such as those from the Puget Sound Partnership and
PSRCs (transportation oriented) bicycle plan.
In early February, the ROSS team presented an array of potential priority projects and activities at
the WAG #3 meeting. WAG members will review and augment the projects and select the priority
measures to begin to frame an action strategy which is the core of the WOSS.
The ROSS team continued to refne these ideas and translate them into actions.
At the WAG #4 meeting in May 2014, the committee will review the refned projects and actions and
begin to envision how to implement these actions. A draft WOSS outline will be reviewed/approved.
At the fnal WAG #5 in early Summer, the team will present the Draft WOSS to the committee for
fnal review, discuss how to move forward and identify who will present the WOSS to the ROSS
Executive Committee.
The WOSS will be revisited when developing the full ROSS to adaptively respond to regionally scaled
open space priorities that incorporate key fndings from ecosystem services identifcation and
valuation and a articulated commitments to climate change mitigation, human health, social equity
and economic development.
When the analytical tools to evaluate the human and environmental benefts of actions proposed in
this WOSS are ready, they will be used to help establish priorities and, when appropriate, advocate
for funding.
13
BACKGROUND REPORT
This WOSS will also serve as a summary of shared priorities that spans the full spectrum of open
space interests, including a summary of existing conditions, plans, and other considerations that
can be used to address regional and local community needs. By linking to larger scale research
initiatives and both state and federal resources, the WOSS provides the County and Puyallup River
Watershed Council (PRWC) with an opportunity to pursue the implementation of existing basin, food
hazard management, stormwater management, and other plans and priorities. In addition to PRWCs
and Pierce Countys planning and capital investment, the WOSS process seeks to build on multiple
initiatives underway in the watershed by identifying where to target resources based on overlaps in
identifed needs and opportunities. This includes a full review of the following plans and activities, with
support from the WAG.
Puyallup-White (WRIA 10) Salmon Recovery Plan & Department of Ecologys Puget Sound
Characterization work
Forterras conservation opportunities and priorities in WRIA 10
PSRCs regional bike network, County trails plans and the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition priorities
The 10 Year Pierce Open Space Taskforce priorities
PSRCs Growing Transit Communities Program & the Regional Equity Network
County comprehensive, basin, parks/open space, food, stormwater, shoreline, and solid waste
plans
Pierce County Biodiversity Network
Tacoma Pierce County Health Departments Environmental Health Trends
The Nature Conservancys local conservation priorities
American Farmland Trusts evaluation of high quality & high development agricultural lands
Proposals by WA Department of Natural Resources, National Park Service, & Trust for Public Land
Other plans relevant to the WOSS
14
This page intentionally left blank.
15
BACKGROUND REPORT
Introduction
This section describes the proposed actions developed through the WOSS process described earlier.
These proposals are the actions that the ROSS team and the Watershed Advisory Group identifed
as providing substantial regional benefts and also requiring resources outside the local jurisdictions
ability to fund or interjurisdictional and cross-sectoral collaboration. In upcoming months, the ROSS
team will evaluate at least some of the proposals with respect to open space (ecosystem) services.
Ultimately they will be input into the regional open space strategy that will identify the highest priority
open space protection and enhancement eforts at the regional level.
Some of the proposals are specifc open space acquisition or enhancement projects. Others
advocate for regulatory, programmatic or institutional measures to better protect and sustainably
use resources such as forest and agricultural lands. Still other proposals address the need for better
coordination or research on a given topic.
Many of the measures have already been planned or are currently underway. As noted earlier, a
key ROSS objective is to support and help coordinate existing open space related projects. While
this WOSS is primarily intended as input into the regional strategy, some of the proposals may
also provide a more immediate local beneft. For example, some of the measures suggest county
comprehensive plan policies and the ROSS team has submitted some ideas to County staf. Other
proposals, such as the Greater Rainier Coalition can be initiated at a low cost and pursued over time
for both local and regional beneft.
3
PROPOSED
ACTIONS
C
H
A
P
T
E
R
ECOSYSTEMS, HEALTH &
ACTIVE LIVING, RESOURCE
LANDS, AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
16
INTRODUCTION
As noted in the background section, aquatic systems, including physical processes such as delivery
and transport of water, sediment, nutrients and large wood, as well as habit and food hazard
reduction functions are a critical, if not the cornerstone, of Puget Sounds natural ecology. Aquatic
systems are mutually dependent upon the biodiversity characteristics discussed in the other section
of the Ecosystems chapter. Aquatic systems are also particularly vulnerable to alteration and
impacts because both their natural processes and habitat functions depend on the continuity of the
systems of water bodies and their uplands. That is, alterations to one part of the system, such as the
watersheds forested uplands, can impact other parts of the ecosystem, including rural foodplains
and marine habitats. For this reason, protection or enhancement of a local river corridor, wetland,
or marine nearshore can have a watershed-wide or regional beneft, especially if one considers the
depressed levels of many marine species in Puget Sound waters. The actions to protect and improve
aquatic systems proposed in this strategy focus on special opportunities that could signifcantly
upgrade conditions within the entire riverine/marine shoreline ecosystem.
The health of aquatic ecosystems, including rivers, streams, lakes and marine waters, depends on
the conditions and uses of the uplands and the quality and quantity of the storm water run-of those
lands produce. Many stretches of the Puyallup and White Rivers are fanked by productive farm land
with productive agricultural activities. While many agricultural activities such as livestock or chemical
application too close to the shoreline can cause harm to aquatic systems, farming and ranching as a
land use is much less destructive to aquatic functions and habitats than most types of residential or
urban development. And, retention of agricultural lands is an objective in its own right. Therefore,
proposals to retain agricultural land, especially with sustainable practices compatible with shoreline
management, are also very important to the quality of aquatic systems (see proposals EA-1 and RA-1).
In the same way, recommendations for forest practices also support the protection and enhancement
of aquatic systems and biodiversity (see RF-2).
The health of aquatic ecosystems also depends on the condition of the shoreline edge. Where rivers
are constrained with levees, revetments, and other human made structures, their ability to accomplish
their natural functions such as moderating food events and creating habitat is restricted. Proposal
EA-2, EA-3, RA-1, and RF-2 all address this important consideration.
ECOSYSTEMS:
AQUATIC SYSTEMS
17
BACKGROUND REPORT
Tacoma
Lakewood
Puyallup
Fife
Sumner
Bonney
Lake
Buckley
Orting
Milton
Edgewood
Auburn
Pacic
Eatonville
Wilkeson
Carbonado
South Prairie
Ruston
Enumclaw
512
161
5
16
KING
COUNTY
THURSTON
COUNTY
PIERCE
COUNTY
PIERCE
COUNTY
Puget Sound
Lake Tapps
P
u
y
a
llu
p
R
iv
e
r
C
a
rb
o
n
R
iv
e
r
Green River
W
h
it
e
R
iv
e
r
Lake
Sawyer
Greenwater River
S
t
u
c
k

R
iv
e
r
Mud
Mountain
Dam
PIERCE
COUNTY
YAKIMA
COUNTY
Aquatic Systems Actions
Cities
0 5 10 2.5
Miles
Urban Growth Areas
WRIA10
County boundaries
E-A-1. Implement a Green Heart for urban
Pierce County.
E-A-2. Construct setback levee on (purchased)
Union Pacic site.
E-A-3. Establish a program to purchase
development rights to riparian corridor
lands along the White River.
E-A-4. Purchase Puget Sound Energy lands along
the White River between the Muckleshoot
Reservation and Buckley.
SOURCES
Pierce County
Figure 1. Aquatic Systems Proposals
18
EA-1. CREATE A PLAN FOR A GREEN HEART FOR URBAN PIERCE COUNTY ALONG PUYALLUP RIVER
FLOODPLAIN SOUTH AND WEST OF INTERSTATE 5
Description
Undertake a multi-jurisdictional action plan to conserve, enhance and celebrate the shorelines, wetlands
and rural lands along the Puyallup River to create a rural/natural oasis in the heart of the urbanized
Pierce County. The project would also draw attention to the areas activities and special character so that
it is better appreciated by Pierce County residents. Activities and elements might include:
a. Through a public process, create a public vision for the area.
b. Review and integrate ongoing activities by the Port, Tribe, etc.
c. Review and upgrade regulatory measures to protect farmlands and undeveloped areas.
d. Identify opportunities for environmental enhancement and recreation measures and pursue
opportunities for enhancement such as setback levees.
e. Integrate trail proposals.
f. Develop a multi-jurisdictional action plan to identify and prioritize projects and measures to
improve water quality that cross jurisdictional boundaries or enhance individual jurisdiction
water quality initiatives.
g. Estimate the cost for a long term implementation program.
This proposed action is to complete a strategic plan for the Green Heart that would identify how to
implement the above activities. It is a frst step in the Lower Puyallup Green Heart proposal described
in the Geographically Linked Strategy section of this report.
Coordination measures
The strategy will address ecological, agricultural, recreation and food hazard management activities, so
groups working toward all these objectives should be included. One issue is that some of the agricultural
land in this area is planned for setback levees (see EA-2). There is also the question of how much of the
roughly 6,000 acres identifed by the Agriculture Round Table is in the Green Heart area. The map in the
Resource Lands proposals indicates that at least some of the land identifed by the Pierce County Open
Space Task Force is targeted for agricultural preservation in this area.
Cost and Other Requirements
$200,000 for the strategic plan.
Timing
2 to 3 years.
Participants
Active members would include all applicable jurisdictions and property owners, Tribes, etc., as well as
conservation and recreation organizations. Focusing and coordinating activities is at the core of this
efort. The Agriculture Roundtable might lead this efort.
Figure 2. The lower Puyallup Valley still retains some
agricultural lands and other resources that could provide an
excellent ecological resource and multi-use amenity close to
Tacoma
Figure 3. A closer view of the lower Puyallup showing a mix
of activities and the channelized river
19
BACKGROUND REPORT
Figure 4. There still are active places in the proposed Green
Heart area that ofer the opportunity for City Dwellers to
visit - only minutes from Downtown Tacoma
Product
A multi-jurisdictional action strategy to conserve and enhance the ecological functions, rural character
and recreational opportunities of this area.
Regional Benefts or Signifcance
This area is unique in that it is a rural area mostly surrounded by urban lands. It could be a model
for enhancements of rural-urban edge conditions. Water quality and BIBI reports identify degraded
conditions for the Puyallup and its tributaries in this area, so water quality enhancement would have
a signifcant impact. Additionally, because of the access from I-5, this area might provide excellent
opportunities for agri-tourism. There are already a number of farms with shops and visitor activities.
Ecosystems Services Analysis Opportunities
If a sketch plan could be developed during the ROSS process, analysis could be applied to the results of
this multi-objective proposal. The scenarios would be:
1. Development to the zoned potential of all lands and no shoreline restoration; and
2. Protection of existing agricultural land and construction of selected setback levees, multi-purpose trail
sections and parklands.
This analysis would be especially useful in providing a sense of the projects benefts.
20
EA-2. CONSTRUCT SETBACK LEVEES ALONG THE PUYALLUP AND WHITE RIVERS
Advance key proposals for setback levees on the White and Puyallup Rivers (see map). The North
Levee Road setback levee just north of I-5 would provide food risk reduction up to the 200-year level
of protection. The Clear Creek Levee would minimize the impact of fooding on the lowlands behind the
existing levee while preserving existing farmland and providing intertidal rearing habitat for spring run
Chinook salmon. Design and feasibility studies have been completed for the Lynden Golf Course setback
levee as a key multi-beneft project with willing land owners at the confuence of the Puyallup and White
rivers. Finally, Pierce County has identifed the McCutcheon Road & 128th St. E. setback levee as a key
project for food management.
Coordination Measures
The N. Levee Rd. and Clear Creek setback levee projects are in the Green Heart area and could be a
keystone part of that efort and the Green Y Geographically Linked Strategy. The Tribes may be
working on this already.
Approximately $218-264 million for the full set of projects prioritized for this area: $150 million for
the UP/North Levee Road setback levee, $56 million for Clear Creek Levee, $43 million for the Lynden
Golf Course project, and $15 million for the McCutcheon Rd. & 128th St. E. setback levee according to
estimates in 2011.
Timing
Initial phases over the next 3-4 years can target those projects with feasibility and design eforts
underway or complete, willing land owners and public support due to repetitive food losses, and lower
acquisition costs. Signature regional projects might require a 10 year plus investment.
Participants
The Pierce County Flood Control District and Pierce County Surface Water Management are the leads
on this efort. Tribes, and conservation NGOs may also be partners and federal partners such as Army
Corps of Engineers will be essential in carrying forward the signature regional projects in this geography.
Product
N. Levee Rd: A setback levee providing approximately 90 acres of intertidal habitat.
Clear Creek: A setback levee providing approximately 400 acres of foodplain reconnection.
Linden Golf Course: A setback levee reconnecting 3 to 18 acres of foodplain habitat.
McCutcheon Rd. & 128th St. E: Setback levee and acquisition of food prone properties.
Figure 5. Levee setback proposals on the Puyallup and White
Rivers. From an evaluation by GeoEngineers
Figure 6. Proposed setback levees on UP property
Figure 7. Close view of UP property looking west showing
current channelization and land use
21
BACKGROUND REPORT
It will be essential to advance this combined set of setback levee projects with respect to proposals
from the Pierce County Agriculture Roundtable, local to federal priorities for salmon recovery, recreation
trails, and economic development. By facilitating regional attention and investment, implementing this
package of proposals can provide multiple watershed and regional scale benefts: food management,
foodplain reconnection, farmland protection and agritourism, low water velocity/high prey habitat that
juvenile salmon require for survival, as well as opening opportunities for regional trail connections.
The Clear Creek and N. Levee Rd. projects would provide much needed rearing habitat for spring run
Chinook salmon which is critical for their life cycle. The Puyallup estuary once featured thousands
of acres of such intertidal rearing habitat, but all but a few restored shorelines have been lost to
development. This project would augment current restoration eforts with a unique riverine intertidal
habitat. Additionally, if viewing areas and limited public access were provided, it might also be a
convenient birding and wildlife observation site for visitors throughout the region.
Ecosystem Services Analysis Opportunities
This proposal ofers an excellent opportunity for evaluation of ecosystems services. Two scenarios are:
1. No restoration.
2. Construction of setback levees and restoration of more than 100 acres of intertidal riverine and
wetland habitat with supporting shoreline restoration.
Note that the return on Investment Analysis of Flood Risk Management Solutions for Pierce County
report by Earth Economics may provide a model for this kind of evaluation without monetization.
22
EA-3. ESTABLISH PROGRAM TO PURCHASE RIPARIAN CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS OF LANDS
ALONG THE WHITE RIVER
Description
In the 1970s King County began purchasing properties on either side of the Green River. Over the
next several decades, many segments of the river corridor, including substantial forested uplands were
purchased so that the ecological functions and biodiversity of much of the river has been protected.
The White River provides equally signifcant aquatic systems and biodiversity resources but most of the
land is not in public ownership or otherwise protected. A strategy for protecting the corridors ecological
functions is needed. This proposal is to develop a long term multi-county strategy for protection the
White River corridor, especially the segments upstream from the Muckleshoot Reservation.
This proposal is directly supported by EA-4. Purchase Puget Sound Energy Lands along the White River
between the Muckleshoot Reservation and Buckley and EB-3. Provide Support for Implementation of the
Lower White River Biodiversity Management Area Stewardship Plan.
Estimating the value of properties or the costs to purchase easements would be a frst step in developing
a program strategy. The cost of developing a strategy might be $75,000 to $100,000 depending on the
amount of overhead support needed. For example, if an established organization or agency department
initiated the strategy, the overhead might be less than if a new organization was created
Timing
This is a long term efort but coordination should begin in the near term. Developing a strategy might
take one to one and a half years.
Participants
This will require the participation of Pierce and King Counties, applicable municipalities, appropriate
Tribes, non-governmental organizations, state agencies, and local land holders. A NGO such as Forterra
might lead the project.
Product
A long term strategy to acquire lands or development rights of properties along the White River and its
tributaries.
Figure 8. Public land ownership comparison between Green
River (upper corridor) and White River (lower corridor)
Figure 9. White River corridor upstream of Sumner. Note
that the corridor is still largely forested
Figure 10. Hancock --Tree Farm properties purchased by
Muckleshoot Tribe in 2013
23
BACKGROUND REPORT
This sub-basin is especially important because of the spring-run Chinook sub-species. The White River
Spring Chinook is the only remaining early run population in the South/Central geographic region and
must achieve low risk status over time to meet Puget Sound Chinook Evolutionary Signifcant Unit (ESU)
recovery goals. The White River watershed is also very important for fall Chinook, and bull trout, along
with the White River Elk herd, one of the 10 formally documented and monitored elk herds in the state.
The Department of Ecology Watershed Characterization analysis rating system indicates highest
potential for restoration and preservation along this corridor. Additionally, the Nature Conservancys
Willamette Valley-Puget Trough-Georgia Basin Ecoregional Assessment indicates that this corridor is of
high conservation value and is vulnerable to development or other impacts.
Ecosystem Services could be run on two development scenarios:
1. Development of the river corridor under current regulations; that is, determine what could be
developed under current land use and forest practices regulations and then assess the impacts to
natural systems.
2. Protection of the corridor upstream of the Muckleshoot Reservation.
See also Proposal EA-4 which deals with only one set of properties. It may make sense to analyze EA-4
frst and apply the lessons learned to the whole corridor.
Figure 11. Flooding on the Puyallup Jan. 7, 2009 -- Flood
hazards mitigation is an important ecosystem service
performed by forests, wetlands, some agricultural lands and
shoreline ecosystems
Figure 12. The Washington State Department of Ecology
has recently posted a preliminary test version an interactive
watershed characterization request that describes aquatic
and terrestrial ecosystem conductions for Puget Sound. This
highly useful tool indicates a high level of terrestrial habitat
functions on the White River corridor. The characterization
display is at https://test-fortress.wa.gov/ecy/coastalatlas/wc/
LandingPage.html
24
EA-4. PROTECTION OF PUGET SOUND ENERGY LANDS ALONG THE WHITE RIVER BETWEEN THE
MUCKLESHOOT RESERVATION AND BUCKLEY
Description
This proposal is a frst step in the protection of the White River corridor described in EA-4; namely to
purchase the development rights or otherwise protect the riverine corridor from the Muckleshoot
Reservation to Buckley. This section of the corridor owned by Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and is a priority
river stretch in the Pierce County Lower White River Biodiversity Management Area Stewardship Plan.
Unknown at this time. Land or easement value should be estimated as part of the strategy developed in
EA-3.
Timing
When available. The PSE land should be pursued in the short term.
Participants
Pierce and King Counties, Muckleshoot Tribe, NGOs.
Product
Acquisition of the development rights by the public or the Muckleshoot Tribe of development rights of
PSEs properties between the Muckleshoot Reservation and Buckley.
This sub-basin is especially important because of the spring-run Chinook sub-species. The Department
of Ecology Watershed Characterization analysis rating system indicates highest potential for restoration
and preservation along this corridor. Additionally, the Nature Conservancys Willamette Valley-Puget
Trough-Georgia Basin Ecoregional Assessment indicates that this corridor is of high conservation value
and is vulnerable to development or other impacts.
Ecosystem Services could be run on two development scenarios:
1. Development of PSE land under current land use regulations; that is, determine what could be
developed under current land use regulations and then assess the impacts to natural systems.
2. Protection of PSE land.
Figure 13. Puget Sound Energy Properties (shown in red)
south of Muckleshoot Reservation
Figure 14. Portion of the PSE Property showing the braided
stream channels and forested uplands characteristic of
natural river corridors channelization
25
BACKGROUND REPORT
BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity is the amount of variety in the number of species within a given area. This section
focuses on terrestrial species while the Aquatic Systems section addressed aquatic species. However
the two are intimately related and mutually supportive. In this Watershed Open Space Strategy,
aquatic systems and biodiversity each have a section primarily because: 1) aquatic systems address
other objectives such as food hazard management; and 2) through the eforts of the Pierce County
Biodiversity Alliance (PCBA), an organization of governments, agencies, academic and non-proft
organizations, and interested citizens, the County has prepared the Pierce County Biodiversity
Network Assessment, which identifes areas of high biodiversity resources called Biodiversity
Management Areas. The PCBA has also prepared Biodiversity Management Plans for the Lower White
River and Crescent Valley. These plans document the biodiversity resources, threats to their viability
and recommendations to conserve them.
One of the most important intersections of biodiversity and aquatic systems activities is protection
of the White River corridor described in EA-3 and EA-4. Both the Nature Conservancys Willamette
Valley-Puget Trough-Georgia Basin Ecoregional Assessment and the Pierce County Biodiversity
Network Assessment identify portions of this corridor as critical biodiversity resources. And the Lower
White River Biodiversity Management Area Stewardship Plan notes that most of the species in that
BMA depend on the water environment for part of their life cycles. Additionally, proposals in several
other sections contribute to biodiversity objectives; especially those related to agricultural lands (see
RA-1) and forestry (see RF-1 and RF-2).
When seen from the air or on an aerial photograph, the watershed appears to feature large tracts
of connected forested habitat. However, much of what appears dark green in the photo is not the
specifc types of Puget Sound lowland habitats that provide much of the regions biodiversity. In
reality, there is only a small fringe of quality lowland habitat remaining, so protection of this last bit of
the regions ecological legacy is critical.
26
Puget Sound
Lake Tapps
P
u
y
a
llu
p
R
iv
e
r
C
a
r
b
o
n

