Get Involved

We are helping Puget Sound recover by bringing together diverse groups and communities and applying local knowledge and expertise to the many challenges facing the Puyallup-White River Watershed (WRIA 10) on its path to recovery. 

In December of 2018, the Puyallup River Watershed Council was recognized by the Puget Sound Partnership as the sponsor for the Puyallup-White River Local Integrating Organization (PWR-LIO). In 2019-21, we developed and adopted an Ecosystem Recovery Plan for our watershed which encompassed five focus areas identified by LIO stakeholder groups including salmon, estuaries, floodplains, stormwater, and water quality. In 2021 we began working with PWR-LIO partners and Near Term Action owners to implement the plan, which serves as a catalyst for the recovery of the Puyallup-White River watershed, and thereby Puget Sound. In 2022, additional funding was secured through the National Estuary Program to develop a mapping tool and online portal for the ERP. With updates to the 2022-2026 Action Agenda, we are moving away from Near Term Actions but continue to focus on using the Ecosystem Recovery Plan to inform iterations of the Action Agenda for Puget Sound Recovery.  

Tom Kantz served as the interim chair in 2018-19 when the body was forming. In April 2019, Allan Warren was elected Chair of both the PWR LIO as served for three years. Cindy Haverkamp is the current Chair of the PWR LIO. Current participation includes: City of Tacoma, City of Sumner, Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, Pierce County, Pierce Conservation District, King Conservation District, Trout Unlimited, WSU Washington Stormwater Center, Puyallup Watershed Initiative, Forterra, Rainier and Tahoma Audubon Societies, and residents. We are coordinating closely with the Puyallup and Chambers Watersheds Lead Entity for Salmon Recovery. Participation is open to all.