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COMMUNITY CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
BACK ISSUES--JULY 1997
Valley Avenue Improvement Project Begins
Work is underway on the Valley Avenue transportation improvement project and will
continue through the fall. The public's patience will be appreciated while portions of the
street are closed. Valley Avenue is one of Sumner's main arterials serving as a link from
SR 410 and SR 162 (Orting Highway) to the downtown area. The section of Valley Avenue
between Main and Gary Streets is being widened to 46 feet with new curbs, gutters and
sidewalks added. A new storm drainage system and a new 12-inch water main are being
installed as well. Construction started in June with the relocation of power poles.
This half-mile stretch of Valley Avenue will remain open to local traffic only during
construction. Other motorists are asked to follow the detour route, which is SR 410 east
to the next exit at 166th Avenue East, west on the Sumner-Buckley Road and north on 160th
Avenue East to Main Street. The detour route will be clearly posted. Eliminating through
traffic on Valley Avenue is enabling the contractor, Robison Construction, to conduct the
work quickly and complete the project in October. As part of the Valley Avenue project,
improvements are also being made to Meade-McCumber Road, from Valley Avenue east to 152nd
Avenue East. This road section is also being widened with new curbs, gutters and
sidewalks. This 900-foot stretch is the final section of Meade-McCumber Road to be
upgraded.
Street improvement projects are also taking place on 142nd Avenue East, 62nd Street
East, Washington Street and Graham Street. For details, please turn to page 3. People
interested in the status of the Valley Avenue project and other street projects should
call the INFO-Line at 863-0587.
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Citizens Have Voice in Street Projects
Citizens can have a voice in determining the priority of street projects in Sumner by
attending the public hearing for the City's Six-Year Transportation Plan. The hearing is
scheduled for July 21, 7 p.m. in the Sumner City Council Chambers. The Six-Year Plan lists
and prioritizes City street projects over the next six years. The Plan is reviewed and
approved annually by the City Council, with
projects added, deleted, or moved on the schedule. The current Plan for the years
1997-2002 includes 32 transportation system projects.
The public hearing is an excellent opportunity for citizens to make suggestions on
needed street improvements, since the Six-Year Plan can easily be modified after the
hearing by the City Council. City staff will present a recommended Six-Year Transportation
Plan for 1998-2003 at the July 14 City Council study session. Citizens are welcome to
review the proposed plan at City Hall. Citizens can also give input by submitting written
comments to the City Clerk or contacting the Mayor or a City Councilmember.
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City adds features to web site
Visitors continue to flock to the City's world wide web site. There were over 5,000
requests for pages on the site during the past three months. Of those visitors who signed
the guestbook, interests ranged from the school district to
relocation to Sumner, to the City's history. New features on
the site include information about the Senior Center
and its event calendar, an Arbor Day page with
forestry information, the City event calendar, and the Internet
version of the newsletter. You can access the web site at www.ci.sumner.wa.us.
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Public Works on the Info-Line
This summer will bring a lot of street construction projects. To keep you posted on the
status of these projects, we have added a section to the City's INFO-Line to include
information on construction status. The recorded message will be updated as necessary. To
access the message, call 863-0587 and enter 5.
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Mayor's Message
In a little over one week, I attended two informational workshops that addressed the
new State Welfare Reform Act and other human services issues. I also attended a
legislative review meeting of a State bill that presented the current status of affordable
housing. Another meeting was with a wonderful group of retired state employees, a
Mayor/City Council day-long retreat, and lastly a day-long symposium of river watershed
planning. With these activities and my normal duties with the City Council and staff in
mind, my subject for this newsletter will naturally review new street construction and
maintenance of existing streets.
With a two-year series of discussions behind us, a neighborhood of property owners
filed with the City a petition to form a neighborhood new street construction LID (Local
Improvement District.) If all goes smoothly, 62nd St. East will be completed soon. This
new street completes a needed link to an established street grid system. 62nd Street will
connect Parker Road and 154th Avenue in the area of the Kincaid Court retirement center
and our new Senior Center. Kudo's to those city-caring property owners who will help
construct one half of this street. City street funds will construct the other half of 62nd
St.