R
i
v
e
r
Green River
W
h
ite
R
iv
e
r
Lake
Sawyer
Greenwater River
S
t
u
c
k

R
i
v
e
r
Tacoma
Lakewood
Puyallup
Fife
Sumner
Bonney
Lake
Buckley
Orting
Milton
Edgewood
Auburn
Pacic
Eatonville
Wilkeson
Carbonado
South Prairie
Ruston
Enumclaw
5
161
512
16
KING
COUNTY
THURSTON
COUNTY
PIERCE
COUNTY
PIERCE COUNTY
YAKIMA COUNTY
Puyallup
River
Upland
Greenwater
River
White River
Nisqually
Delta
Lower
White
River
WRIA10
Cities
SOURCES
0 5 10 2.5
Miles
County boundaries
2003 Pierce County Biodiversity Network
Assessment
E-B-3. Provide support for the
implementation of the
Lower White River
Biodiversity Management
Area Stewardship Plan.
E-B-4. Complete a BMA Stewardship
Plan for the Carbon River.
Biodiversity Actions
10-YEAR BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT AREA PRIORITIES
Note: Would like to add assessment
from The Nature Conservancy
Corridors
Connectors
Tacoma corridors
Figure 15. Biodiversity Management Areas Priorities and Proposals
27
BACKGROUND REPORT
EB-1. CONDUCT A THREAT ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT AREAS IDENTIFIED IN THE
PIERCE COUNTY BIODIVERSITY NETWORK ASSESSMENT
Description:
The Pierce County Biodiversity Network Assessment identifes 17 Biodiversity Management Areas
(BMAs), 5 of which are in the Puyallup/White watershed. While the importance of these BMAs has been
documented and ground-truthed, the degree to which these areas are threatened by development or
other impacts has not been evaluated. This proposal is to complete an analysis to identify which BMAs
are most at risk and where priorities for protection should be assigned.
The analysis should be coordinated with the work in the Aquatic Systems section (see EA-3 and EA-4).
The analysis might cost in the range of $50 to $100,000.
Timing
This assessment is needed in the short term because it will provide the basis for establishing
conservation priorities. An initial target is set to complete the analysis by the end of 2017.
Participants
Pierce County, the Biodiversity Community of Interest and other leaders that contributed to the Pierce
County Biodiversity Network Assessment with technical assistance from other partners as needed.
Product
An assessment of threats to identifed BMAs on which to base priorities for conservation.
This assessment will take the work of the Pierce County Biodiversity Alliance further by identifying sites
and activities that are regionally signifcant for biodiversity so that the Washington State Department of
Fish & Wildlife has a model for application and prioritization.
This proposal also incorporates interjurisdictional collaboration between King County and Pierce County
to address lands along the White River and the identifcation of Biodiversity Management Areas initiated
is instructional for other counties in the Central Puget Sound.
While an ecosystem services evaluation of the various BMAs would be useful along with the threat
assessment in setting conservation priorities, the threat assessment analysis itself does not provide
opportunities for an ecosystem services evaluation.
28
EB-2. INITIATE AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY
Description:
To many, biodiversity is a desirable but not essential feature. This proposal would prepare information
materials describing biodiversitys human benefts. The materials should be in a variety of media and
formats with diferent pieces aimed at diferent audiences, especially children and youths.
This efort should be coordinated with related work in EA-3, EA-4 and RF-2 as well as ecological service
evaluation for BMAs. This action should address public education needs identifed in the ROSS
Biodiversity Task Force as well as Stewardship Actions for each BMA.
The cost might be $50 to $100,000, depending on the extent of the efort.
Timing
This efort could begin as soon as funding is secured.
Participants
The Pierce County Biodiversity Alliance should be the core entity driving this project forward as it would
build on the successful educational and outreach eforts that they have initiated in the past.. The Nature
Conservancys Willamette Valley-Puget Trough-Georgia Basin Ecoregional Assessment work might also be
folded into the project. Also, schools and educational organizations should also be involved.
Product
Workshops, signage, information packets, and other materials describing the importance of biodiversity
and highlighting the value of specifc eforts to enhance supporting habitats and ecological integrity.
Such an efort should support identifed public education needs such as highlighting opportunities for
property owners to participate in national programs to certify properties as backyard wildlife sanctuaries,
outreach to the private development and real estate sector regarding vegetation removal and earth
moving, along with a public educational program coordinating with schools and other organizations.
The materials will be applicable to all parts of the Central Puget Sound region. This work would support
the ROSS Biodiversity Task Force in testing identifed public education recommendations at a more
localized scale.
Ecosystem service analysis of diferent habitat types and biodiversity in general would add greatly to this
proposal.
Figure 16. PCBA activites during the preparation of the Lower
White BMA Stewardship Plan (from the Plans Cover)
29
BACKGROUND REPORT
EB-3. PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LOWER WHITE RIVER BIODIVERSITY
MANAGEMENT AREA STEWARDSHIP PLAN
Description:
Implementation of the Lower White River Biodiversity Management Area Stewardship Plan (Lower White
BMA Stewardship Plan).
The Lower White BMA Stewardship Plan provides a comprehensive set of localized actions that support
and are integral to EA-3 and EA-4 (Purchase Riparian Corridor Development Rights of Lands along
the White River). The recommendations in the Stewardship Plan all contribute to the White River
Geographically Linked Strategy.
Unknown.
Timing
This is a long term, multi-phase efort. The Lower White BMA Stewardship Plan includes a phased
implementation strategy.
Participants
The core entity to pursue this action is the Pierce County Biodiversity Alliance (PCBA). Recommended
actions are identifed in the Cities of Auburn, Buckley, Pacifc, Sumner, as well as restoration
opportunities on properties managed by Muckleshoot Tribe. The initiative will signifcantly beneft from
active involvement from these jurisdictions.
Product
A series of short- and long-term actions to support implementation of needed planning amendments,
zoning revisions, acquisitions, land management, restoration activities, surveying/mapping, and
community stewardship by engaging local city councils and commissions, organizations and community
members in eforts to protect the Lower White River Corridor.
The Lower White River Biodiversity Management Area Stewardship Plan (Lower White BMA Stewardship
Plan) is instructional for other counties and jurisdictions in the region as they seek to improve incentives,
regulations, zoning, conservation priorities, and community stewardship. This approach could serve as a
model for other watersheds.
This sub-basin is especially important because of the spring-run Chinook sub-species. The Department
of Ecology Watershed Characterization analysis rating system indicates highest potential for restoration
and preservation along this corridor. Additionally, the Nature Conservancys Willamette Valley-Puget
Trough-Georgia Basin Ecoregional Assessment indicates that this corridor is of high conservation value
and is vulnerable to development or other impacts.
Figure 17. Lower White River BMA (in yellow)
Figure 18. Habitat Resources in the Lower White River BMA
Figure 19. Potentially developable lands along the Lower
White River BMA (outlined in red)
30
Ecosystem service analysis for retention of the BMA could provide substantial benefts. The scenarios
and methodology would be the same as for EA-4 but would also include any portions of the BMA that are
not within the immediate stream corridor.
EB-4. COMPLETE A BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT AREA STEWARDSHIP PLAN FOR THE CARBON RIVER
Description:
The PCBA indicated that the Carbon River BMA might be the highest priority for additional planning. This
plan would be modeled on the Lower White River Biodiversity Management Area Stewardship Plan.
This efort should be coordinated with work on agricultural and forest lands proposals, most notably
RA-1 and RF-2 along with specifc connection to proposals identifed by the Agriculture and Forest
Roundtables and participating organizations.
Estimate to be established based on the previous work on the Lower White River BMA Stewardship Plan.
Timing
An initial target of 1-2 years for completion of the Stewardship Plan once funding is available.
Participants
The PCBA would lead this efort.
Product
A Biodiversity Management Area Stewardship Plan for the Carbon River.
This project is instructional for other counties and jurisdictions in the region as the PCBA seeks to
advance on regionally signifcant biodiversity enhancement eforts.
Ecosystems service analysis could be conducted for the BMA to identify the value of biodiversity within
that area.
Figure 20. Segment of the Carbon River
31
BACKGROUND REPORT
HEALTH, ACTIVE
LIVING & RECREATION
INTRODUCTION
This section addresses open space actions that contribute to peoples ability to recreate and pursue
a more active, healthy lifestyle. While active living is best supported by a broad spectrum of open
space resources from neighborhood parks to regional trails and wildness areas, the WOSS focuses on
regional facilities. Other proposals also have a substantial recreation beneft.
The preponderance of proposals in this section are multipurpose trails to provide links in large
multi-county and state-wise trail networks. Such trails provide both transportation and recreational
benefts, which expands funding opportunities.
Additonal regional trail connections not covered in the WOSS are to the Cushman Trail in Gig Harbor
and the Scott Pierson Trail, which follows Highway 16 and crosses the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Once the two get connected the region will have a trail from downtown Tacoma across the Narrows
Bridge and all the way through Gig Harbor to the Kitsap County line.
In order to access RCO funds used within Washington State Department of Transportation Right of
Way, trail projects must demonstrate a beneft to motorized transport (including a reduced confict
between modes or reduced VMT) and such an allowance requires an air space lease with a cost based
on prevailing land values/rents in the area. Additionally, trail surfaces induce diferent costs (including
variable mitigation requirements). Note: PSRC is applying for TIGR funds to build out the regional
bike network with a primary emphasis on non-motorized access to transit centers. There may be an
opportunity to inform prioritization discussions at Regional Staf Committee in early Summer 2014.
32
Tacoma
Lakewood
Puyallup
Fife
Sumner
Bonney
Lake
Buckley
Orting
Milton
Edgewood
Auburn
Pacic
Eatonville
Wilkeson
Carbonado
South Prairie
Ruston
Enumclaw
University
Place
Gig Harbor
Fircrest
Roy
512
161
5
16
NW Trek
ra
il c
o
rrid
o
r
Several outdoor
recreation venues being
developed in this vicinity
Mt Rainier
Increase healthy
recreation opportunties
in this area
To Cedar
River Trail
Existing foothills
trail
To Seattle,
Mountains to
Sound, etc.
Interpretive system
for Naches Trail
KING COUNTY
THURSTON
COUNTY
LEWIS COUNTY
PIERCE COUNTY
Recreation & Trails Actions
Cities
KEY REGIONAL LINKS
0 5 10 2.5
Miles
Urban Growth Areas
WRIA10
County boundaries
Parks
Existing trails
H-3 South link of cross-state trail to
Olympia & south
H-4a Connection to Cedar River Trail
via Maple Valley
H-6 Naches Trail interpretive system
H-2 Alder/Elbe/Paradise Trail
connecting several recreational
improvements by NPS, State, & others
H-1 North segment of cross-state trail
(Seattle - Tacoma - Mt. Rainier)
Other open space &
recreation activities
H-5 Increased recreational
opportunities
Figure 21. Health, active living, and recreation proposals
33
BACKGROUND REPORT
H-1. COMPLETE THE SEATTLE-TACOMA-RAINIER LINK OF THE CROSS STATE TRAIL.
Description
By completing a few critical links between the Interurban Trail and the Foothills Trail into downtown
Tacoma (at Freight house Square) the region could produce a continuous multi-purpose trail between
Seattle (and all its connections), Tacoma, Kitsap County and the Foothills Trail. With the extension of the
Foothills Trail to Mount Rainier National Park a connection could be provided from two metropolitan
cities to Mount Rainier. By flling in a fnal gap of the Cushman Trail in Gig Harbor, these connections
would link in Kitsap County to the regional trail system. Furthermore, these trail connections leverage the
existing assets of trails and proposed recreation improvements west of Mount Rainier National Park. All
of these links were identifed by the Piece County Open Space Task Force (PCOSTF) and are included in
the adopted Pierce County Trail Plan.
Coordination measures
Coordination is needed with Puget Sound Regional Council to highlight these linkages as ROSS priorities
that align to specifc components of the regional bike network. The implementation of these trail linkages
will need to be coordinated with setback levee proposals and other land owner and jurisdiction activities
to manage access appropriately through the Green Heart (see EA-1 and EA-2).
Since there is a dearth of parks in this area and analysis indicates that most of the missing links are
located in an area that has limited access to recreation opportunities, coordinating with parks and
open space proposals should be initiated to ensure complementary recreation facility development is
coordinated to the trail system if feasible.
The Cascade Bicycle Club (CBC) trail proposals in Left By The Side of The Road: Puget Sound Regional Bicycle
Network Study: Assessment & Recommendations (2005), (http://atfles.org/fles/pdf/PugetSoundBikeSystem.
pdf), Pages: 14-19 (pass/fail maps of segments), 25 (high priority improvements), and 30 (Signage/
Routing of Regional Bike Network). CBC identifes connections into Tacoma from Foothills Trail and up
to Interurban as priority corridor improvements. It also highlights long-distance regional bicycle routing
supported by signage (Cascade Foothills Route skirts foothills of the cascades, Rainier Chinook Route
back end of watershed along white into Interurban, Puget Sound Route encircling Lake Washington and
extending south to Olympia connections, and Kitsap Peninsula Route Tacoma to north end of Kitsap.)
An efort is underway to connect the Interurban Trail through the Town of Pacifc, south through Sumner
and into Puyallup and the Foothills Trail. Sumner has completed nearly 95% of their trail.
Unknown, there are a number of short but critical links to be connected. Additionally, an agreement
between King County and PSE must be reached in order to secure permanent access to the Green River
Trail.
Timing
To be determined. Initial target should coincide with PSRC Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) as
well as County & City Capital Investment Plans.
Figure 22. Interurban Trail
Figure 23. Southern terminus of the Interurban Trail
34
Participants
Pierce County, King County, Washington State, the City of Tacoma, Tacoma-Pierce County Health
Department, PSRC, Metro Parks Tacoma, the Town of Pacifc and the National Park Service, Trust for
Public Land are appropriate participants. Additionally, Puget Sound Energy, who owns the Interurban
Trail ROW, must be involved.
Product
Completed trail system. Planning is needed as a frst step.
This project would provide a critical link through Pierce County in the envisioned cross-state trail and be
the premier inter-city trail in the state, if not the Northwest.
H-2. COMPLETE THE FOOTHILLS TRAIL FROM THE CARBON RIVER ENTRANCE OF MOUNT RAINIER
NATIONAL PARK TO THE RUSTON WAY WATERFRONT IN TACOMA
Description
This link takes advantage of trail connections from Freight house Square in downtown Tacoma to
Orting and estends these connections toward Lake Kapowsin, Eatonville, Alder, Elbe and the Nisqually
entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. The trail would provide access to and a connection between
several existing and planned recreation attractions of regional signifcance, including Northwest Trek,
the Peterson Farm, the Pioneer farm, the Mount Tahoma Trail (a hut to hut snowshoe and cross-country
ski trail), a planned State Park (in partnership with the Nisqually Tribe that could include a tribal Cultural
Center), Alder Lake and UWs Pack Forest. This link was identifed by the Piece County Open Space Task
Force (PCOSTF) and is included in the adopted Pierce County Trail Plan.
This project is mostly in the Nisqually Watershed. With the number of other recreation facilities being
developed along this corridor, including land for a state park on the Nisqually and Mashell Rivers, a team
should be built to initiate this action. The immediate possibility exists of negotiating an agreement with
the City of Tacoma allowing for the development of a trail within the rail corridor right-of-way. This action
could be done at very little cost and would secure the right of way for future trail development. Securing
trail corridor right-of-way is one of the most difcult tasks in the business of planning and building trails.
This trail proposal is an important supporting action for the Greater Rainier proposal (C-1) and trail
planning should address objectives for rural community development and recreation tourism. The City
of Eatonville has plans for a trail system between their downtown and the proposed Nisqually State Park.
A feasibility study was conducted in 2007 by Parametrix for this Rail-with-Trail project with an estimated
cost of $72.5 million.
Timing
Initial target should coincide with PSRC TIP as well as County & City Capital Investment Plans.
Figure 24. Tacoma-area links
35
BACKGROUND REPORT
Participants
Because this trail would provide a regional connection to a number of federal, state, county, local
and private attractions it is likely that a team of these interests should participate. The rail corridor is
owned by the City of Tacoma. They purchased it in the early 90s from Weyerhauser with the idea of
reestablishing passenger train service from Tacoma to Mount Rainier.
Product
A completed trail
A completed trail supporting the recreation proposals extending from Mount Rainier National Park (see
proposal C-1).
H-3. CREATE A LINK IN THE CROSS STATE TRAIL THROUGH PIERCE COUNTY FROM THE TOWN OF
BUCKLEY TO YELM AND EVENTUALLY TO OLYMPIA
Description
This trail proposal traverses the Nisqually Prairie and it could be called Prairie Gateway Trail. The
alignment follows the same as identifed by the Pierce County Open Space Task Force. From Buckley
the trail would connect north to the Cedar River Trail via other existing and proposed trail facilities.
From Yelm the trail would connect to the Western-Chehalis Trail that goes to Olympia. While portions
of this segment are in the Nisqually Watershed, it is described here as it is integral to the network in the
Puyallup/White County and Pierce County would likely be a leader in the implementation.
This project is mostly in the Nisqually Watershed. Coordination with Thurston County would be a frst
step.
Unknown at this stage.
Timing
Undetermined. Preliminary steps in year one could be to link Forever Green Council and Pierce County
with agencies and organizations in Thurston County.
Participants
Because this trail would provide a regional connection to a number of federal, state, county, local and
private attractions it is likely that a team of these interests should participate.
Product
A completed trail.
This would be a link in a state wide trail and a connection to the Pacifc coast.
Figure 25. Existing section of Foothills Trail
By completing sections of the
Foothills Trail and connecting
it to King Countys Interurban
Trail, the western Puyallup
Watershed could become a
regional hub for recreational
and commuter cycling, linking
city centers and recreational
attractions.
Figure 26. Section of the Yelm-Tenino Trail
36
Figure 27. Sections of the cedar River Trail which extends
from rural areas around Maple Valley (top) to downtown
Renton with connections into Seattle and Bellevue
H-4. CONNECT THE FOOTHILLS TRAIL TO THE CEDAR RIVER TRAIL FROM BUCKLEY TO MAPLE VALLEY
Description
This trail proposal would interconnect the existing trail system in the Puyallup-White watershed with key
trail connections across the White River and north into the Green-Duwamish.
Negotiations have been underway for several years between King and Pierce Counties, the Town of
Buckley, and the City of Enumclaw to develop a pedestrian trail bridge across the White River to link the
Foothills Trail to Enumclaw and on to the Cedar River Trail. A viable solution has been developed to
utilize a highway bridge in Puyallup that is scheduled for replacement. Finding funding to pay for the cost
of relocating and refurbishing this bridge is the fnal hurdle.
A feasibility study for the White River Pedestrian Bridge was conducted in 2006. Cost estimates ranged
from $4-6 million for trail and bridge structure alternatives.
Timing
King Countys Capital Improvement Plan indicates that a soft-surface trail connection within direct
proximity of the river crossing was complete in 2011 and work is underway to pave the trail.
Participants
WSDOT, PSRC, Forever Green Council, City of Enumclaw, City of Buckley, King County, & Pierce County.
Product
A completed trail and pedestrian trail bridge.
Connecting to the Cedar River Trail would provide an inter-watershed connection between the
communities East of Lake Washington in the Green-Duwamish watershed and with Mount Rainier
National Park as well as southern linkages to the City of Tacoma via existing and proposed trails in the
Puyallup-White watershed.
37
BACKGROUND REPORT
H-5. ADDRESS THE DEFICIT OF RECREATIONAL RESOURCES IN THE NORTH PUYALLUP, PACIFIC, MILTON
AND LAKE TAPPS VICINITY
Description
Demographic data analyzed by PSRC suggests that this vicinity has a lower level of health supportive
resources. A more detailed analysis of the extent of this need the type of facilities most appropriate
would be a frst step in addressing any defcits.
Because the area in question encompasses several jurisdictions and two counties, inter-jurisdictional
coordination will be necessary. A frst step will be to coordinate with Tacoma-Pierce County Health
Department (TPCHD) to determine specifc needs and opportunities particularly in connection to
proposals for a Health Impact Assessment associated with conservation proposals.
The ROSS Health Task Force will identify recommendations for approaching this topic.
Unknown. Estimate of $50-100,000.
Timing
1-2 years for report and action strategy development.
Participants
Potential leadership through TPCHD, parks planning organizations and agencies at jurisdictions in the
vicinity and relevant community organizations.
Product
A report identifying the needs and the most efective measures for meeting those needs as well as an
action strategy for taking necessary measures.
The project area spans several municipalities and county lands, requiring inter-jurisdictional
collaboration and provide a model for other such areas in the region.
Figure 28. PSRCs growing transit communities analysis
indicates that people living in the Northwest cover of the
watershed have lower access to recreational and other
facilities
38
H-6. DEVELOP AN INTERPRETIVE SYSTEM FOR THE HISTORIC NACHES TRAIL
Description
The historic (and pre-historic) Naches Trail is unmarked and little known among the general public.
However, it was once a well-used alternative spur route from the Oregon Trail between Walla Walla and
Tacoma (Fort Steilacoom). An interpretive system for this regionally signifcant historic feature would
call attention to the historic importance of this branch of the Oregon Trail. Stone-pyramid markers
are located along Military Road at several locations in Spanaway, the path west of Buckley and Fort
Steilacoom park in Lakewood.
The trail extends from Steilacoom to Walla Walla and additional work to evaluate historic routing,
feasibility and signage or other interpretive system needs would need to be developed through
collaboration among multiple jurisdictions and organizations.
This work should expand on a 2011 Feasibility Study conducted by the Oregon-California Trails
Association. (See Oregon-California Trails Association resources.)
Timing
1-2 years to complete a localized feasibility study and action plan.
Participants
The Oregon-California Trails Association could serve as lead along with the National Park Service,
other state agencies, VisitRainier, and several municipalities, counties, Tribes, and community/historic
advocates.
Product
A localized feasibility study and action plan to develop a variety of features from markers to interpretive
stops or web based information. The interpretive system and treatments would be similar to those used
on the Oregon and/or Pony Express National Historic Trails. Historic sites within the watershed were
coordinated into a tour in 2012.
The Naches Trail represents a signifcant part of the states and regions natural and human history. Such
an initiative would be instructional to other organizations and agencies seeking to elevate cultural and
historic resources and link this work to planning and development for the open space system.
39
BACKGROUND REPORT
RESOURCE LANDS
WORKING LANDSCAPES
Resource lands and working landscapes, including agricultural lands, working forests and certain
mining sites, comprise an important component of the regions open space resources. It is important
to state at the outset that by identifying these lands as open space, there is no intention of
diminishing their economic function or value. Quite to the contrary, the objective of this watershed
open space strategy is to encourage the long term viability of resource based activities. In addition
to the direct economic benefts they produce, agricultural and working forest lands also provide
important ecological services and public benefts such as storm water management, food hazard
reduction, wildlife habitat, aesthetic and recreation attractions and carbon sequestration. This
sections proposals acknowledge these benefts and take action to ensure that they are not
signifcantly diminished. Ultimately, this may mean compensating property owners and managers to
fairly pay for the public benefts that their lands provide. However, the focus of the proposal is to frst
see what measures can be taken to conserve the full range of private and public benefts by fnding
mutually benefcial solutions.
40
INTRODUCTION
The Puyallup River Watershed Council (PRWC) Watershed Assessment indicates that between 1950
and 2007, Pierce County experienced a loss of more than 115,000 acres of agriculture land. There is
now less than 50,000 acres of agriculture land remaining in Pierce County with approximately 29,000
acres still in production. Nearly 30% of Pierce Countys total agricultural lands are within the Puyallup
River watershed. The Bonney Lake-Buckley Plateau has approximately 3,700 acres used for agricultural
activities. The Puyallup Valley features 4,900 acres of farmland with some of the richest agricultural soils
in the region. It is estimated that within the next ten years about 78% of the land will be sold when older
farmers retire. As the Pierce County Agriculture Strategic Plan (PCASP) indicates, strong action is needed
to protect the remaining agricultural resources. Other entities, such as the Pierce Conservation District
are working hard to improve the viability of local agricultural activities, but as the PCASP notes, successful
land conservation will require a coordinated action strategy that includes stronger land use regulations,
enhanced tax incentives, an enhanced Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and/or Purchase of
Development Rights (PDR) program, upgraded agricultural infrastructure (food processors, distribution
centers, etc.), a coherent County food policy, and other assistance. The proposals in this section either
support or are conceptually included in the PCASP, but they also focus on the important role agricultural
lands play in the greater network of open space resources, especially their impact on the ecology and
the ecosystem services they provide.
Besides the proposals in this section proposal EA-1. Create a Plan for a Green Y for Urban Pierce
County along Puyallup River Floodplain will help to retain some farm land near Tacoma. This represents
a signifcant opportunity to establish a demonstration farm or initiate other education or agricultural-
recreation activities in this area because of the locations convenient access.
ACTIONS
AGRICULTURAL LANDS
41
BACKGROUND REPORT
Puget Sound
Lake Tapps
P
u
y
a
llu
p

