The City of Tacoma and Metro Parks Tacoma will host an open house this month to gather public input and weigh the various interests that need to be considered as part of a plan to manage Schuster Slope — a slice of undeveloped open space that has primarily been left in a natural, undeveloped state, yet still provides important environmental benefits, such as managing stormwater, providing wildlife habitat, and protecting water quality.

The City of Tacoma and Metro Parks Tacoma have entered into an agreement that aims to determine how the needs of the community can be served by Schuster Slope and other select open spaces through the fostering of volunteer stewardship, quality vegetation, and natural resource management plans. The partnership will work to address Mason Gulch next year, plus volunteer and maintenance assistance in Wapato Hills and Julia’s Gulch. Metro Parks Tacoma already manages approximately 2,000 acres of open space and natural areas.

The Schuster Slope Open House will be held on Weds., July 16, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., at the Landmark Convention Center’s Rooftop Garden Room, located at 47 St. Helens Ave., in preparation for the creation of a natural resource management plan. Visitors will be encouraged to share their ideas related to Schuster Slope’s vegetation, slope stability, forest stewardship, public access, safety, views, and passive recreation.