Living in Tacoma means being in one of the greenest states in the U.S. One of the famous symbols of the city’s commitment to a more sustainable future is the Green River Watershed, a protected area providing drinking water to over a million people in the Tacoma area. This little paradise spread out over 147 square miles, home to local wildlife and plants, is an excellent example of how humans and nature can benefit from one another.
Protecting the Watershed
In order to keep the water safe for thousands of residents, Tacoma Public Utilities ensures that this area is managed properly and kept off-limits for public access[^1^]. Only authorized personnel are allowed to conduct scientific research and routine maintenance tasks here.
As a result, the Green River Watershed is free from many of the pollutants that other bodies of water have to face. Recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing, which may introduce contaminants into the water, are strictly prohibited in the Green River Watershed[^1^]. By shielding the area from public intervention, the watershed remains a pristine, natural environment that can continue providing clean, safe water to the Tacoma area.
The Wildlife
The Green River Watershed is home to a variety of wildlife. From cougars and bobcats to black bears and deer, this protected land offers an ideal habitat for animals to thrive in[^2^]. In addition, the lands are also occupied by several bird species, including the pileated woodpecker, osprey, and winter wren. In fact, the watershed area is one of the few remaining places in Washington where marbled murrelets, a threatened species, can still be found[^2^].
The Plants
As for the green in the Green River Watershed, vast expanses of forest blanket much of the land. Old-growth forests consisting of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar provide a dense, sheltered canopy under which smaller plants and herbs thrive[^2^].
Sitka spruce and hardwood trees like red alder and big leaf maple occupy the area as well. The undergrowth is filled with a variety of ferns, mosses, and lichens, contributing to a lush, green landscape.
Tacoma’s Commitment to Sustainability
The Green River Watershed shows the city’s commitment to preserving its green spaces and supplying clean water to its residents. Another element of this commitment is the Tacoma Public Utilities’ Source Water Protection Program. This plan focuses on preventing contamination of the water supply and managing land use within the watershed. By protecting and preserving these natural spaces, Tacoma is safeguarding its water supply and helping to drive a sustainable, ecological future[^3^].
The Importance of the Green River Watershed
Without the watershed, the quality of Tacoma’s water supply would likely suffer. Watersheds play a critical role in collecting and filtering water. Any pollutants in the watershed, whether they be from human activity or natural processes, can end up in the water supply. Therefore, it’s crucial to protect these areas for the long-term health and safety of residents[^3^].
All in all, the Green River Watershed is more than just a source of water. It’s an incredible force of life and sustenance for Tacoma and its surrounding communities. By protecting this hidden gem of natural beauty, we ensure clean drinking water, a safe haven for wildlife, and a healthier, more sustainable future for us all.
[^1^]: Tacoma Public Utilities, “The Green River Watershed,” https://www.mytpu.org/water-service/about-tacoma-water/the-green-river/
[^2^]: Tacoma Water, “Wildlife in the Green River Watershed”, https://www.mytpu.org/wildlife-in-the-green-river-watershed/
[^3^]: Tacoma Public Utilities, “Source Water Protection Program,” https://www.mytpu.org/water-service/water-quality/source-water-protection-program/