R
iv
e
r
C
a
rb
o
n
R
iv
e
r
Green River
Chester Morse
Lake
W
h
i
t
e

R
i
v
e
r
Greenwater River
S
t
u
c
k

R
i
v
e
r
Mud
Mountain
Dam
Tacoma
Lakewood
Puyallup
Fife
Sumner
Bonney
Lake
Buckley
Orting
Milton
Edgewood
Auburn
Pacic
Eatonville
Wilkeson
Carbonado
South Prairie
Ruston
Enumclaw
512
161
5
16
KING COUNTY
THURSTON
COUNTY
PIERCE COUNTY
PIERCE COUNTY
YAKIMA COUNTY
Agricultural Lands
Priority agricultural land for conservation
(from Pierce County Open Space Task Force)
Conserved agricultural land
Other agricultural land
Special agricultural soils
Parks
WRIA10
Cities
SOURCES
0 5 10 2.5
Miles
County boundaries
Pierce County Open Space Task Force
Figure 29. Agricultural lands
42
RA-1. INITIATE A COMPREHENSIVE AGRICULTURAL LANDS AND AQUATIC SYSTEMS ENHANCEMENT
PROGRAM
Description
This proposal is to initiate a comprehensive agricultural lands/aquatic systems enhancement program
with an emphasis on addressing the relationship of agricultural lands on aquatic systems. The intent is
to integrate with a number of rural land conservation or restoration eforts that mitigate for the impacts
of agriculture, identify the ecosystem services they provide and fnd solutions for protecting those
services while maintaining agricultural activities and ensuring that farming and ranching activities are
not signifcantly diminished. A balanced approach is needed to achieve related ecological, economic,
and community objectives. This is clearly a complex challenge, and so this proposal is to build on
the activities recommended in the PCASP. While the result would be an action strategy, the focus
would be on building a consensus for action among all parties and securing political commitment for
implementation. Activities and issues would include:
a. Evaluation of ecosystem services provided by the rural lands. (Building on Earth Economics
study).
b. Examination of how to leverage existing TDR and PDR programs. According to regional
allocations of allowable transferable development rights (RCW 39.108.070), there are 2,614 TDRs
and 10,951 acres of agricultural lands in Pierce County.
c. Analysis and recommendations for Riparian edge strategies:
CREP program.
Regulatory bufers.
Compensatory wetland mitigation strategies that do not take viable agricultural land.
d. Recommendations for upgrading land use and zoning provisions and agricultural land use
policies, especially defning the criteria for the Agricultural Resource Land (ARL) classifcation.
e. Identifying opportunities and hurdles for restoration activities such as set-back levees.
f. Improved management of regulatory hurdles to environmental restoration:
JARPA process.
Planned action EIS and programmatic permitting for ecological enhancements.
g. Flood hazard management activities (Floodplains by Design).
h. Efects of forest practices.
i. Efects of climate change.
j. Building on these collaborative eforts to take advantage of agri-tourism opportunities. With
the watersheds agricultural land so proximate to urban centers and transportation corridors,
it seems that the area provides an excellent opportunity for people to visit working farms and
gain a better appreciation for agricultures benefts in terms of environmental stewardship,
food hazard reduction and other ecosystem services besides the obvious importance of food
production. Proposals EA-1 and C-1 both support this objective.
Figure 30. Agricultural lands in river valleys are ecologically
tied to their river corridors
43
BACKGROUND REPORT
There has been a lot of work already accomplished on this topic. Coordination with organizations
already engaged will be especially important, particularly as a complement to work underway by The
Nature Conservancy and participants on the Agriculture Roundtable. This group of farmland activists,
county staf, Farm Bureau, conservation organizations and land trust is implementing the 2006 Pierce
County Farm Plan. In a related and overlapping efort, the Russell Foundation convened a Community
of Interest that outlined six strategies for protecting farmland and improving markets for local farm
products. Funding for this ten-year program will start in July 2014. Other open space activities that must
be considered include:
Forest practices regulations and reform (Forest and Fish agreement).
Flood hazard management activities.
Other rural lands measures.
Note that this proposal should be integrated into the current activities implementing the PCASP and
other organizations such as the Pierce Conservation District. While this watershed based strategy is
specifcally for the Puyallup/White Watershed, proposal RA-1 might be more efectively accomplished at
the county-wide or multi-county strategy.
$2-500,000. Plus general commitment on the part of Pierce County and King County to implement the
fndings (i.e. strong interest on the part of Pierce and King County Executives and Council members is
needed at the outset). For, example, implementation will take staf eforts over time just to coordinate
the activities so decision makers need to know that this will not be just a shelf ornament.
Timing
2-3 years.
Participants
The County Executive has made agricultural preservation a priority. A farm advocate/coordinator has
been added to the Planning Department. Many parties will be involved in this efort, including the
American Farmland Trust, Farm bureau, Forterra, Puget Consumers Co-Op (PCC) Farmland Trust, Pierce
County Conservation District and the Audubon Society.
Product
An action strategy for protecting and improving the ecological functions provided by rural lands in
the Puyallup Watershed. (Note that it may be better to include all of Pierce County and afected
portions of King County.)
A tool kit of actions and techniques for implementing the action strategy.
Supporting scientifc and planning analysis through an ecosystem services evaluation.
44
Maintaining ecological functions of rural lands is essential to the environmental health and viability of the
watershed. As growth and development increases, these lands will be increasingly at risk. An integrated
action strategy, with commitment for implementation will be necessary to conserve the most important
environmental resources while enhancing opportunities for resource based economic activities.
Additionally, this efort could serve as a model for other watersheds (as well as beneft from examples in
other watersheds).
It might be valuable to evaluate the ecosystem services provided by all or selected agricultural lands in
Pierce County. A case study analysis of a few areas might be the best way to conduct the evaluation (see
RA-2). Create a Fund to Purchase the Development Rights of Key Agricultural Lands.
45
BACKGROUND REPORT
Introduction
Pierce County is blessed with extensive forest lands, including those in National Parks and Forests,
other public and Tribal land and private commercial forestry holdings. Most of the private forests
are in timber production. In addition to the obvious economic benefts, these forests provide
important ecosystem services, including regulating the fow, quality and temperature of water bodies
(that greatly reduces food hazard and supports aquatic species), carbon sequestration, habitat
and temperature moderation. The proposals for forest lands directly support aquatic systems and
biodiversity objectives. As in the case of agricultural lands, the intent of the proposals for forest lands
are intended to protect and enhance these ecological functions as well a ensure a sustainable and
vibrant timber industry.
FOREST LANDS
46
Figure 31. Forest Land Ownership
47
BACKGROUND REPORT
RF-1. FACILITATE AN INTERAGENCY FOREST MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Description
Forest management is a complex, multi-faceted subject involving a number of activities, agencies,
regulations, and players as well as difcult technical issues. Participants representing a broad spectrum
of organizations and interests have met recently to share perspectives and identify common issues.
From discussions in these meetings, it is clear that forest management practices could beneft, both in
terms of resource sustainability and economic production, from a more comprehensive and consistent
approach to forest practices. Such an approach might include:
Greater consistency between Federal, State and local regulations.
Better monitoring and enforcement.
Integration of stormwater management eforts.
Coordination between local land use regulations and forest practice standards.
Addressing the impacts of forest conversion.
Application of new science and best practice techniques.
Education and awareness regarding the efects of forest management on human activities and
environmental conditions.
Addressing the full range of forest practice geographies from the lower urban to the mid-rural
and upper forested settings.
This proposal is to support the process to comprehensively address the above concerns with some
technical and staf assistance to organize and facilitate the process. Such a process has begun in the
Forest Roundtable, and this might be the embryo around which to build the efort. Detailed issues to be
examined include:
Service roads.
Critical area protection in forests.
Loss of riparian vegetation.
Cultural and spiritual access.
Scientifc research needs.
Small property owner concerns.
Harvesting on wetlands.
Replanting.
Sediment Management (run-of from timber harvesting impacting streams/rivers).
Figure 32. Typical conditions in forested areas along the
Puyallup River
Figure 33. Typical conditions in forested areas along the
Puyallup River
48
It will be important to coordinate this efort with the Forest Roundtable/Community of Interest eforts.
That organization is working on a series of proposals and they may take the lead or play a major role in
coordinating forest practices measures.
This comprehensive and non-geographically specifc proposal will support a number of other proposals,
and is a critical keystone efort for maintaining aquatic systems and biodiversity.
According to regional allocations (RCW 39.108.070), there is 230,507 sending area acreage and 5,371
allowable TDRs in Pierce County. This includes 2,757 TDRs and 219,556 sending area acres for forest
lands.
The cost would need to be ascertained after a careful scoping of the process.
Timing
The work should build on current activities.
Participants
Forest Roundtable participants plus others. Note that this might be a multi-county activity because many
of the issues extend to all the regions watersheds. On the other hand, it may be more efective to keep
the discussion local and then use it as a model for regional discussions.
Product
An action strategy for a more consistent and integrated approach for forest resource management.
If the envisioned strategy were implemented, the efects would provide a regionally signifcant
improvement in forested ecosystems and more efcient administrative procedures. Additionally, the
process could be a model for other watersheds or an integrated region-wide efort.
An analysis identifying the general ecosystem services provided by diferent forest conditions would be
very useful in advocating for more sustainable practices. Scenarios might compare diferent forest types,
diferent terrains, forests at diferent ages, etc.
49
BACKGROUND REPORT
RF-2. SUPPORT COMMUNITY TRUST FOREST EFFORTS THROUGH AN IMPLEMENTATION STUDY
Description:
Note that this proposal was taken largely from Forest Round Table meeting on November 19, 2013.
Further communication with the Community of Interests (COI) team is needed.
The Washington legislature passed a bill in 2011 that allows the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
to partner with the local governments and residents to transfer problematic state trust lands into a
community forest status, where a community board would partner with DNR to make management
decisions that integrate commercial forest objectives and other social and ecological objectives, such as
recreational access and wildlife habitat. The program was originally envisioned as a program to transfer
problematic state trust lands into community forest status, but DNR is now considering expanding the
scope of the program to potentially include newly acquired lands not already in state trust land status.
DNR is working on a new strategic plan, in which they are considering their responsibility for retention of
working forestlands.
There are a number of unknowns Who would own the land? Who would manage it? What would the
minimum size parcels be and what would be the minimum level of economic production to make a
community forest feasible? How would these expectations change if private investors were involved?
DNR has an open request for proposals (RFP) to create a community forest trust, but the timing seems
to close. They will have another open RFP in two years.
This proposal is to gather the information necessary and facilitate the activities necessary to identify a
path forward for creating community forests. Work would include working directly with DNR regarding
their strategic plan, identifying a case study as a model, and determining the basic parameters for
establishing and maintaining community forests. Such a model might allow for direct purchase of
available forest land by entities other than DNR.
The Forest Roundtable has identifed phased objectives and activities that are needed to develop a
Community Forest Trust in the Puyallup River watershed.
This proposal is only one part of a multi-dimensional sustainable forestry strategy and might be include
as part of RF-1.
$50 to $150,000. For the organizational and technical tasks to conduct the study.
Timing
2016.
Participants
This efort would be advanced by Members of the Forest Round table, DNR, and other applicable state
agencies.
Product
Figure 34. Volunteers sand bag the Puyallup River Shoreline
near Sumner; Forest practices can have a substantial efect
on downstream fooding and water quality
50
An action program for creating a community forest under the new DNR strategy procedures.
The results of this study might be useful throughout the region.
A generalized ecosystem services analysis for Puget Sound forests would be useful in determining the
public beneft from potential community forests. More useful would be an analytical tool for evaluating
ecosystem services for a specifc forested property.
RF-3. INITIATE AN INTERJURISDICTIONAL AND CROSS-SECTORIAL APPROACH TO URBAN FOREST
MANAGEMENT
Description:
Urban forestry can be an efective means to increase the ecological performance of urban areas and
can contribute to climate change, community development and human health objectives. However,
an efective urban forest management program requires technical expertise and sustained efort
that not all local governments can aford. An interjurisdictional entity that combines (perhaps a tree
maintenance district or inter-jurisdictional service such as the Sno-Isle library system) resources from
local governments might be an efective way to provide urban forest management services that would
otherwise be outside the capabilities of local governments. Additionally, such an entity could acquire
and leverage other resources, such as the current USFS/DNR Urban and Community Forest (UCF)
Program, the Evergreen Communities Program, Tree City USA Program grants and WSU extension
services.
This proposal would build on, rather than replace existing programs such as those being accomplished
by the individual municipalities and current state and federal assistance programs. One beneft might
be a more efcient and comprehensive monitoring program. Also, the study might look at measures to
reuse and extract more economic beneft from urban trees that have been removed.
This proposal is basically a coordinating action undertaken by local jurisdictions to increase the efciency
of providing arborist and tree maintenance services.
$20 to $40,000. For facilitating the inter-governmental discussions and developing an action plan with
an agreement.
Timing
This could begin any time. It might take 1 to 3 years for the agreement to be prepared and adopted.
Participants
Forterra and Pierce County and local municipalities, particularly those in the northwest portions of the
watershed. Also WA DNR, the USFS, and the Evergreen Communities Partnership Task Force.
Figure 35. Urban forestry practices in a new neighborhood
with street trees, greenbelt (at left), and protected stream
vegetation
51
BACKGROUND REPORT
INTRODUCTION
Besides providing direct economic benefts through the production of timber and agricultural
products, open space supports community and economic development in at least two
ways. First, and most obviously, parks and open spaces greatly enhance a communitys
livability. While this watershed open space strategy focuses on regionally signifcant eforts,
it acknowledges and supports local eforts to enhance parks, trails, shorelines, greenswards
and other open space resources. Secondly, regional recreational open spaces can provide
substantial economic benefts to local communities. In its 2010 Conservation Economics
Study, the Trust for Public Land found that active outdoor recreation contributes over $8.5
billion in annual retail sales and about $650 million in retail tax revenue. Statewide, active
outdoor recreation in Washington state supports 115,000 jobs. In their November 10, 2013
article in the Seattle Times former Congressman Norm Dicks and former Governor Dan Evans
noted that for each day Mount Rainier National Park was closed, Washington State lost an
average of more than $90,000 in tourism revenue. A Seattle Chamber of Commerce 2011
survey of its organizations members found that a majority of Puget Sound area businesses
ranked our regions quality of life and environmental surroundings as top assets for retaining
quality staf.
The one proposal in this section builds on the economic potential found in the watersheds
extensive wild lands and recreational resources and leverages several other proposals listed
under Coordination Measures below.
COMMUNITY
& ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
52
Tacoma
Lakewood
Puyallup
Fife
Sumner
Bonney
Lake
Buckley
Orting
Milton
Edgewood
Auburn
Pacic
Eatonville
Wilkeson
Carbonado
South Prairie
Ruston
Enumclaw
University Place
Fircrest
512
161
5
16
NW Trek
ra
il c
o
rrid
o
r
Trail to Olympia
& Tenino
Planned
Nisqually
State Park
UW Pack
Forest Scenic corridor
purchase by
Nisqually Land Trust
Pioneer Farm
Peterson Farm
800 acre park expansion
NPS/County
Tahoma Trails hut to
hut snowshoe trail
Mt Rainier
National Park
Existing Interurban
Trail to Seattle,
Mountains to Sound
Trail, etc.
KING COUNTY
THURSTON
COUNTY
PIERCE COUNTY
PIERCE COUNTY
YAKIMA COUNTY
Puget Sound
Lake Tapps
P
u
y
a
llu
p
R
iv
e
r
C
a
rb
o
n
R
iv
e
r
Green River
W
h
it
e
R
iv
e
r
Lake
Sawyer
Greenwater River
S
t
u
c
k

