Restoration History

Over 99% of the original 6,100 acres of mudflats and marshland in Commencement Bay have been destroyed by pollution or development. Although a majority of the historical estuarine habitat in Commencement Bay has been lost, significant efforts have been put forth in recent years to restore critical aquatic areas and protect what habitat remains. Since 1991 CHB has been progressively working towards the goal of restoring 10% (610 acres) of the natural mudflat/salt marsh habitat of Commencement Bay. To date, 260 acres of critical shoreline, riparian, intertidal and shallow sub-tidal aquatic habitat has been restored or set aside for restoration in 29 separate sites ringing the Commencement Bay shoreline. However, without regular stewardship and monitoring, these restoration sites will likely degrade over time.

The Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Trustees act on behalf of the public to restore and protect coastal and marine resources by identifying resource damage and determining the best course of action to restore those resources. Under the Trustees guidance CHB has had the monitoring and maintenance responsibilities of 5 NRDA restoration sites on Commencement Bay since 2000. CHB works in conjunction with the City of Tacoma and the Port of Tacoma to help create and sustain restored habitat by increasing native vegetation, removing debris, controlling invasive species and other activities with its active membership and volunteers.

Restored habitat and community stewardship in Commencement Bay is critical particularly in our urban environment. Several migratory species from birds to fish use this habitat as stopovers. Salmonids migrating to the ocean from the Puyallup River, Hylebos Creek and other streams feeding into Commencement Bay need places to rest, feed and gain size before continuing. Through the Adopt-A-Wildlife Area Habitat Stewardship Program CHB matches volunteers to a specific site for intensive site management. CHB has fought hard to clean up, restore and protect Commencement Bay and that fight continues today.