Tacoma Power owns thousands of acres of land as part of its hydroelectric projects that have been set aside for fish and wildlife habitat.

At the Cushman Hydro Project, Tacoma Power purchased approximately 800 acres near the Skokomish River delta. This property is often referred to as the Nalley Ranch. This previously diked estuary was partially restored to tidal wetlands in 2007. The remainder of the property is scheduled to be restored in 2009 and will provide new habitat for a variety of plant, fish and wildlife communities.

On March 7, 2008, Tacoma Power increased the amount of water released into the North Fork Skokomish River. Previously, 60 cubic feet per second (cfs) were released from the lower dam, Cushman Dam No. 2.

Currently, Tacoma releases 240 cfs or matches the volume of water coming into the two reservoirs and releases that amount. These increased flows will provide more habitat for the many salmon species that rear and reproduce in the Skokomish River.

Watch for more great things to come from the Cushman Hydroelectric project.