Tacoma Power’s Nisqually River Project, which includes Alder and LaGrande dams, generates renewable, certified green power. It also provides excellent outdoor recreation and supports healthy habitat for fish and wildlife.

Tacoma Power built Alder and LaGrande dams in 1945. The original LaGrande powerhouse, built in 1912, is still in operation today. The project received another federal license in 1997.

Tacoma Power conducts numerous fisheries programs on the Nisqually River. Before LaGrande and Alder dams were built, a natural barrier that is now beneath LaGrande reservoir prevented fish from migrating upstream. Therefore, there was no need to install fish ladders at the dams.

Tacoma Power plants up to 500,000 kokanee in Alder Lake each year to provide fishing opportunities for you. Water released from LaGrande Dam enhances the habitat for the Chinook and coho salmon that spawn downstream of the LaGrande Dam.

Tacoma Power's wildlife lands surround Alder Lake and skirt the Nisqually River both upstream and downstream of the dams. Our wildlife lands total 3,500 acres and support elk, deer, wood ducks, bats and thousands of other critters that depend on high-quality habitat.

Take a look at our Nisqually Currents newsletter.