R
iv
e
r
Mud
Mountain
Dam
Mt Rainier National Park
Cities
0 5 10 2.5
Miles
Urban Growth Areas
WRIA10
County boundaries
Other parks
National or State forests
Proposed Greater Rainier Conservation
& Recreation Initiative - general area
Major regional trails
Private forests
Figure 36. Community Development
53
BACKGROUND REPORT
C-5. ESTABLISH A GREATER RAINIER (OR MOTHER MOUNTAIN) COALITION TO COORDINATE
THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND RECREATIONAL EFFORTS ON THE WEST SIDE OF MOUNT
RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
Description
This proposal is the formation of a coalition of involved jurisdictions, tribes, agencies and non-
governmental organizations as well as afected communities and private recreational attractions.
This coalition would further resource enhancement and recreational development in the Puyallup
and Nisqually Watersheds and weave the numerous governmental, organizational and private
eforts into a reinforcing strategy. Ultimately it would help enhance the edges around the
National Park, protect the areas rich ecological resources and elevate the identity of the area as
a nationally signifcant multi-functional recreational destination. Given the sensitive nature of
the ecological resources, the areas recreational activities might focus on ecotourism. However,
cyclists, motorcyclists and others already enjoy the area so that any plan for the area should
focus on both recreation and conservation. The Greater Yellowstone Coalition is an example of
what can be accomplished through such a collaborative efort. Such a coalition might have three
objectives:
Strengthen the tourist and recreational economy in rural communities by:
Building on VisitRainier web based marketing
Assisting local communities in economic development activities
Connecting attractions with trails
Adding visitors activities
Enhancing the setting
Support working farms and forests by:
Protecting agricultural land and other activities per the Pierce County Farm Plan
and the Agriculture Roundtable eforts
Taking action to achieve sustainable forestry and increase small mill operations
Supporting agri-tourism and local food processing
Informing the public regarding the importance of these economic sectors
Conserve economic and ecological resources by:
Coordinating agency and government forest management practices for greater
efciency
Enhancing a Green Heart of agricultural lands and productive streams in the
center of Pierce Countys urbanizing communities
Protecting key river corridors as both economic and ecological resources.
Figure 37. Greater Yellowstone Coalition map has helped to
enhance that areas economic development as well as protect
natural resources
Figure 38. Fishing on Lake Kapowsin
54
The frst step would be to organize the coalition and formulate a collective vision, identify goals and
objectives, and begin to create a list of collaborative activities to achieve those objectives. It may be that
an existing organization could manage this efort, as there are a number of active groups working in the
area. First steps in that regard might include:
1. Conduct a coordinating symposium with the Russell Family Foundation Communities of Interest.
2. Acquire seed funding and hire a project manager.
3. Engage partners such as,: VisitRainier, PSRC EDD, Tacoma Convention and Visitors Bureau, US
EDA, applicable governments and local communities, WA Dept. of Commerce, etc.
4. With partners, develop an action plan and identify sustaining funding.
The project should include the Nisqually Watershed to incorporate the unique and valuable prairie
habitats, because many of the recreation attractions and conservation eforts are actually in that
watershed.
This proposal builds on and supports a number of other proposals including:
EB-1. Conduct a Threat Assessment of Biodiversity Management Areas identifed in the Pierce County
Biodiversity Assessment.
EB-2. Initiate an Educational Program Stressing the Importance of Biodiversity.
EB-3. Provide Support for Implementation of the Lower White River Biodiversity Management Area
Stewardship Plan.
EB-4. Complete a Biodiversity Management Area Stewardship Plan for the Carbon River.
H-2. Create a Trail from the Foothills Trail to the Mount Rainier National Parks Western Entrance.
H-3. Create a Link in the Cross State Trail through Pierce County from the Town of Buckley to Yelm
and eventually to Olympia.
H-5. Connect the Foothills Trail to the Cedar River Trail from Buckley to Maple Valley.
H-6. Develop an interpretive System for the Historic Naches Trail.
RA-1. Initiate a Comprehensive Agricultural Lands and Aquatic Systems Enhancement Program.
RF-1. Facilitate an Interagency Forest Management Strategy.
RF-2. Support Community Trust Forest Eforts through an Implementation Study.
Figure 39. This efort should be considered an economic
development program for local communities in the southern
Pierce of Northern Thurston Counties
Figure 40. The area is already a popular touring destination
Figure 41. This proposal would enhance ecosystems on the
National Parks perimeter
55
BACKGROUND REPORT
Figure 42. There are several recreational and cultural
attractions in the area
Ideally, this program might be run by one or two full time employees with supporting resources; perhaps
$60,000 to $100,000 per year. Or, this project might be managed by an existing organization for a lesser
cost. The idea is that the program would be self-supporting in that it would generate additional revenue
for businesses and governments.
Timing
Project organization could start in the short term. Organizing the group and developing a vision and list
of objectives might be a good frst year goal.
Participants
This would involve an alliance of local governments, state and federal agencies, and business, recreation,
conservation and community interests.
Product
The frst milestone would be an action plan identifying objectives, activities and means of providing
resources. Ultimately, the proposal is for an ongoing series of activities to enhance and promote local
recreational and ecological resources.
Anchored by Mount Rainier and including several attractions this area is already one of the regions
richest outdoor recreation destinations. However, because it lacks a cohesive identity, it is relatively
unknown outside Pierce County. At the same time, uncoordinated development could degrade the
areas environmental and aesthetic assets. A strategic set of conservation, marketing and economic
development measures could boost the economy of the Countys rural commutes, elevate this area as a
regional recreational resource and support additional conservation eforts.
If a better defnition of the potential eforts, resources and developments could be identifed, then the
ecoservices analysis could be quite interesting, as it would include signifcant economic beneft to local
communities as well as environmental enhancements.
56
57
BACKGROUND REPORT
4
GEOGRAPHICALLY
LINKED
STRATEGIES &
VISION
C
H
A
P
T
E
R
INTRODUCTION
Many of the proposed actions cluster around specifc geographies and are mutually reinforcing. If
properly integrated into comprehensive strategies, they could have a transformative efect on the
watersheds ecology, economy and livability.
Combining trail and recreational development, shoreline restoration, and agricultural land
conservation in the lower Puyallup river Valley would create a Green Y for urbanized Pierce
County. This Green Y would provide breathing space, recreational opportunities and community
defnition for the surrounding communities.
Protection and enhancement of the forested lands along the White River and its tributaries would
conserve one of the regions most ecologically important corridors.
A collaborative program of public and private conservation/recreational development eforts
would build on Mount Rainier National Park and nearby recreational activities to create an outdoor
recreation area destination of regional if not national, stature.
These three strategies are outlined below. One unexpected fnding of this work is that several of
the proposals are mutually supporting and cluster in the specifc geographic areas identifed in the
next section, Toward an Integrated Strategy. This conclusion tends to support one of the ROSSs
assumptions that is: Greater benefts can be achieved by actions that are coordinated into an
integrated strategy than can be achieved by isolated eforts.
58
Federal Way
Tacoma
Auburn
Algona
Pacific
Milton
Fife
Edgewood
Sumner
Puyallup
Bonney Lake
Enumclaw
Buckley
South Prairie
Orting Wilkeson
Carbonado
Wa. Dept. of Ecology, GIS Technical Services 02/26/02 Land Use/Land Cover lc10a
Puyallup/White Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) #10
0 3 6
Miles
Geographically Linked Strategies
WRIA10
GENERALIZED AREAS
Lower Puyallup Green Core
White River Corridor
Greater Rainier Conservation
and Recreation Initiative
Lower Puyallup
Green Core
Greater Rainier
Conservation and
Recreation Initiatives
White River
Corridor
Figure 43. Geographically Linked Strategies
59
BACKGROUND REPORT
The Lower Puyallup Green Core
The Green Core strategy seeks to retain the lower Puyallup Valleys remaining agricultural activities,
improve the rivers ecological functions connect regional bicycle trails and enhance the areas open,
semi-rural character. Creating a multifaceted open space resource in the center of Pierce Countys
urbanizing communities will do more than add a regionally unique amenity and protect some of
its richest farmland, it will provide a unifying landscape feature that will shape the larger pattern of
urbanization. By constraining urban growth in this central area, each of the surrounding communities
will be more able to keep their distinct identities instead of being subsumed in homogenous sprawl.
The Green Core strategy integrates the following proposals:
EA-1. Create a plan for a Green Core for urban Pierce County along the Puyallup River foodplain. This
is the frst step in actually achieving the organized cluster of open space resources.
EA-2. Construct setback levees along the Puyallup and White Rivers. This is a critical ecological
improvement which could foster other enhancements.
H-1. Complete the Seattle-Tacoma-Rainier link of the Cross State Trail. Several critical trail connection
occur in this area and constructing the missing links would make this section an enjoyable trail
for a quick family outing but also greatly increase access for Northern Pierce-Southern King
County commuters.
RA-1. Initiate a comprehensive agricultural lands and aquatic systems enhancement program. This is
essentially a team building efort to address fundamental concerns regarding agricultural land
conservation while improving habitat. At a minimum, it should identify those key regulatory
and acquisition measures are needed to prevent further loss of farmland and to reduce food
hazards.
60
The White River Corridor
As noted in several places within this document, the White River and its tributaries is a particularly
valuable river corridor and is not sufciently protected from intrusive development. This strategy
focuses on that threat/opportunity and integrates the following proposals:
EA-3. Establish a program to purchase the development rights of riparian corridor properties. This
activity would initiate a long term efort that might take decades.
EA-4. Purchase Puget Sound Energy Lands along the White River between the Muckleshoot
Reservation and Buckley. This purchase would be an appropriate frst step in the program
proposed by EA-3.
EB-3. Provide support for implementation of the Lower White River Biodiversity Management Area
Stewardship Plan. The plan features a number of activities.
EB-1. Conduct a threat evaluation of Biodiversity Management Areas identifed in the Pierce County
Biodiversity Assessment. This would allow an alliance of interested parties to focus resources
toward lands that are most at risk.
H-4. Connect the Foothills Trail to the Cedar River Trail from Buckley to Maple Valley. While this is
not an environmental enhancement, it would increase recreational access to this part of the
watershed and perhaps foster an appreciation for its assets.
RF-1. Facilitate an interagency forest management strategy. Sustainable forest management practices
on both public and private lands is essential to protecting the ecological functions of this river
corridor.
61
BACKGROUND REPORT
The Greater Rainier (Mother Mountain) Conservation and Recreation Initiative
Mount Rainiers western foothills and the prairies to the west have the potential to become (along
with the National Park itself) a premier outdoor recreation attraction if the areas natural ecology
is conserved and public and private recreational development and conservation activities can be
coordinated into an efective strategy. The regionally based activities that could support this efort
include:
C-1. Establish a Greater Rainier (or Mother Mountain) Coalition to Coordinate the Environmental
and Recreational Eforts on the West Side of Mount Rainier National Park. This, of course is the
necessary frst step in this strategy.
EB-4. Complete a Biodiversity Stewardship Plan for the Carbon River. An important step in conserving
this critical river corridor would be a plan similar to the one prepared for the White River.
H-2. Create a multi-purpose trail from the current terminus of the foothills trail tithe the Mount
Rainier National Park entrance. Although it will be difcult to implement, this trail would link
a number of recreational attractions and do much to connect the area, both in physical and
perceptual terms.
RF-1. Facilitate an interagency forest management strategy. Sustainable forest management practices
on both public and private lands is also essential to maintaining the ecological and aesthetic
qualities of this area.
RF-2. Support community trust forest eforts through an implementation study. As noted in the
proposal description, a study is a necessary frst step, but ultimately this area may be provide
excellent opportunities for Community Trust forests.
62
A Vision for the Future
What will open space systems be like in, say, 20 years? More to the point how will they help make
local communities and the region more healthy and livable? Will they provide essential ecosystem
services such as food reduction, climate change adaptation, and maintenance of water quality? Will
there still be the farms and forests to support a robust resource based economic sector with family
wage jobs? And when families go for a ride in the country (perhaps on bikes), will there still be rural
areas and forests for them to visit?