On the west side of Sumner, plans are being completed for mainten-ance of several
streets with a chip seal project. The upgrade of a perennial problem street that all of us
recognize - Zehnder Street - will be presented soon to the City Council. The foregoing is
just a portion of a street construction and maintenance list that should be accomplished.
City policy and money authorized by the City
Council guides all of the street issues listed.
Congratulations to the graduating Class of 1997. You make your community proud!
-Mayor Robert Moltke
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State Completes 1994, 1995 Audit Reports
The Washington State Auditor's Office completed
the audit report for the City of Sumner's 1994 and 1995 financial statements. The State
Auditor's Office identified two findings:
1. The City should retain administrative working files to support ordinances.
2. The Police Department should improve
internal controls over cash receipting.
These two matters occurred prior to 1995 and have since long been corrected by City
staff. There was no management letter issued by the State Auditor and a few exit
discussion items of minor consequence were reviewed. The overall report and oral
evaluation from the Auditor's Office, however, stated:
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The financial affairs of the City are in good condition and well managed.
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The financial reports were prepared by the City accurately and materially in compliance
with laws and regulations.
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Previous audit problems have been corrected.
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The City staff was extremely helpful and cooperative.
Further information on the City's budget, annual report, audit report, and other
financial information may be obtained by contacting the City of Sumner Finance Department.
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Patricia Bosmans is Sumner's new City Attorney
Patricia Bosmans began in March as Sumner's new City Attorney. Patricia comes to Sumner
from the City of Tacoma, where she served from
1979 in various positions, including Assistant City Attorney, Senior Assistant City
Attorney and Acting City Attorney. She is a graduate of the University of Washington and the University of Puget Sound Law School.
Patricia said she became interested in practicing law in
smaller cities after serving temporarily as acting city attorney in Puyallup. When the opening for a city attorney
came up in Sumner, she applied. "I enjoy working in a smaller city," she said.
"I feel like I can have more impact. I get involved in different types of issues.
Everything that's an issue in Sumner comes across my desk in some form."
Patricia said one of her first challenges in Sumner has been to organize and improve
efficiency in the municipal court prosecution process. She's also working with other area
cities to obtain a federal grant to establish a domestic violence program. The grant would
help provide legal assistance to victims of domestic violence with the goal of increasing
prosecutions. Patricia is Sumner's first full-time City Attorney. Previously the City
contracted with a private firm for legal services. Welcome to Sumner, Pat!
"There's certainly plenty going on here to keep me hopping," she said.
"Sumner's not the sleepy town it appears to be."
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Upcoming street improvement projects
142nd Avenue East
On the north end of the city, work is set to begin on 142nd Avenue East which serves the
north end industrial area. The project includes widening and upgrading 142nd Avenue East
and constructing a new bridge over the Stuck River at Tacoma Avenue. Later next year, the
State Dept. of Transportation is expected to begin work on a new SR 167 freeway
interchange at 24th Street East. The State also will widen and improve 24th Street East
from the freeway east to 142nd Avenue East.
62nd Street East
The City will complete a two-block stretch of 62nd Street East between Parker Road and
154th Avenue East this summer. This will provide access from Parker Road to the Sumner Senior Center and adjacent properties.
Washington Street
A new two-block section of Washington Street will be built between Valley and Graham
Avenues, just south of the Daffodil Valley Sports
Complex. The east-west section of Washington Street will link Valley Avenue and Parker
Road. This project is also funded through a local improvement district.
Graham Street
A new 1,200-foot stretch of Graham Avenue will be built from Main Street north to
Washington Street and will provide access to the Daffodil
Valley Sports Complex and adjacent subdivisions. The project is funded through a local
improvement district.
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Staff Appointments
The following people joined the City or accepted new positions from other departments
since January 1st.
