Schuster Slope: Cleanup crew needed for 16-acre open space area

It’s a dirty job, but somebody has to do it.

The City of Tacoma is looking for a contractor to clean up Schuster Slope, the 16-acre hillside open space area just north of Interstate 705 and overlooking Schuster Parkway.

According to bid documents prepared by City of Tacoma Environmental Services Department staff, it won’t be an easy task. The contract calls for tearing down transient camps and legally disposing of hazardous materials that could include household debris, human waste, bodily fluids, syringes, gasoline and diesel fuel containers, propane tanks, and used batteries.

The bid deadline expires at 11 a.m. on Fri., Sept. 19. Once a contract is awarded, the work is expected to begin within two weeks, and last approximately two weeks for a two-person crew working full-time. More information is available online here.

In July, the City of Tacoma and Metro Parks Tacoma hosted a public open house to discuss a management plan for Schuster Slope. The two organizations have entered into an agreement that aims to determine how Schuster Slope can serve the community through the fostering of volunteer stewardship, quality vegetation, and natural resource management plans. The undeveloped area provides important environmental benefits, such as managing stormwater, providing wildlife habitat, and protecting water quality. During the open house this summer, Tacoma residents shared their ideas related to Schuster Slope’s vegetation, slope stability, forest stewardship, public access, safety, views, and passive recreation.

Looking ahead, the City of Tacoma and Metro Parks Tacoma are expected 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.