The answer lies in the action we take in the next decade or so. Much depends on local eforts to
restore shorelines, develop parks, establish appropriate regulations and accomplish other public and
private measures. But if the watersheds ecology is to be really conserved and enhanced, recreational
opportunities connected and the economic benefts of open spaces realized, then there are a few
larger, comprehensive and regionally scaled actions that we must take. And, the results of these
eforts could provide priceless benefts for the Countys residents, a stronger, multi-faceted economy,
a more resilient ecology adaptable to the impacts of climate change and a distinct, high-profle
identity. Some of the most obvious benefts would include:
Healthier rivers and shorelines that provide a reduction of food damage worth millions of dollars, a
viable salmon population, enhanced biodiversity and increased recreational opportunities.
A viable agricultural economy, conserving the regions richest farmlands which, in turn support a
variety of agriculture based industries.
Sustainable forests that provide continuous employment for loggers, and mill and forest products
workers.
A trail that connects Downtown Tacoma with Mount Rainier, the Kitsap Peninsula, Downtown
Seattle, and the Mountains to Sound Greenway all the way to Ellensburg and one day serve as a
pivotal link in a cross-state trail.
A Green Core of agricultural lands, accessible shorelines, regional trail connections and recreation
resources in the heart of urbanized Pierce County a unique and exemplary resource for the
nation, if not the world.
An international recreation attraction focused on Mount Rainier National Park but also
encompassing numerous other unique recreational attractions, special events, inviting
communities, and opportunities to support working farms and forest-based activities, all within a
stunning rural and wilderness setting.
What would other places across the country give for such opportunities? But to realize these benefts,
we must collaborate across jurisdictional and agency boundaries, resolve apparent conficts, invest in
future generations, and work together toward this vision.
63
BACKGROUND REPORT
Next Steps
Many of the proposals contained in the Puyallup-White Watershed Open Space Strategy (WOSS) are
already being advanced by active local partners. Over the next year, the ROSS Team will support these
eforts by improving our understanding of the impact of the proposals, evaluating how the proposals
support the region in responding to key regional challenges, and orienting funding and decision-
making to advance such proposals.
The ROSS Ecosystem Services Committee will be assessing the WOSS proposals for their impact
on a broad set of regional priorities as well as their ability to address fve key regional challenges:
biodiversity management, climate mitigation and adaptation, economic development, human health,
and social justice and equity. This will involve working with students and researchers at the University
of Washington as well as other partner institutions to highlight the specifc benefts and services that
can be saved or acquired by acting on these proposals.
The ROSS Governance and Finance Committee will be exploring opportunities to elevate these
activities among state and federal partners as compelling packages of investment that beneft the
region as well as identifying how the ROSS approach can be embedded into how the region makes its
decisions regarding investments in conservation and green infrastructure.
As work proceeds in other watersheds, the ROSS team will be building a constituency across the
region to elevate these and other local proposals for regional attention and investment. The Puyallup-
White WOSS serves as an early model for what can be achieved across the region.
64
65
BACKGROUND REPORT
A
WATERSHED
LISTENING TOUR
A
P
P
E
N
D
I
X
INTRODUCTION
Throughout the months of September and October 2013, ROSS leadership and staf initiated a
Watershed Listening Tour to learn directly from the experts who have been working on various open
space issues for years, often decades, in order to draw out pertinent information from the many
published reports and plans put forth in various technical areas across the watershed. Many of these
experts serve on the Watershed Advisory Group and others were engaged to ensure a full range of
opinions and visions for the Puyallup-White. In an efort to understand multiple opinions of various
initiatives, the ROSS team also arranged for and participated in gatherings with multiple experts at the
same table to begin to understand overlaps, conficts and opportunities that exist in the watershed
that could support the optimization of open space investments.
While the WOSS/ROSS process is committed to addressing barriers between technical areas, this
listening tour was dedicated to learning about key priorities within individual interest areas in order
to build competency and perspective. In the next phases of the WOSS and ROSS process, these
interests will be connected to preliminary criteria to identify regionally signifcant endeavors and
combined into proposals that knit together these key topical interests in order to layer and multiply
open space benefts.
NEEDS THREATS,
OPPORTUNITIES +
DESIRED OUTCOMES
66
TECHNICAL AREAS + EXPERTS
The ROSS team is gathering knowledge from experts around the following open space interests:
Aquatic Systems
Multiple Puyallup Watershed Initiative Communities of Interest in formative stages (To be engaged)
Leslie Ann Rose (Citizens for a Healthy Bay)
Lorin Reinelt (King County Flood Center + Pierce County Surface Water Management - Previous)
Teresa Lewis (Pierce County Surface Water Management + Puyallup River Watershed Council)
Tom Kantz (Pierce County Surface Water Management)
Russ Ladley (Puyallup Tribe)
Biodiversity + Habitat
Puyallup Watershed Initiative Biodiversity Community of Interest
Jordan Rash (Forterra)
Michelle Tirhi (WA Department of Fish and Wildlife)
John Garner (Point Defance Zoo)
Agriculture
Puyallup Watershed Initiative Agriculture Roundtable
Sarah Wilcox (Pierce Conservation District)
Dennis Canty (American Farmland Trust)
Forest Lands
Puyallup Watershed Initiative Forest Roundtable
Jordan Rash (Forterra)
Andrew Hayes (WA Department of Natural Resources - DNR)
Jefrey Thomas (Puyallup Tribe)
Recreation + Trails
Puyallup Watershed Initiative Recreation Roundtable
Bryan Bowden (National Park Service)
Jane Moore (Forever Green Council)
Urban + Community Development
Puyallup Watershed Initiative Social Equity Community of Interest (To be engaged)
Amy Bates (To be engaged)
Jefrey Thomas (Puyallup Tribe)
Marianne Seifert (Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department)
Richard Gelb (King County) + Heidi Hall (Impact Capital) - In preparation for regional Social Equity eforts.
GEO | SPATIAL THREATS + OPPORTUNITIES
A set of preliminary Desired Outcomes, Threats, Needs or Gaps, and Opportunities are captured on
the following pages. Specifc geo-spatial references have been noted using the 10-year Composite
Priorities Map of the 2009 Pierce County Open Space Task Force as a base map. These mapping
exercises will support the identifcation of opportunities for open space synergies and optimization in
future phases.
Interaction through the
Communities of Interest &
a Watershed Listening Tour
have been initiated, seeking
input from local experts on
desired outcomes, threats,
gaps, + opportunities.
Additional outreach is
underway in connection
to urban and community
development issues.
67
BACKGROUND REPORT
AQUATIC SYSTEMS
AQUATIC SYSTEMS
Properly functioning aquatic systems are essential to the health of the Puyallup-White Watershed.
Historically, the major rivers have been dredged and forced into narrow channels. Land management
practices have contributed to poor water quality which dramatically impacts salmon populations. In
addition, the Puyallup-White is an urbanized river system that is beginning to experience impacts from
climate change, resulting in sedimentation and increased threat of fooding associated with melting
glaciers on Mount Rainier.
There are multiple layers of natural benefts associated with aquatic systems and the open space or
natural green infrastructure that makes them function properly:
Provisioning a regulated supply of water for irrigation and industrial use as well as clean water for
drinking, swimming, and fshing.
Supporting the health of commercially harvested seafood.
Maintaining habitat and migratory passage for birds and other species such as salmon, which serve
as both a cultural resource and a recreational asset.
Facilitating efective surface water management and preventing or mitigating for severe fooding
events and climate adaptation.
Providing opportunities for education and scientifc discovery.
An early summary of priorities for aquatic systems as a component of the WOSS are included in this
section. ROSS staf have drawn upon input from the Puyallup River Watershed Council, staf from
Pierce & King County, Citizens for a Healthy Bay, Puyallup Tribe, Puyallup Watershed Coalition, and WA
Department of Ecologys Puget Sound Characterization Project. Identifed priorities have been drawn
primarily from engagement with the above staf and the following reports:
2009 Pierce County Open Space Task Force (OST) 10 Year Priorities.
Pierce County Rivers Flood Hazard Management Plan.
Pierce County Comprehensive Plan.
The Nature Conservancy Floodplains by Design materials.
The Puyallup-White
watershed is unique in
that it is an urbanized river
system exhibiting impacts
from climate change as
glaciers on Mount Rainier
melt and contribute to
sedimentation and other
impacts in lower river
reaches.
68
10-YEAR COMPOSITE PRIORITIES - 2009 PIERCE OPEN SPACE TASK FORCE
P
o
r
t o
f
T
a
c
o
m
a
Tacoma
Lakewood
Fife
Puyallup
Sumner
Edgewood
DuPont
Bonney
Lake
University
Place
Buckley
Orting
Gig
Harbor
Steilacoom
Eatonville
Roy
Wilkeson
Carbonado
South
Prairie
Ruston
Fircrest
Milton
Pacific Auburn
N
i s q
u
a l l y R
i v
e r
Little M
as hel Ri ver
Ni s q u a l l y R i v e r
M
a s he
l R i v e r
S o u t h P uy a l l u p R i v e r
Mo wi c h R i v e r
Ni s q u a l l y
R
i v e r
Oh a n a p e c o s h R i v e r
Ca r b o n R i v e r
P u y a l l u p R i v e r
C
a r b o n Ri v e r
Cl ear wat e r R
i ve r
W
hi te Ri ver
C
l ove r Cr eek
Tanwax Creek
Tahom
a Creek
H
uckleberry Creek
Voi ght Creek
South C
reek
Muck Creek
Pu y a
l l u
p
R
i v e r
Wilk es o n C
ree k
Sout h Prairie C
reek
W
h
i t e
R
i v
e
r
Whi t e R
i v e r
W
e s t F o r k Wh i t e R
i v er
W hi t e R i v er
G r e e n w a t e r R i v e r
Kautz Creek
Ni s qual l y R i ver
Muck Creek
Lacamas Creek
Murray Creek
H
or n Creek
Ohop Creek
Berg Cr eek
Lync h Creek
North For k Ohop Cr eek
Twentyfive Mile Creek
M
idw
ay C
re e k
B
e a v e r C
reek
Busy Wild Creek
D
e er C
reek
Rushingwater Creek
Swift River
E
vans C
ree k
Tolmie Creek
Chenius Cr eek
East Fork South Prairie Creek
Lily C
reek
Copla r Creek
G
al e C
reek Frame Creek
Bear Creek
Voight Creek
McGuire Creek
South Prairi e C
reek
Fo x Creek
Kings Creek
Cayada Creek
McGuir e Creek
Saint Andrews Creek
Falls C
reek
Ranger Cr eek
Ipsut Creek
Cataract Cre ek
Mineral Creek
Byron Cree k
Milky Creek Lyle Creek
Lily Creek
Pi nochle Creek
Viola Creek
Pi geon Creek
Mule Creek
E
l e anor C
reek
Lost Creek
Ada Cre e k
Josephine Creek
Prospector Creek
Sunrise Creek
Minnehaha Creek
Buck Creek
D
oe Creek
Ranger Creek
Dry Creek
Deep Creek
Goat Creek
Silver Creek
Crystal C
r eek
Boundary C
reek
Kotsuck Creek
Panther Creek
Chinook Creek
Nickel Creek
Wi lliwakas Cree k
Tenas Cree k
Big Creek
Pyramid Creek
No r t h P u y a l l u p R i v e r
Page Creek
New Pond Creek
Old Pond Creek
Canyo n Creek
Cam
p C
reek
Twentyeight M
ile Creek George Cree k
Lost Creek
Maggie Creek
G
r ee n
w
a
t e r R
i v
er
Flett Cr e ek
Chambers Creek Leach C
re e k
Clover Creek
C
l a r k
s R
i v
e r
R
o c
ky C
re e k
H
u g e C
r eek
C r e s c e nt C
r eek
W
h
i te R
iver
Lake
Kapowsin
Ohop
Lake
Steilacoom
Lake
Spanaway
Lake
Tanwax
Lake
Mowich
Lake

Gravelly
Lake
Nisqually
Lake Chambers
Lake
Lewis
Lake
Lake
Louise
Waughop
Lake
Surprise
Lake
Printz
Basin
Cedar
Lake
Lake
Ethel
Lake
George
Clear
Lake
Rapjohn
Lake
Cranberry
Lake
Silver
Lake
Kreger
Lake
Harts
Lake
Tule
Lake
Sequalitchew
Lake

Allen Pt.
Treble Pt.
Browns Pt.
Penrose Pt.
Pt. Richmond
Scott Pt.
Devil's
Head
Lyle Pt.
Fox Pt.
Hyde Pt.
Baldwin Pt.
South Head

C
a
s
e

I
n
l
e
t

N
i
s
q
u
a
l
l
y
R
e
a
c
h
P
u
g
e
t

S
o
u
n
d
T
h
e

N

a
r
r
o
w
s
C
a
r
r

I
n
l
e
t
Henderson
Bay
Commencement
Bay
Rocky
Bay
Fox
Island
Anderson
Island
He r r o n
I s l a n d
Ke t r o n
I s l a n d
Ra f t
I s l a n d
M o u n t B a k e r - S n o q u a l m i e
N a t i o n a l F o r e s t Cl e a r wa t e r
Wi l de r ne s s
No r s e
P e a k
Wi l d e r n e s s
Mt Baker-
Snoqualmie
National
Forest
Gifford
Pinchot
National
Forest
Glacier
View
Wilderness
M o u n t R a i n i e r
N a t i o n a l P a r k
Nisqually
National
Wildlife
Refuge
Pack
Experimental
Forest
E l b e H i l l s
S t a t e F o r e s t
South
Puget Sound
Wildlife Area -
McNeil Island Unit
J o i n t B a s e
L e w i s - M c C h o r d
?x@
?@
!"`$
?z@
?z@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?z@
?@
?@
?@
?@
!"`$
?@
?@
?@
!"`$
?z@
?@
Tyee
Peak
Paul Peak
Long
Hill
Kemp
Hill
Hugo Peak
Gove
Peak
Foss
Hill
Echo Rock
Cohn
Hill
Carr
Hill
Bell
Hill
Mt.
Wow
Sweet
Peak
Noble
Knob
Davis
Hill
Burke
Hill
Brown
Peak
Blair
Hill
Anvil Rock
Tumtum
Peak
Travis
Hill
Toland
Hill
Tirzah
Peak
Mt.
Ruth
Pigeon
Peak
Miller
Hill
McCall
Hill
Marcus
Peak
Lister
Hill
Larson
Hill
Kicker
Hill
Jansen
Hill
Indian Hill
Double
Peak
Castle
Peak
Brooks
Hill
Briggs
Hill
Aurora
Peak
Seymour
Peak
Old
Desolate
Homa n
Hill
Glacier
View
Branson
Hill
Reliance
Hill
Redstone
Peak
Langston
Hill
Spar
Pole
Hill
Dobbs
Mtn.
Mt.
Beljica
Mutton
Mtn.
Mother
Mtn.
Copper
Mtn
Clear
West
Peak
Tamanos
Mtn
Cowlitz
Chimneys
Bearhead
Mtn. Old
Baldy
Mtn.
Little
Ranger
Peak
Burroughs
Mtn.
Skyscraper
Mtn.
Mt.
Rainier
Mt. Fremont
Puyallup Pt.
The Three Sisters The Palisades
Castle Mtn.
Crystal Mtn.
Frog
Mtn.
Slide Mtn.
Sourdough Mtn.
Pitcher
Mtn.
Chenuis Mtn.
Crescent Mtn.
Virginia Peak
Tolmie Peak
Cayada Mtn.
Mineral Mtn.
Gleason Hill
Three Peaks
Shriner Peak
Bald Rock
Cowlitz Rock Pyramid Peak
Mt. Ararat
Da l l e s R i dg e
S u n r i s e R i d g e
R a m
p a r t R i d g e
E m e r a l d R i d g e
Cow
l i n
g Ri dge
P t a r m i g a n R i d g e
G
o
v e r n o
r s R i d g e
P u y a l l u p C l e a v e r
I n d e p e n d e n c e R i d g e
Point
Defiance
Park
Lake
Tapps
American
Lake
Alder
Lake
Alder Lake
O
p
e
n