Patricia Bosmans, City Attorney, Administration
Curt Cavender, Engineering Tech. II, Public Works
Mark Flaherty, Operator I, Public Works
John Fowler, Fire Chief, Fire Dept.
John Galle, Police Officer, Police Dept.
Ralph Heitt, Engineering Tech. II, Public Works
Alice Jacobson, Records Clerk, Police Dept.
Marsha McGehee, Administrative Assistant, City Attorney
Emily Nixon, Dispatcher, Police Dept.
Ken Packer, Operator II, Cemetery
George Richen, Operator II, Cemetery
Greg Schwagerl, Operator III, Public Works
John Wells, Mechanic/greenskeeper, Golf Course
Kelli Worthen, Dispatcher, Police Dept.
Teresa Bock, Project Manager, Public Works
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Citizen Volunteers Welcomed
The City relies upon a variety of citizens and experts to help plan for the future and
make Sumner a great place to live and work. Almost 50 people on boards and commissions provide input on such
issues as park equipment, street trees, the City's future development, and needs of youth.
In April of each year, the City recruits new people for these boards and commissions.
There are currently openings on the Planning
and Design Commissions and the Parks Board. If you are interested in a
particular board or commission, call the Community
Development Department at 863-8300 to get a copy of the brochure "You're
Invited". You may also send a letter to the Mayor expressing your interest. Your
letter should give some background of your experience, your interest in the issues
pertaining to the particular board or commission, and your willingness to make a time
commitment to serve your community.
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Water is much too precious to waste
Water is one of our most valuable resources - we cannot live without it. Did you know that
only 1% of the earth's water is available for drinking? 97% of the earth's water is salt
water found in the oceans and seas. 2% is locked in ice caps and glaciers. Less than 1% of
the treated water produced is actually consumed. The rest is used for agricultural,
manufacturing, communal, and personal household purposes. With drinkable water being so
limited in quantity, we should do everything possible to conserve it. Look in future
newsletters, or stop by the Utility Clerk's desk at Sumner
City Hall for tips on how to save water. Unseen or unfixed leaks can waste hundreds,
even thousands of gallons of water needlessly. A little detective sleuthing can prevent
our precious water resources from being wasted and also save you money!
Sumner's water meters register in cubic feet. One cubic foot is equal to about 7.5
gallons. To convert usage in cubic feet to gallons multiply the usage by 7.5. When billing
for water usage the City drops the last two numbers so the amount of usage seen on a
utility bill is actually in hundred cubic feet.
You Can Be a Leak Seeker with a Few Directions:
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Your meter is usually located in a concrete box with a metal or plastic
lid. A circular metal lid covers the reading lens on the meter itself.
After propping the lid open, you will see a registering device like the one
shown here.
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If you are unsure whether you are reading the right meter, call the
Utility Clerk at 863-8300 for the serial number to match against the one
stamped on the round metal lid.
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Make sure that no water is being used anywhere in or around the home.
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Check the meter reading.
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Wait for about 15 minutes.
Read your meter again. If the reading has changed, or if any of the
dials or needles have moved, you have a leak that needs attention.
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Garbage rate increase effective June 1
The City of Sumner increased garbage rates for all City residents effective June 1,
1997. The new rates increased between 2.5% to 2.7%. For example, the increase raised
residential service for one can by 30 cents, from $11.22 to $11.52 per month.
The City Council approved the rate increase after being notified that Pierce County anticipated increasing the landfill
dumping fees charged to the City's garbage hauler, Murrey's Disposal, who would pass the
increase on to its customers. The County needs additional revenue in order to close its
South Hill landfill and haul garbage to other landfills outside of Pierce County. The
amount of the increase to City customers is based on the County's earlier indication of a
rate increase. The final rate amount is being renegotiated by the County.
Pierce County has not decided on the amount of the rate increase at this point, but an
increase similar to the rate adjustment in Sumner is anticipated.
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Recycling makes sense in many ways
With landfills filling fast and garbage costs rising, it only makes sense to find ways
to reduce the garbage we generate. Recycling is an easy way to accomplish this. For most
people, it's just a matter of getting into a routine and sticking to it.
The City of Sumner offers two separate recycling programs to those residents within the
city limits. One program is for yard waste, an optional service provided at a nominal fee.
A second program is for glass, tin and aluminum, plastic, newspaper, mixed paper and
cardboard. There are many benefits to recycling. When recycled materials are used to
produce new materials, we save our limited natural resources, save energy and have cleaner
air since fewer air pollutants are emitted.
Most of the waste people generate is recyclable. People can dramatically reduce the
garbage they generate by recycling. Recycling increases the life expectancy of our
landfills and enables garbage customers to reduce the size and/or number of their garbage
containers and ultimately decrease their garbage costs. A residential 32-gallon garbage
container is $11.52 per month, while a 10-gallon container is only $5.67 per month!
We only have one earth; please don't let it go to waste. Recycle to save the
environment and your money.
RECYCLING TIPS
Glass: Paper labels need not be removed. Remove tops from whole bottles and jars
(broken glass not accepted). Metal tops can be recycled along with tin and aluminum. Rinse
clean to prevent odor and keep materials from attracting animals or insects. No window
glass, plate glass, mirrors, light bulbs, ceramics or Pyrex.
Tin & Aluminum: Remove paper labels and rinse clean. No scrap metal, hangers or
aerosol cans.
Plastic: Remove paper labels and tops and rinse clean. All plastics which have a
recycling symbol with the number 1 or 2 are recyclable Motor oil and antifreeze bottles
are acceptable, but they must be thoroughly drained.
Newspaper: Newspaper and inserts can be placed loose in a recycling bin - there is no
need to separate.
Mixed Paper: Does not have its own recycling bin. Put in a brown paper bag beside your
other recycling bins. Examples of mixed paper are: junk mail, office and computer paper,
magazines, catalogs, phone books, uncoated and unlined paperboard (cereal and detergent
boxes). Do not recycle waxed, plastic-coated, or aluminum-coated paper.
Cardboard: Corrugated cardboard consists of two layers of heavy cardboard with a ribbed
section in between. Flatten cardboard boxes and place under your recycling bins. For large
amounts of cardboard, use the recycle drop-off station across from the Sumner City Shops
at 711 Narrow.
Items which are unclean or contaminated should not be recycled.
If you are missing any of your recycling bins, or for additional information on
recycling, stop by City Hall or call Natalie, Finance Department, at 863-8300.
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Events
JULY 7
City Council Regular Meeting
7 p.m., Council Chambers
JULY 9
Park and Tree Workshop
5:30 p.m., Loyalty Park
(City Hall in case of rain)
JULY 10
Design Commission
6 p.m., Council Chambers
JULY 14
City Council Study Session
6 p.m., Council Chambers
JULY 21
City Council Regular Meeting
7 p.m., Council Chambers;
Public Hearing on Six-Year Transportation Plan
JULY 28
City Council Study Session
6 p.m., Council Chambers
AUGUST 4
City Council Regular Meeting
7 p.m., Council Chambers
AUGUST 6
Forestry Commission
4:30 p.m., Council Chambers
AUGUST 7
Planning Commission
7:30 p.m., Council Chambers
AUGUST 11
City Council Study Session
6 p.m., Council Chambers
AUGUST 14
Design Commission
6 p.m., Council Chambers
AUGUST 18
City Council Regular Meeting
7 p.m., Council Chambers
AUGUST 25
City Council Study Session
6 p.m., Council Chambers
SEPTEMBER 2
City Council Regular Meeting
7 p.m., Council Chambers
SEPTEMBER 4
Planning Commission
7:30 p.m., Council Chambers
SEPTEMBER 8
City Council Study Session
6 p.m., Council Chambers
SEPTEMBER 10
Forestry Commission
4:30 p.m., Council Chambers
SEPTEMBER 11
Design Commission
6 p.m., Council Chambers
SEPTEMBER 15
City Council Regular Meeting
7 p.m., Council Chambers
SEPTEMBER 22
City Council Study Session
6 p.m., Council Chambers
24th Annual Sumner Summer Festival
August 1 & 2, downtown
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Entertainment
Friday, Aug. 1 - Sumner Summer Arts Festival, downtown
Puyallup Valley Dance Center
Accordion Joe
Precedent
Tacoma Musical Playhouse -
"Gershwin Under the Stars"
Saturday, Aug. 2
Tacoma Musical Playhouse "Grease"
Michelle's School of Dance
M-Pact
Daneille DuBois
Heather & Shamrock
Siva Polynesia Dancers
Cimarron Dancers
JULY 13
Historic Society
Ice Cream Social
2 - 4 p.m., Ryan House Museum
AUGUST 5
National Night Out
7 - 9 p.m., Heritage Park
OCTOBER 4 and 5,
Slice of Sumner
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sumner High Stadium
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City's 1932 Fire Truck Being Restored
The Sumner Fire Department is keeping a bit of its history alive, restoring the old