S
p
a
c
e

T
a
s
k

F
o
r
c
e
1
0
-
y
e
a
r

C
o
n
s
e
r
v
a
t
i
o
n

P
r
i
o
r
i
t
i
e
s

C
o
m
p
o
s
i
t
e
P
I
E
R
C
E

C
O
U
N
T
Y
0 1 2 3 4 5 0.5
Miles
Cartography by
Cascade Land Conservancy
June 2011
Administrative or Political
County Boundary
City or Town
L
E
G
E
N
D
Transportation
Other Road
State or U.S. Highway
Interstate Highway
Public or Protected Land
Tribal or Conserved Private Land
Public Land
Hydrography
River or Stream
Waterbody
10-year Conservation Priorities
Park Acquisition Focus Area
Biodiversity Habitat
Existing Park Expansion
Freshwater Shoreline Corridor
1000 ft Marine Priority Area
Agricultural Land
Forest Land
Missing Trail Section
Marine Shoreline Parcel of Interest
10
11
12
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
69
BACKGROUND REPORT
Not enough consideration for functions and values of ecological systems in planning for dense development in
UGAs.
Levees and straightening of river channel in lower Puyallup presents threat to food storage capabilities, water
quality, osmo-regulatory transition and rearing areas for juvenile salmon and Chum/Pink spawning.
Salmon Bearing streams in agricultural areas highlight conficting needs.
Major obstacles to fsh passage along White River threaten ESA-listed Spring Chinook at Bypass Reach on White
River.
Major obstacles to fsh passage along Puyallup River (e.g. Electron Reservoir Dam).
Climate change is melting glaciers on Mount Rainier, presenting current and future communities with key challenges to
address fooding and sedimentation, including impacts to heavily urbanized areas in the watershed.
Too much development is occurring on lower elevation channel corridors which are prime linkages for
restoration.
Implement all six proposed setback levees and projects identifed in Pierce County River Flood Hazard
Management Plan to address salmon rearing and spawning.
AQUATIC SYSTEMS: GEO / SPATIAL THREATS + OPPORTUNITIES
Major obstacles to fsh
passage and water
management conditions
along the White River
heavily threaten a key
Spring run of Chinook
salmon.
THREATS
OPPORTUNITIES
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
8
Correct fsh passage challenges (e.g. improvements to Buckley Diversion Dam and collection facilities
replacement project and improvements to Electron Dam).
Improve urban forestry & target riparian restoration on smaller tributaries (10-15 ft. width) to address rising
water temperatures.
Restore river functions in heavily leveed portion of Lower Puyallup (e.g. existing Shaddadax restoration site,
proposed completion of restoration project for Clear Creek between River Rd. & Gay Rd.).
Restoration of historic estuarine system by stitching together restoration sites (e.g. reducing shoreline armoring
along Ruston Way, Port of Tacoma Salt Chuck Site, Wapato Creek, WSDOT Mitigation Site 167)
10
11
12
70
71
BACKGROUND REPORT
BIODIVERSITY +
HABITAT
BIODIVERSITY + HABITAT
Genetic and biological diversity is the basis for most other ecosystem functions. Strategic protections
for habitat that maintains biodiversity for the watershed provides a number of benefts to the region.
Providing pollination for agricultural production and ecosystem integrity and subsequently supports
all of the other natural benefts.
Soil nutrient regulation that impacts our air, climate, and water.
Scientifc exploration that reveals medicinal and other practical applications from nature.
Wildlife that provides inspiration for future generations.
A summary of identifable priorities for biodiversity are included in this section. ROSS staf have
drawn upon input from the Puyallup Watershed Initiative Biodiversity Community of Interest and
representatives of the Pierce County Biodiversity Alliance (staf from WA Department of Fish and
Wildlife, Point Defance Zoo & Aquarium), and staf from Forterra. Identifed priorities from the
following reports have also been incorporated into this summary:
2009 Pierce County Open Space Task Force 10 Year Priorities.
2004 Pierce County Biodiversity Network Assessment.
2009 Lower White River Biodiversity Management Areas (BMA) Stewardship Plan.
Washington Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Working Group materials (To be incorporated in future
phase).
A strategic investment
in wildlife habitat
conservation that protects
genetic and biological
diversity is the basis for
a broad array of natural
benefts and ecosystem
functions.
72
P
o
r
t o
f
T
a
c
o
m
a
Tacoma
Lakewood
Fife
Puyallup
Sumner
Edgewood
DuPont
Bonney
Lake
University
Place
Buckley
Orting
Gig
Harbor
Steilacoom
Eatonville
Roy
Wilkeson
Carbonado
South
Prairie
Ruston
Fircrest
Milton
Pacific Auburn
N
i s q
u
a l l y R
i v
e r
Little M
as hel Ri ver
M
a s he
l R i v e r
Mo wi c h R i v e r
Ni s q u a l l y
R
i v e r
C
a r b o n Ri v e r
Cl ear wat e r R
i ve r
W
hi te Ri ver
C
l ove r Cr eek
Tanwax Creek
Tahom
a Creek
H
uckleberry Creek
Voi ght Creek
South C
reek
Muck Creek
Pu y a
l l u
p
R
i v e r
Wilk es o n C
ree k
Sout h Prairie C
reek
W
h
i t e
R
i v
e
r
Whi t e R
i v e r
W
i v er
W hi t e R i v er
Kautz Creek
Muck Creek
Lacamas Creek
Murray Creek
H
or n Creek
Ohop Creek
Berg Cr eek
Lync h Creek
M
idw
ay C
re e k
B
e a v e r C
reek
Busy Wild Creek
D
e er C
reek
Rushingwater Creek
Swift River
E
vans C
ree k
Tolmie Creek
Chenius Cr eek
Lily C
reek
Copla r Creek
G
al e C
reek Frame Creek
Bear Creek
Voight Creek
McGuire Creek
South Prairi e C
reek
Fo x Creek
Kings Creek
Cayada Creek
McGuir e Creek
Saint Andrews Creek
Falls C
reek
Ranger Cr eek
Ipsut Creek
Cataract Cre ek
Mineral Creek
Byron Cree k
Lily Creek
Pi nochle Creek
Viola Creek
Pi geon Creek
Mule Creek
E
l e anor C
reek
Lost Creek
Ada Cre e k
Josephine Creek
Prospector Creek
Sunrise Creek
Minnehaha Creek
Buck Creek
D
oe Creek
Ranger Creek
Dry Creek
Deep Creek
Goat Creek
Silver Creek
Crystal C
r eek
Boundary C
reek
Kotsuck Creek
Panther Creek
Chinook Creek
Nickel Creek
Wi lliwakas Cree k
Tenas Cree k
Big Creek
Pyramid Creek
Page Creek
New Pond Creek
Old Pond Creek
Canyo n Creek
Cam
p C
reek
Twentyeight M
Lost Creek
Maggie Creek
G
r ee n
w
a
t e r R
i v
er
Flett Cr e ek
re e k
Clover Creek
C
l a r k
s R
i v
e r
R
o c
ky C
re e k
H
u g e C
r eek
C r e s c e nt C
r eek
W
h
i te R
iver
Lake
Kapowsin
Ohop
Lake
Steilacoom
Lake
Spanaway
Lake
Tanwax
Lake
Mowich
Lake

Gravelly
Lake
Nisqually
Lake Chambers
Lake
Lewis
Lake
Lake
Louise
Waughop
Lake
Surprise
Lake
Printz
Basin
Cedar
Lake
Lake
Ethel
Lake
George
Clear
Lake
Rapjohn
Lake
Cranberry
Lake
Silver
Lake
Kreger
Lake
Harts
Lake
Tule
Lake
Sequalitchew
Lake

Allen Pt.
Treble Pt.
Browns Pt.
Penrose Pt.
Pt. Richmond
Scott Pt.
Devil's
Head
Lyle Pt.
Fox Pt.
Hyde Pt.
Baldwin Pt.
South Head

C
a
s
e

I
n
l
e
t

N
i
s
q
u
a
l
l
y
R
e
a
c
h
P
u
g
e
t

S
o
u
n
d
T
h
e

N

a
r
r
o
w
s
C
a
r
r

I
n
l
e
t
Henderson
Bay
Commencement
Bay
Rocky
Bay
Fox
Island
Anderson
Island
He r r o n
I s l a n d
Ke t r o n
I s l a n d
Ra f t
I s l a n d
Wi l de r ne s s
No r s e
P e a k
Wi l d e r n e s s
Mt Baker-
Snoqualmie
National
Forest
Gifford
Pinchot
National
Forest
Glacier
View
Wilderness
Nisqually
National
Wildlife
Refuge
Pack
Experimental
Forest
E l b e H i l l s
South
Puget Sound
Wildlife Area -
McNeil Island Unit
J o i n t B a s e
?x@
?@
!"`$
?z@
?z@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?z@
?@
?@
?@
?@
!"`$
?@
?@
?@
!"`$
?z@
?@
Tyee
Peak
Paul Peak
Long
Hill
Kemp
Hill
Hugo Peak
Gove
Peak
Foss
Hill
Echo Rock
Cohn
Hill
Carr
Hill
Bell
Hill
Mt.
Wow
Sweet
Peak
Noble
Knob
Davis
Hill
Burke
Hill
Brown
Peak
Blair
Hill
Anvil Rock
Tumtum
Peak
Travis
Hill
Toland
Hill
Tirzah
Peak
Mt.
Ruth
Pigeon
Peak
Miller
Hill
McCall
Hill
Marcus
Peak
Lister
Hill
Larson
Hill
Kicker
Hill
Jansen
Hill
Indian Hill
Double
Peak
Castle
Peak
Brooks
Hill
Briggs
Hill
Aurora
Peak
Seymour
Peak
Old
Desolate
Homa n
Hill
Glacier
View
Branson
Hill
Reliance
Hill
Redstone
Peak
Langston
Hill
Spar
Pole
Hill
Dobbs
Mtn.
Mt.
Beljica
Mutton
Mtn.
Mother
Mtn.
Copper
Mtn
Clear
West
Peak
Tamanos
Mtn
Cowlitz
Chimneys
Bearhead
Mtn. Old
Baldy
Mtn.
Little
Ranger
Peak
Burroughs
Mtn.
Skyscraper
Mtn.
Mt.
Rainier
Mt. Fremont
Puyallup Pt.
Castle Mtn.
Crystal Mtn.
Frog
Mtn.
Slide Mtn.
Sourdough Mtn.
Pitcher
Mtn.
Chenuis Mtn.
Crescent Mtn.
Virginia Peak
Tolmie Peak
Cayada Mtn.
Mineral Mtn.
Gleason Hill
Three Peaks
Shriner Peak
Bald Rock
Mt. Ararat
Da l l e s R i dg e
R a m
p a r t R i d g e
Cow
l i n
g Ri dge
G
o
v e r n o
r s R i d g e
Point
Defiance
Park
Lake
Tapps
American
Lake
Alder
Lake
Alder Lake
O
p
e
n

S
p
a
c
e

T
a
s
k

F
o
r
c
e
1
0
-
y
e
a
r

C
o
n
s
e
r
v
a
t
i
o
n

P
r
i
o
r
i
t
i
e
s

C
o
m
p
o
s
i
t
e
P
I
E
R
C
E

C
O
U
N
T
Y
0 1 2 3 4 5 0.5
Miles
Cartography by
June 2011
County Boundary
City or Town
L
E
G
E
N
D
Transportation
Other Road
Interstate Highway
Public Land
Hydrography
River or Stream
Waterbody
Agricultural Land
Forest Land
1
3
2
4
5
6
73
BACKGROUND REPORT
TIER 1: Highest potential biodiversity loss in or near UGA (Western BMAs 8 + 17, city level habitat corridors) and
BMAs with higher percentage of private lands.
TIER 2: Low conversion pressure in BMA 11 - Upper Puyallup, but threatened by industrial approach to forestry.
Areas with extreme development pressures impair connections between BMAs (e.g. Between Buckley/Bonney
Lake + Orting/Carbonado).
Linear geography of BMA 17 Lower White inhibits ability to organize community around shared stewardship
plan.
Key biodiversity corridors along Carbon River in and adjacent to BMA 16 White River (e.g. major wildlife
corridor for Elk).
Highly threatened Biodiversity Management Areas (BMAs) selected for Stewardship Plans and Bioblitzes - Lower
White (BMA 17) & Crescent Valley (BMA 3).
BIODIVERSITY: GEO / SPATIAL THREATS + OPPORTUNITIES
All the BMAs (Biodiversity
Management Areas)
are equally important
to protect to maintain
biodiversity, but it is
important to target those
most threatened by
development and those
with high percentages of
private lands with poor
management practices.
THREATS
OPPORTUNITIES
1
2
3
4
5
6
74
75
BACKGROUND REPORT
FOREST LANDS
FOREST LANDS
The Puyallup-White watershed is blessed to have large parcels of both protected and working forests
in upland areas. This combination of federal, state, and privately owned and managed forest land is a
primary component of the regional open space system. If properly managed, these natural lands can
provide essential benefts to the watershed and region.
Providing a secure, local supply of timber, fber, and energy
Serving a role in maintaining biodiversity by provisioning diverse habitats.
Providing tree canopy that contributes to breathable air and helps mitigate for climate change.
Regulating water fows and water quality, supporting irrigation, fsh populations and reduced food
events.
Providing scenic landscapes and opportunities to experience nature.
This section contains forestland priorities, based on stakeholder engagement in the watershed and
previous studies. ROSS staf have drawn upon input from the Forest Roundtable and staf from Pierce
County, WA State DNR, Pierce Conservation District and Forterra. Some key resources were reviewed
in preparing this summary:
2009 PC Open Space Taskforce 10 Year Priorities.
1986 Timber Fish Wildlife Agreement.
Family Forest Fish Passage Program (FFFPP) materials.
USDA Urban & Community Forests of the Pacifc Region report.
A sustainable approach to
forest land management
that preserves a large
percentage of the tree
canopy can support
climate stability along with
the provisioning of diverse
wildlife habitats and
recreation opportunities for
the watershed.
76
P
o
r
t o
f
T
a
c
o
m
a
Tacoma
Lakewood
Fife
Puyallup
Sumner
Edgewood
DuPont
Bonney
Lake
University
Place
Buckley
Orting
Gig
Harbor
Steilacoom
Eatonville
Roy
Wilkeson
Carbonado
South
Prairie
Ruston
Fircrest
Milton
Pacific Auburn
N
i s q
u
a l l y R
i v
e r
Little M
as hel Ri ver
M
a s he
l R i v e r
Mo wi c h R i v e r
Ni s q u a l l y
R
i v e r
C
a r b o n Ri v e r
Cl ear wat e r R
i ve r
W
hi te Ri ver
C
l ove r Cr eek
Tanwax Creek
Tahom
a Creek
H
uckleberry Creek
Voi ght Creek
South C
reek
Muck Creek
Pu y a
l l u
p
R
i v e r
Wilk es o n C
ree k
Sout h Prairie C
reek
W
h
i t e
R
i v
e
r
Whi t e R
i v e r
W
i v er
W hi t e R i v er
Kautz Creek
Muck Creek
Lacamas Creek
Murray Creek
H
or n Creek
Ohop Creek
Berg Cr eek
Lync h Creek
M
idw
ay C
re e k
B
e a v e r C
reek
Busy Wild Creek
D
e er C
reek
Rushingwater Creek
Swift River
E
vans C
ree k
Tolmie Creek
Chenius Cr eek
Lily C
reek
Copla r Creek
G
al e C
reek Frame Creek
Bear Creek
Voight Creek
McGuire Creek
South Prairi e C
reek
Fo x Creek
Kings Creek
Cayada Creek
McGuir e Creek
Saint Andrews Creek
Falls C
reek
Ranger Cr eek
Ipsut Creek
Cataract Cre ek
Mineral Creek
Byron Cree k
Lily Creek
Pi nochle Creek
Viola Creek
Pi geon Creek
Mule Creek
E
l e anor C
reek
Lost Creek
Ada Cre e k
Josephine Creek
Prospector Creek
Sunrise Creek
Minnehaha Creek
Buck Creek
D
oe Creek
Ranger Creek
Dry Creek
Deep Creek
Goat Creek
Silver Creek
Crystal C
r eek
Boundary C
reek
Kotsuck Creek
Panther Creek
Chinook Creek
Nickel Creek
Wi lliwakas Cree k
Tenas Cree k
Big Creek
Pyramid Creek
Page Creek
New Pond Creek
Old Pond Creek
Canyo n Creek
Cam
p C
reek
Twentyeight M
Lost Creek
Maggie Creek
G
r ee n
w
a
t e r R
i v
er
Flett Cr e ek
re e k
Clover Creek
C
l a r k
s R
i v
e r
R
o c
ky C
re e k
H
u g e C
r eek
C r e s c e nt C
r eek
W
h
i te R
iver
Lake
Kapowsin
Ohop
Lake
Steilacoom
Lake
Spanaway
Lake
Tanwax
Lake
Mowich
Lake