1932 Kenworth fire truck that served the City for 40 years.
Today, the old fire truck is mainly for show; however, it does fulfill an important
role by carrying Santa in the annual Santa parade and transporting food in holiday food
drives. The fire truck is often seen at other community events such as the Daffodil
Parade. The Fire Department is working to transfer ownership of the fire truck to the
Sumner Historical Society so Sumner citizens will be able to enjoy this community treasure
for many years to come. The Fire Department would continue to restore and maintain the
vehicle.
For the Kenworth Company,
the old fire truck has historical significance since it was the company's first vehicle
designed to be a fire truck. Members of the Kenworth Club have been assisting in the
truck's restoration. Sumner firefighter Mike Geifer is one of several firefighters and
volunteers working on the project. He said the old truck doesn't need a great deal of
restoring. The ladders were replaced and other components need to be upgraded to their
original condition. Overall, the vehicle has been well taken care of and is in good shape.
"Cosmetically, it's beautiful," Geifer said.
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Radar wagon shows motorists their speed
Sumner motorists are getting a friendly reminder, courtesy of the Police Department, of the speed limits in
residential areas. The Police Department recently purchased a radar wagon which is being
stationed at residential locations around town where speeding occurs. As a vehicle
approaches the radar wagon, the vehicle's speed appears on the large screen. Another sign
shows the legal speed for that street, which is 25 mph in most residential areas. The
radar wagon can be left unmanned, although a patrol officer is often stationed nearby
ready to pull over speeders and issue tickets. Motorists aren't able to determine whether
or not a nearby police officer is monitoring the radar.
The Police Department says there's been an overwhelming positive response from
residents in neighborhoods where speeding has been a problem. Citizens are welcome to
contact the Police Department to request that the device be used in their neighborhood to
control speeding. The Police Department saved thousands of dollars by purchasing a
four-year-old demonstrator radar wagon over the cost of a new device. The radar wagon has
proven to be much more cost effective in controlling speeding than stationing a police
officer on the side of the road, using a hand-held radar.
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Rash of Vehicle Prowls in Sumner
Sumner experienced a rash of vehicle prowls this spring, and the Police Department urges residents to take
preventative measures including keeping valuables stored inside of vehicles out of sight
and locking the vehicle at all times.
Residents can help out by always keeping a lookout for their neighbors' vehicles, as
well as their own. If they see anything suspicious, they should call 911. Six young people
were recently arrested for vehicle prowl after a resident noticed them sneaking around a
neighbor's vehicle and called police.
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Late Night Program Offered for Sumner Teens
Teen Late Night offers Sumner area teenagers a fun and safe place to go on Saturday
nights to be with friends, listen to music and play games. Teen Late Night is free and
open to young people ages 12 - 18. The program is offered the first and third Saturdays of
the month, 7:30 - 11:30 p.m., in the gymnasiums at Sumner Junior High School. Activities
include volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, videos, music and dancing. The young people
can also play cards, board games and enjoy snacks and drinks donated by local businesses.
The program is staffed by an onsite director and chaperoned by parent volunteers. Teens
are free to leave when they want to, but they cannot come back in after they leave. The
Teen Late Night program has been conducted since last December and attracts about 50 teens
per night, although the number varies with the weather and time of year. Parents and
community volunteers are needed to help chaperone the activities. Business sponsors also
are needed. Call the Parks and Recreation Department at 863-5365 for information.
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Site Selected for Outdoor Skate Park
The City Council has decided that the new skate park will be located at the Daffodil Valley Sports Complex, thanks to support
from the Rotary Club. The skate park will provide a place for skateboarders and inline
skaters to show off their skills. It will be located near the tennis courts along Graham
Avenue with construction anticipated this summer. The complex is at the west end of
Washington Street off Parker Road. It includes tennis, basketball, volleyball, baseball,
soccer, and softball facilities. It has been built with donations from hundreds of
volunteers. The Rotary Club, which has raised over $1.7 million in donations and services
for this project, is nearing the end of the fund drive. Less than $40,000 is needed for
completion. Donations may be sent to the Sumner Rotary Club at P.O. Box 272, Sumner, WA
98390.
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East Sumner Neighborhood Plan Moving Along
The Sumner Planning Commission is wrapping up the details of a neighborhood plan for
the 200-acre area on the east side of Sumner. The study area extends from Highway 410
north to the Windmill Nursery. It also includes the Corliss gravel facility west to 158th
Avenue. The plan proposes detailed design guidelines, facility improvements, and land uses
for the area.
During the next three months, the City Council will be reviewing the plan alternatives
and working with the property owners in the area to adopt a final plan. The project is
partially funded by the State of Washington's Planning and Environmental Review Fund. The
fund was developed in 1995 to encourage the innovative use of the State environmental
regulations to encourage quality development.
Anyone interested in the East Sumner Neighborhood Plan should contact the City's Community Development Department at 863-8300.
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Park-Tree Workshop
The City will be hosting a workshop for the public to help design various parks and
street tree projects. The Forestry
Commission and Parks Board will be
hosting the event to be held on July 9 at Loyalty
Park. The workshop begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be a potluck. Anyone interested in
trees, public landscaping, or parks is invited to attend. For information about the
potluck or the agenda, call the Community
Development Department at 863-8300. In the event of rain, the meeting will move to
City Hall. Please bring your own drinks and place settings.
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City, Schools Team Up to Restore Creek
The City of Sumner and Sumner School District have joined efforts to help restore the
spawning grounds in Salmon Creek which runs through the east end of Sumner. The City is
providing funding, while the School District is providing the manpower with students from
Sumner High School science classes. The goal is for Salmon Creek to be restored over the
years to provide more spawning grounds for chum and coho salmon. The small creek runs
alongside of 166th Avenue E. (Sumner-Tapps Highway) before turning west near Sumner RV on
the East Valley Highway and joining the Stuck River.
Currently, the stream's spawning grounds are limited to
the area near Sumner RV. The conditions are perfect for spawning salmon - the water flows
swiftly and the stream bed is gravel. However, farther upstream, grass and other
vegetation have clogged and slowed the stream discouraging fish from spawning. Sumner High
School's aquatic science and biology students have worked over the past two years pulling
and trimming the reed-canary grass that in some cases has completely overgrown the stream.
The students have planted trees and other vegetation alongside the stream. Eventually the
trees and plants will overcome the grass and provide shade for the stream.
The students have cut blackberry bushes away from the stream and erected fences to keep
cattle away. The young people conduct stream water quality tests and raise salmon
fingerlings in their classroom using Salmon Creek water. When the fingerlings have grown,
they are released into the stream. The Salmon Creek restoration project is being
administered by the Stream Team, an educational organization at the Pierce County
Conservation District, partially funded by the City of Sumner. The Natural Resources
Conservation Service along with the Salmon Creek Advisory Group, made up of professionals
in fields related to the project, are supervising the work and offering guidance to the
science students.
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