Gravelly
Lake
Nisqually
Lake Chambers
Lake
Lewis
Lake
Lake
Louise
Waughop
Lake
Surprise
Lake
Printz
Basin
Cedar
Lake
Lake
Ethel
Lake
George
Clear
Lake
Rapjohn
Lake
Cranberry
Lake
Silver
Lake
Kreger
Lake
Harts
Lake
Tule
Lake
Sequalitchew
Lake

Allen Pt.
Treble Pt.
Browns Pt.
Penrose Pt.
Pt. Richmond
Scott Pt.
Devil's
Head
Lyle Pt.
Fox Pt.
Hyde Pt.
Baldwin Pt.
South Head

C
a
s
e

I
n
l
e
t

N
i
s
q
u
a
l
l
y
R
e
a
c
h
P
u
g
e
t

S
o
u
n
d
T
h
e

N

a
r
r
o
w
s
C
a
r
r

I
n
l
e
t
Henderson
Bay
Commencement
Bay
Rocky
Bay
Fox
Island
Anderson
Island
He r r o n
I s l a n d
Ke t r o n
I s l a n d
Ra f t
I s l a n d
Wi l de r ne s s
No r s e
P e a k
Wi l d e r n e s s
Mt Baker-
Snoqualmie
National
Forest
Gifford
Pinchot
National
Forest
Glacier
View
Wilderness
Nisqually
National
Wildlife
Refuge
Pack
Experimental
Forest
E l b e H i l l s
South
Puget Sound
Wildlife Area -
McNeil Island Unit
J o i n t B a s e
?x@
?@
!"`$
?z@
?z@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?z@
?@
?@
?@
?@
!"`$
?@
?@
?@
!"`$
?z@
?@
Tyee
Peak
Paul Peak
Long
Hill
Kemp
Hill
Hugo Peak
Gove
Peak
Foss
Hill
Echo Rock
Cohn
Hill
Carr
Hill
Bell
Hill
Mt.
Wow
Sweet
Peak
Noble
Knob
Davis
Hill
Burke
Hill
Brown
Peak
Blair
Hill
Anvil Rock
Tumtum
Peak
Travis
Hill
Toland
Hill
Tirzah
Peak
Mt.
Ruth
Pigeon
Peak
Miller
Hill
McCall
Hill
Marcus
Peak
Lister
Hill
Larson
Hill
Kicker
Hill
Jansen
Hill
Indian Hill
Double
Peak
Castle
Peak
Brooks
Hill
Briggs
Hill
Aurora
Peak
Seymour
Peak
Old
Desolate
Homa n
Hill
Glacier
View
Branson
Hill
Reliance
Hill
Redstone
Peak
Langston
Hill
Spar
Pole
Hill
Dobbs
Mtn.
Mt.
Beljica
Mutton
Mtn.
Mother
Mtn.
Copper
Mtn
Clear
West
Peak
Tamanos
Mtn
Cowlitz
Chimneys
Bearhead
Mtn. Old
Baldy
Mtn.
Little
Ranger
Peak
Burroughs
Mtn.
Skyscraper
Mtn.
Mt.
Rainier
Mt. Fremont
Puyallup Pt.
Castle Mtn.
Crystal Mtn.
Frog
Mtn.
Slide Mtn.
Sourdough Mtn.
Pitcher
Mtn.
Chenuis Mtn.
Crescent Mtn.
Virginia Peak
Tolmie Peak
Cayada Mtn.
Mineral Mtn.
Gleason Hill
Three Peaks
Shriner Peak
Bald Rock
Mt. Ararat
Da l l e s R i dg e
R a m
p a r t R i d g e
Cow
l i n
g Ri dge
G
o
v e r n o
r s R i d g e
Point
Defiance
Park
Lake
Tapps
American
Lake
Alder
Lake
Alder Lake
O
p
e
n

S
p
a
c
e

T
a
s
k

F
o
r
c
e
1
0
-
y
e
a
r

C
o
n
s
e
r
v
a
t
i
o
n

P
r
i
o
r
i
t
i
e
s

C
o
m
p
o
s
i
t
e
P
I
E
R
C
E

C
O
U
N
T
Y
0 1 2 3 4 5 0.5
Miles
Cartography by
June 2011
County Boundary
City or Town
L
E
G
E
N
D
Transportation
Other Road
Interstate Highway
Public Land
Hydrography
River or Stream
Waterbody
Agricultural Land
Forest Land
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
77
BACKGROUND REPORT
Inconsistent approach to urban forestry among cities is resulting in piecemeal protections for urban ecological
functions in the watershed.
Inconsistent state and local forest practices regulations impacts wetlands, stream bufers and other resources,
especially on small forest lands in rural zoned areas.
10-year divestment of major forestland holdings (e.g. Kapowsin Tree Farm).
Loss of forest land as a result of conversion to development and other non-forest uses. State forest practices
allows impacts to critical areas and county regs. make it easy to be exempted from development moratorium.
Opportunity to work with Muckleshoot Tribe to improve forest practices on White River Tree Farm.
Explore Community Forest Trust opportunities to return ownership to the local scale and encourage residents
to be involved in resource management activities.
Systematic approach/standards across jurisdictions to address urban forestry + protect forest cover.
FOREST LANDS: GEO / SPATIAL THREATS + OPPORTUNITIES
Fostering inter-
jurisdictional standards
or tailored approaches to
urban forest management
among diferent cities
ofers the opportunity to
preserve/restore important
ecological functions in
developed areas.
THREATS
OPPORTUNITIES
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
78
79
BACKGROUND REPORT
AGRICULTURAL LANDS
Agricultural lands are a key component of the Puyallup-White Watershed Open Space System. The
watershed contains some of the most productive farmland in Washington State. In addition to their
role in providing jobs to rural communities, these farmlands can function as part of the natural green
infrastructure system:
Providing a secure, local supply of food, fuel, fber, fertilizer, and energy.
Contributing to surface water management and climate stability.
Supporting surface water management and preventing or mitigating for severe fooding events.
Serving a role in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
Exposing urban populations to rural experiences and maintaining rural cultures and economies.
A summary of identifable priorities for agricultural lands as a component of the WOSS are included
in this section. ROSS staf have drawn upon input from the Pierce County Agriculture Roundtable
and staf from Pierce County, American Farmland Trust, Pierce Conservation District, and Forterra.
Identifed priorities from the following reports have been incorporated into this summary:
2006 Pierce County Agriculture Strategic Plan.
2004 American Farmland Trust Study.
2008 Pierce Conservation District Agricultural Capacity Study (to be incorporated).
AGRICULTURE
The Puyallup-White
watershed has some of the
most productive farmland
in Washington State.
Proposals for agricultural
preservation must be
paired with provisions
that reduce the costs and
barriers to farming.
80
P
o
r
t o
f
T
a
c
o
m
a
Tacoma
Lakewood
Fife
Puyallup
Sumner
Edgewood
DuPont
Bonney
Lake
University
Place
Buckley
Orting
Gig
Harbor
Steilacoom
Eatonville
Roy
Wilkeson
Carbonado
South
Prairie
Ruston
Fircrest
Milton
Pacific Auburn
N
i s q
u
a l l y R
i v
e r
Little M
as hel Ri ver
M
a s he
l R i v e r
Mo wi c h R i v e r
Ni s q u a l l y
R
i v e r
C
a r b o n Ri v e r
Cl ear wat e r R
i ve r
W
hi te Ri ver
C
l ove r Cr eek
Tanwax Creek
Tahom
a Creek
H
uckleberry Creek
Voi ght Creek
South C
reek
Muck Creek
Pu y a
l l u
p
R
i v e r
Wilk es o n C
ree k
Sout h Prairie C
reek
W
h
i t e
R
i v
e
r
Whi t e R
i v e r
W
i v er
W hi t e R i v er
Kautz Creek
Muck Creek
Lacamas Creek
Murray Creek
H
or n Creek
Ohop Creek
Berg Cr eek
Lync h Creek
M
idw
ay C
re e k
B
e a v e r C
reek
Busy Wild Creek
D
e er C
reek
Rushingwater Creek
Swift River
E
vans C
ree k
Tolmie Creek
Chenius Cr eek
Lily C
reek
Copla r Creek
G
al e C
reek Frame Creek
Bear Creek
Voight Creek
McGuire Creek
South Prairi e C
reek
Fo x Creek
Kings Creek
Cayada Creek
McGuir e Creek
Saint Andrews Creek
Falls C
reek
Ranger Cr eek
Ipsut Creek
Cataract Cre ek
Mineral Creek
Byron Cree k
Lily Creek
Pi nochle Creek
Viola Creek
Pi geon Creek
Mule Creek
E
l e anor C
reek
Lost Creek
Ada Cre e k
Josephine Creek
Prospector Creek
Sunrise Creek
Minnehaha Creek
Buck Creek
D
oe Creek
Ranger Creek
Dry Creek
Deep Creek
Goat Creek
Silver Creek
Crystal C
r eek
Boundary C
reek
Kotsuck Creek
Panther Creek
Chinook Creek
Nickel Creek
Wi lliwakas Cree k
Tenas Cree k
Big Creek
Pyramid Creek
Page Creek
New Pond Creek
Old Pond Creek
Canyo n Creek
Cam
p C
reek
Twentyeight M
Lost Creek
Maggie Creek
G
r ee n
w
a
t e r R
i v
er
Flett Cr e ek
re e k
Clover Creek
C
l a r k
s R
i v
e r
R
o c
ky C
re e k
H
u g e C
r eek
C r e s c e nt C
r eek
W
h
i te R
iver
Lake
Kapowsin
Ohop
Lake
Steilacoom
Lake
Spanaway
Lake
Tanwax
Lake
Mowich
Lake

Gravelly
Lake
Nisqually
Lake Chambers
Lake
Lewis
Lake
Lake
Louise
Waughop
Lake
Surprise
Lake
Printz
Basin
Cedar
Lake
Lake
Ethel
Lake
George
Clear
Lake
Rapjohn
Lake
Cranberry
Lake
Silver
Lake
Kreger
Lake
Harts
Lake
Tule
Lake
Sequalitchew
Lake

Allen Pt.
Treble Pt.
Browns Pt.
Penrose Pt.
Pt. Richmond
Scott Pt.
Devil's
Head
Lyle Pt.
Fox Pt.
Hyde Pt.
Baldwin Pt.
South Head

C
a
s
e

I
n
l
e
t

N
i
s
q
u
a
l
l
y
R
e
a
c
h
P
u
g
e
t

S
o
u
n
d
T
h
e

N

a
r
r
o
w
s
C
a
r
r

I
n
l
e
t
Henderson
Bay
Commencement
Bay
Rocky
Bay
Fox
Island
Anderson
Island
He r r o n
I s l a n d
Ke t r o n
I s l a n d
Ra f t
I s l a n d
Wi l de r ne s s
No r s e
P e a k
Wi l d e r n e s s
Mt Baker-
Snoqualmie
National
Forest
Gifford
Pinchot
National
Forest
Glacier
View
Wilderness
Nisqually
National
Wildlife
Refuge
Pack
Experimental
Forest
E l b e H i l l s
South
Puget Sound
Wildlife Area -
McNeil Island Unit
J o i n t B a s e
?x@
?@
!"`$
?z@
?z@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?z@
?@
?@
?@
?@
!"`$
?@
?@
?@
!"`$
?z@
?@
Tyee
Peak
Paul Peak
Long
Hill
Kemp
Hill
Hugo Peak
Gove
Peak
Foss
Hill
Echo Rock
Cohn
Hill
Carr
Hill
Bell
Hill
Mt.
Wow
Sweet
Peak
Noble
Knob
Davis
Hill
Burke
Hill
Brown
Peak
Blair
Hill
Anvil Rock
Tumtum
Peak
Travis
Hill
Toland
Hill
Tirzah
Peak
Mt.
Ruth
Pigeon
Peak
Miller
Hill
McCall
Hill
Marcus
Peak
Lister
Hill
Larson
Hill
Kicker
Hill
Jansen
Hill
Indian Hill
Double
Peak
Castle
Peak
Brooks
Hill
Briggs
Hill
Aurora
Peak
Seymour
Peak
Old
Desolate
Homa n
Hill
Glacier
View
Branson
Hill
Reliance
Hill
Redstone
Peak
Langston
Hill
Spar
Pole
Hill
Dobbs
Mtn.
Mt.
Beljica
Mutton
Mtn.
Mother
Mtn.
Copper
Mtn
Clear
West
Peak
Tamanos
Mtn
Cowlitz
Chimneys
Bearhead
Mtn. Old
Baldy
Mtn.
Little
Ranger
Peak
Burroughs
Mtn.
Skyscraper
Mtn.
Mt.
Rainier
Mt. Fremont
Puyallup Pt.
Castle Mtn.
Crystal Mtn.
Frog
Mtn.
Sl ide Mtn.
Sourdough Mtn.
Pitcher
Mtn.
Chenuis Mtn.
Crescent Mtn.
Virginia Peak
Tolmie Peak
Cayada Mtn.
Mineral Mtn.
Gleason Hill
Three Peaks
Shriner Peak
Bald Rock
Mt. Ararat
Da l l e s R i dg e
R a m
p a r t R i d g e
Cow
l i n
g Ri dge
G
o
v e r n o
r s R i d g e
Point
Defiance
Park
Lake
Tapps
American
Lake
Alder
Lake
Alder Lake
O
p
e
n

S
p
a
c
e

T
a
s
k

F
o
r
c
e
1
0
-
y
e
a
r

C
o
n
s
e
r
v
a
t
i
o
n

P
r
i
o
r
i
t
i
e
s

C
o
m
p
o
s
i
t
e
P
I
E
R
C
E

C
O
U
N
T
Y
0 1 2 3 4 5 0.5
Miles
Cartography by
June 2011
County Boundary
City or Town
L
E
G
E
N
D
Transportation
Other Road
Interstate Highway
Public Land
Hydrography
River or Stream
Waterbody
Agricultural Land
Forest Land
2
3
4
1
5
6
81
BACKGROUND REPORT
Multiple areas with fragmented acreage with no ARL zoning (e.g. one 17 acre farm divided among 4 parcels).
High threat of land conversions adjacent to UGAs (e.g. land prices in the Puyallup Valley are substantially above
the economic value for farm production).
Aging demographic of farmers (avg. age is70-80) indicates high potential for land conversion without
mechanisms to support the next generation of farmers.
Close to 25% of agricultural land in Puyallup Valley is contained in incorporated areas and UGA, indicating high
potential for confict with urbanized land uses.
Adjustments to ARL (Agricultural Resource Lands) and other agricultural zoning as part of Pierce County
Comprehensive Plan update to capture farmland with productive soils under 10 acres, large farms spread over
multiple parcels, and close loopholes.
Explore applications of LCLIP/TDR + PDR for areas with urgent land conversion threats (e.g. Matlock Farm).
AGRICULTURE: GEO / SPATIAL THREATS + OPPORTUNITIES
Farmland is being
converted to development
due to poor land use
decisions and high land
prices that exceed the
economic value for farm
production.
THREATS
OPPORTUNITIES
1
2
3
4
5
6
82
83
BACKGROUND REPORT
RECREATION + TRAILS
The Puyallup-White Watershed Open Space Strategy needs to be organized around a proposed
network of interconnected recreation lands and trail systems as a means to ensure communities
interact with nature and to advance the understanding as to how open space can support broader
community objectives. A diverse grouping of communities and interests can embrace the need
for parks and recreational opportunities and this often serves as an entry point for a more full
understanding regarding the value of the open space system and the need to be stewards of natural
lands.
This network of recreation lands and trails provides a number of benefts to communities at all scales:
Exposing people to opportunities for healthy recreation and inspiring outdoor experiences.
Serving as an introduction to scientifc exploration and environmental education at all ages.
Forming connections in and between communities and the natural treasures of the region.
Providing opportunities for cultural and artistic expression.
Supporting growth and economic development by using parks and trails to organize development
into more complete communities and support recreational tourism.
Identifed priorities for recreation and trails are included in this section. ROSS staf have drawn upon
input from the Puyallup Watershed Initiative Recreation Roundtable and staf from Pierce County,
ForeverGreen Council, MetroParks, Point Defance Zoo & Aquarium, and the National Park Service.
This summary draws primarily from the following resources.
Draft Pierce County Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Element (anticipated adoption early 2014).
PSRC Regional Bike Network.
RECREATION
+ TRAILS
People can embrace
the need for parks and
recreational opportunities
and this often serves as an
entry point for a more full
understanding regarding
the value of open space and
the need to be stewards of
natural lands.
84
P
o
r
t o
f
T
a
c
o
m
a
Tacoma
Lakewood
Fife
Puyallup
Sumner
Edgewood
DuPont
Bonney
Lake
University
Place
Buckley
Orting
Gig
Harbor
Steilacoom
Eatonville
Roy
Wilkeson
Carbonado
South
Prairie
Ruston
Fircrest
Milton
Pacific Auburn
N
i s q
u
a l l y R
i v
e r
Little M
as hel Ri ver
M
a s he
l R i v e r
Mo wi c h R i v e r
Ni s q u a l l y
R
i v e r
C
a r b o n Ri v e r
Cl ear wat e r R
i ve r
W
hi te Ri ver
C
l ove r Cr eek
Tanwax Creek
Tahom
a Creek
H
uckleberry Creek
Voi ght Creek
South C
reek
Muck Creek
Pu y a
l l u
p
R
i v e r
Wilk es o n C
ree k
Sout h Prairie C
reek
W
h
i t e
R
i v
e
r
Whi t e R
i v e r
W
i v er
W hi t e R i v er
Kautz Creek
Muck Creek
Lacamas Creek
Murray Creek
H
or n Creek
Ohop Creek
Berg Cr eek
Lync h Creek
M
idw
ay C
re e k
B
e a v e r C
reek
Busy Wild Creek
D
e er C
reek
Rushingwater Creek
Swift River
E
vans C
ree k
Tolmie Creek
Chenius Cr eek
Lily C
reek
Copla r Creek
G
al e C
reek Frame Creek
Bear Creek
Voight Creek
McGuire Creek
South Prairi e C
reek
Fo x Creek
Kings Creek
Cayada Creek
McGuir e Creek
Saint Andrews Creek
Falls C
reek
Ranger Cr eek
Ipsut Creek
Cataract Cre ek
Mineral Creek
Byron Cree k
Lily Creek
Pi nochle Creek
Viola Creek
Pi geon Creek
Mule Creek
E
l e anor C
reek
Lost Creek
Ada Cre e k
Josephine Creek
Prospector Creek
Sunrise Creek
Minnehaha Creek
Buck Creek
D
oe Creek
Ranger Creek
Dry Creek
Deep Creek
Goat Creek
Silver Creek
Crystal C
r eek
Boundary C
reek
Kotsuck Creek
Panther Creek
Chinook Creek
Nickel Creek
Wi lliwakas Cree k
Tenas Cree k
Big Creek
Pyramid Creek
Page Creek
New Pond Creek
Old Pond Creek
Canyo n Creek
Cam
p C
reek
Twentyeight M
Lost Creek
Maggie Creek
G
r ee n
w
a
t e r R
i v
er
Flett Cr e ek
re e k
Clover Creek
C
l a r k
s R
i v
e r
R
o c
ky C
re e k
H
u g e C
r eek
C r e s c e nt C
r eek
W
h
i te R
iver
Lake
Kapowsin
Ohop
Lake
Steilacoom
Lake
Spanaway
Lake
Tanwax
Lake
Mowich
Lake

Gravelly
Lake
Nisqually
Lake Chambers
Lake
Lewis
Lake
Lake
Louise
Waughop
Lake
Surprise
Lake
Printz
Basin
Cedar
Lake
Lake
Ethel
Lake
George
Clear
Lake
Rapjohn
Lake
Cranberry
Lake
Silver
Lake
Kreger
Lake
Harts
Lake
Tule
Lake
Sequalitchew
Lake

Allen Pt.
Treble Pt.
Browns Pt.
Penrose Pt.
Pt. Richmond
Scott Pt.
Devil's
Head
Lyle Pt.
Fox Pt.
Hyde Pt.
Baldwin Pt.
South Head

C
a
s
e

I
n
l
e
t

N
i
s
q
u
a
l
l
y
R
e
a
c
h
P
u
g
e
t

S
o
u
n
d
T
h
e

N

a
r
r
o
w
s
C
a
r
r

I
n
l
e
t
Henderson
Bay
Commencement
Bay
Rocky
Bay
Fox
Island
Anderson
Island
He r r o n
I s l a n d
Ke t r o n
I s l a n d
Ra f t
I s l a n d
Wi l de r ne s s
No r s e
P e a k
Wi l d e r n e s s
Mt Baker-
Snoqualmie
National
Forest
Gifford
Pinchot
National
Forest
Glacier
View
Wilderness
Nisqually
National
Wildlife
Refuge
Pack
Experimental
Forest
E l b e H i l l s
South
Puget Sound
Wildlife Area -
McNeil Island Unit
J o i n t B a s e
?x@
?@
!"`$
?z@
?z@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?z@
?@
?@
?@
?@
!"`$
?@
?@
?@
!"`$
?z@
?@
Tyee
Peak
Paul Peak
Long
Hill
Kemp
Hill
Hugo Peak
Gove
Peak
Foss
Hill
Echo Rock
Cohn
Hill
Carr
Hill
Bell
Hill
Mt.
Wow
Sweet
Peak
Noble
Knob
Davis
Hill
Burke
Hill
Brown
Peak
Blair
Hill
Anvil Rock
Tumtum
Peak
Travis
Hill
Toland
Hill
Tirzah
Peak
Mt.
Ruth
Pigeon
Peak
Miller
Hill
McCall
Hill
Marcus
Peak
Lister
Hill
Larson
Hill
Kicker
Hill
Jansen
Hill
Indian Hill
Double
Peak
Castle
Peak
Brooks
Hill
Briggs
Hill
Aurora
Peak
Seymour
Peak
Old
Desolate
Homa n
Hill
Glacier
View
Branson
Hill
Reliance
Hill
Redstone
Peak
Langston
Hill
Spar
Pole
Hill
Dobbs
Mtn.
Mt.
Beljica
Mutton
Mtn.
Mother
Mtn.
Copper
Mtn
Clear
West
Peak
Tamanos
Mtn
Cowlitz
Chimneys
Bearhead
Mtn. Old
Baldy
Mtn.
Little
Ranger
Peak
Burroughs
Mtn.
Skyscraper
Mtn.
Mt.
Rainier
Mt. Fremont
Puyallup Pt.
Castle Mtn.
Crystal Mtn.
Frog
Mtn.
Slide Mtn.
Sourdough Mtn.
Pitcher
Mtn.
Chenuis Mtn.
Crescent Mtn.
Virginia Peak
Tolmie Peak
Cayada Mtn.
Mineral Mtn.
Gleason Hill
Three Peaks
Shriner Peak
Bald Rock
Mt. Ararat
Da l l e s R i dg e
R a m
p a r t R i d g e
Cow
l i n
g Ri dge
G
o
v e r n o
r s R i d g e
Point
Defiance
Park
Lake
Tapps
American
Lake
Alder
Lake
Alder Lake
O
p
e
n

S
p
a
c
e

T
a
s
k

F
o
r
c
e
1
0
-
y
e
a
r

C
o
n
s
e
r
v
a
t
i
o
n

P
r
i
o
r
i
t
i
e
s

C
o
m
p
o
s
i
t
e
P
I
E
R
C
E

C
O
U
N
T
Y
0 1 2 3 4 5 0.5
Miles
Cartography by
June 2011
County Boundary
City or Town
L
E
G
E
N
D
Transportation
Other Road
Interstate Highway
Public Land
Hydrography
River or Stream
Waterbody
Agricultural Land
Forest Land
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
85
BACKGROUND REPORT
RECREATION + TRAILS: GEO / SPATIAL THREATS + OPPORTUNITIES
Freighthouse Square in
Tacoma can serve as a
major hub for the regions
recreation trail system and
form connections to other
communities and natural
assets in the region.
Multiple gaps in regional recreation trail system (e.g. conficts with other existing uses or landowners unable or
unwilling to provide ROW).
Freighthouse Square as a hub for the southern Puget Sound recreation trail system.
Form recreational trail corridors to other WRIAs, CPS counties/cities, & Mountains-to-Sound Greenway (connect
to Interurban Trail + Cedar River Trail).
Historic Naches Trail - a branch of The Oregon Trail that could be developed into an interpretative trail system
across the watershed.
Use trails to form interstate recreation corridors by forming connections with trails extending from Mount
Rainier National Park to areas as far as Olympic National Park and Idaho.
Multiple existing and proposed outdoor recreation lands and proposed Pierce County parks that could be
pooled together into a major recreation corridor.
N-S rail corridor to link Tacoma and Mount Rainier National Park with existing recreation trail to Tenino &
Western Chehalis Trail to Yelm.
Proposed non-motorized linkages between Steilacoom and DuPont and along I-5 that could provide recreation
trail connection between Tacoma and Olympia.
THREATS
OPPORTUNITIES
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
86
87
BACKGROUND REPORT
URBAN + COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Investmentts in open space can help organize, orient, and reinforce objectives for growth and
community development. Urban green space can help address key public health challenges by
providing opportunities for recreation and helping to improve air and water quality. Open space
can also serve as a bufer or provide protections to communities that experience more severe
impacts from natural disasters due to their location (e.g. in more afordable areas). However, open
space planning must be coordinated with planning for community development and social equity
or there can be unintended impacts such as existing communities and businesses being outpriced
and displaced or exposing people to criminal activity among parks in areas with poor criminal
enforcement.
As work proceeds on the ROSS & WOSS, it will be necessary to explore the link between open space
investments, growth and afordability, public health, social equity, and cultural heritage. As a frst step,
a charter has been established to convene a regional Equity + Social Justice Task Force to explore how
to engage all communities in the ROSS and identify specifc links between open space investments
and outcomes for diverse, underserved, and disadvantaged communities.
At the watershed scale, ROSS staf will seek input from the Puyallup Watershed Initiative Social Equity
Community Interest and will seek direction from the Puyallup-White Watershed Advisory Group
on whether to set additional convenings or individual meetings. Such interaction would involve
engagement with planners and other key staf from the cities and counties as well as key community
development organizations and development interests in the watershed to better understand
priorities for open space that reinforce growth/economic development and community development
objectives, highlight un-met needs among diverse and underserved communities, explore how to
address equity considerations such as impacts on afordability and displacement, and highlight how
the regional actions could help them coordinate or address these outcomes more efectively.
Existing interactions with partners in the watershed and known sources of data have resulted in
some preliminary identifcation of desired outcomes, threats, needs or gaps, opportunities, and
geo-spatial observations associated with the link between open space and both social equity and
cultural resource needs. This will need to be expanded to identify more precisely how open space can
reinforce urban and community development.
URBAN + COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
The next step of the
Watershed Listening Tour
will seek input from city
and county staf, health
agencies, and participants
of the Social Equity
Community of Interest to
explore the link between
open space investments,
growth and afordability,
community development,
and cultural heritage.
88
P
o
r
t o
f
T
a
c
o
m
a
Tacoma
Lakewood
Fife
Puyallup
Sumner
Edgewood
DuPont
Bonney
Lake
University
Place
Buckley
Orting
Gig
Harbor
Steilacoom
Eatonville
Roy
Wilkeson
Carbonado
South
Prairie
Ruston
Fircrest
Milton
Pacific Auburn
N
i s q
u
a l l y R
i v
e r
Little M
as hel Ri ver
M
a s he
l R i v e r
Mo wi c h R i v e r
Ni s q u a l l y
R
i v e r
C
a r b o n Ri v e r
Cl ear wat e r R
i ve r
W
hi te Ri ver
C
l ove r Cr eek
Tanwax Creek
Tahom
a Creek
H
uckleberry Creek
Voi ght Creek
South C
reek
Muck Creek
Pu y a
l l u
p
R
i v e r
Wilk es o n C
ree k
Sout h Prairie C
reek
W
h
i t e
R
i v
e
r
Whi t e R
i v e r
W
i v er
W hi t e R i v er
Kautz Creek
Muck Creek
Lacamas Creek
Murray Creek
H
or n Creek
Ohop Creek
Berg Cr eek
Lync h Creek
M
idw
ay C
re e k
B
e a v e r C
reek
Busy Wild Creek
D
e er C
reek
Rushingwater Creek
Swift River
E
vans C
ree k
Tolmie Creek
Chenius Cr eek
Lily C
reek
Copla r Creek
G
al e C
reek Frame Creek
Bear Creek
Voight Creek
McGuire Creek
South Prairi e C
reek
Fo x Creek
Kings Creek
Cayada Creek
McGuir e Creek
Saint Andrews Creek
Falls C
reek
Ranger Cr eek
Ipsut Creek
Cataract Cre ek
Mineral Creek
Byron Cree k
Lily Creek
Pi nochle Creek
Viola Creek
Pi geon Creek
Mule Creek
E
l e anor C
reek
Lost Creek
Ada Cre e k
Josephine Creek
Prospector Creek
Sunrise Creek
Minnehaha Creek
Buck Creek
D
oe Creek
Ranger Creek
Dry Creek
Deep Creek
Goat Creek
Silver Creek
Crystal C
r eek
Boundary C
reek
Kotsuck Creek
Panther Creek
Chinook Creek
Nickel Creek
Wi lliwakas Cree k
Tenas Cree k
Big Creek
Pyramid Creek
Page Creek
New Pond Creek
Old Pond Creek
Canyo n Creek
Cam
p C
reek
Twentyeight M
Lost Creek
Maggie Creek
G
r ee n
w
a
t e r R
i v
er
Flett Cr e ek
re e k
Clover Creek
C
l a r k
s R
i v
e r
R
o c
ky C
re e k
H
u g e C
r eek
C r e s c e nt C
r eek
W
h
i te R
iver
Lake
Kapowsin
Ohop
Lake
Steilacoom
Lake
Spanaway
Lake
Tanwax
Lake
Mowich
Lake

Gravelly
Lake
Nisqually
Lake Chambers
Lake
Lewis
Lake
Lake
Louise
Waughop
Lake
Surprise
Lake
Printz
Basin
Cedar
Lake
Lake
Ethel
Lake
George
Clear
Lake
Rapjohn
Lake
Cranberry
Lake
Silver
Lake
Kreger
Lake
Harts
Lake
Tule
Lake
Sequalitchew
Lake

Allen Pt.
Treble Pt.
Browns Pt.
Penrose Pt.
Pt. Richmond
Scott Pt.
Devil's
Head
Lyle Pt.
Fox Pt.
Hyde Pt.
Baldwin Pt.
South Head

C
a
s
e

I
n
l
e
t

N
i
s
q
u
a
l
l
y
R
e
a
c
h
P
u
g
e
t

S
o
u
n
d
T
h
e

N

a
r
r
o
w
s
C
a
r
r

I
n
l
e
t
Henderson
Bay
Commencement
Bay
Rocky
Bay
Fox
Island
Anderson
Island
He r r o n
I s l a n d
Ke t r o n
I s l a n d
Ra f t
I s l a n d
Wi l de r ne s s
No r s e
P e a k
Wi l d e r n e s s
Mt Baker-
Snoqualmie
National
Forest
Gifford
Pinchot
National
Forest
Glacier
View
Wilderness
Nisqually
National
Wildlife
Refuge
Pack
Experimental
Forest
E l b e H i l l s
South
Puget Sound
Wildlife Area -
McNeil Island Unit
J o i n t B a s e
?x@
?@
!"`$
?z@
?z@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?@
?z@
?@
?@
?@
?@
!"`$
?@
?@
?@
!"`$
?z@
?@
Tyee
Peak
Paul Peak
Long
Hill
Kemp
Hill
Hugo Peak
Gove
Peak
Foss
Hill
Echo Rock
Cohn
Hill
Carr
Hill
Bell
Hill
Mt.
Wow
Sweet
Peak
Noble
Knob
Davis
Hill
Burke
Hill
Brown
Peak
Blair
Hill
Anvil Rock
Tumtum
Peak
Travis
Hill
Toland
Hill
Tirzah
Peak
Mt.
Ruth
Pigeon
Peak
Miller
Hill
McCall
Hill
Marcus
Peak
Lister
Hill
Larson
Hill
Kicker
Hill
Jansen
Hill
Indian Hill
Double
Peak
Castle
Peak
Brooks
Hill
Briggs
Hill
Aurora
Peak
Seymour
Peak
Old
Desolate
Homa n
Hill
Glacier
View
Branson
Hill
Reliance
Hill
Redstone
Peak
Langston
Hill
Spar
Pole
Hill
Dobbs
Mtn.
Mt.
Beljica
Mutton
Mtn.
Mother
Mtn.
Copper
Mtn
Clear
West
Peak
Tamanos
Mtn
Cowlitz
Chimneys
Bearhead
Mtn. Old
Baldy
Mtn.
Little
Ranger
Peak
Burroughs
Mtn.
Skyscraper
Mtn.
Mt.
Rainier
Mt. Fremont
Puyallup Pt.
Castle Mtn.
Crystal Mtn.
Frog
Mtn.
Slide Mtn.
Sourdough Mtn.
Pitcher
Mtn.
Chenuis Mtn.
Crescent Mtn.
Virginia Peak
Tolmie Peak
Cayada Mtn.
Mineral Mtn.
Gleason Hill
Three Peaks
Shriner Peak
Bald Rock
Mt. Ararat
Da l l e s R i dg e
R a m
p a r t R i d g e
Cow
l i n
g Ri dge
G
o
v e r n o
r s R i d g e
Point
Defiance
Park
Lake
Tapps
American
Lake
Alder
Lake
Alder Lake
O
p
e
n

S
p
a
c
e

T
a
s
k

F
o
r
c
e
1
0
-
y
e
a
r

C
o
n
s
e
r
v
a
t
i
o
n

P
r
i
o
r
i
t
i
e
s

C
o
m
p
o
s
i
t
e
P
I
E
R
C
E

C
O
U
N
T
Y
0 1 2 3 4 5 0.5
Miles
Cartography by
June 2011
County Boundary
City or Town
L
E
G
E
N
D
Transportation
Other Road
Interstate Highway
Public Land
Hydrography
River or Stream
Waterbody
Agricultural Land
Forest Land
1
2
3
4
5
89
BACKGROUND REPORT
URBAN + COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: GEO / SPATIAL THREATS + OPPORTUNITIES
These preliminary
observations will be
augmented with data and
information from partners
working on growth,
community development,
and social equity issues
to highlight associated
regional priorities.
Key areas with high percentage of diverse populations.
Key areas with low median household income (under $38,000).
Loss of resource-based employment threatens rural communities and economies (e.g. Carbonado).
Regional opportunity mapping indicates these communities score low in health and environment indices: in
close proximity to toxic site release and/or have limited access to parks and healthy food.
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS
1
2
4
5
Historic Naches Trail - example of important cultural resources in need of mapping.
3
Puyallup-White
Watershed Open Space Strategy
May 2014
BACKGROUND AND OPPORTUNITIES REPORT
Central Puget Sound Regional Open Space Strategy (ROSS)

Puyallup-White Watershed Open Space Strategy

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Puyallup-White Watershed Open Space Strategy

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Puyallup-White Watershed Open Space Strategy

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

1

WATERSHED OPEN SPACE STRATEGY / PUYALLUP-WHITE

You might also like