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The Aftermath of Chehalis River Basin Floods

By Pete Holm

Since the December floods, the Chehalis River basin has been in the news. It is, after the Columbia, the second largest watershed in the state. The flood and its aftermath have fueled a movement to "do something" to control the river and prevent future losses to the citizenry. An ad hoc group, "One Voice," is actively pursuing the creation of a basin-wide flood-control district, and they have the vocal support of the Centralia Daily Chronicle.

While establishment of a flood-control district may be appropriate, clearly not all proposed efforts to control the river would be good for the environment. For example, there is talk of dredging and of dam building in the upper watershed. At the same time, it can safely be predicted that reasonable measures such as ceasing filling and development in the floodplain, appropriate management of timber harvests, and strict stormwater regulations will get little support from well-entrenched local development interests who have great influence over the local governments.

There are two small all-volunteer organizations in the Chehalis Basin that are devoted to protecting the natural resources of the watershed. These are the Chehalis River Council (CRC) and the Chehalis River Basin Land Trust (CRBLT). CRC members will be attending meetings, speaking out, writing letters to the editor, drafting comment letters, and representing an environmental perspective in all the great and small ways these matters must be addressed at the local level. Among other things, the CRBLT will continue to pursue protecting sensitive lands through holding conservation easements and fee-simple ownership and restoring riparian vegetation, often in partnership with other groups. Both organizations have a recognized presence and credibility in the community and established links with other organizations and agencies active in the basin. These groups need more horsepower, and you can help!

How much more could be done, for example, if they shared a half-time office manager? They already share an office at 417 North Pearl Street (Carpenter's Hall) in Centralia.

Both organizations have websites, the Chehalis River Council at http://www.crcwater.org/ and the Chehalis River Basin Land Trust at http://www.chehalislandtrust.org. Please contact the Land Trust at chehalislandtrust@yahoo.com for information on how you can become a member, volunteer, or make a donation.

Pete Holm, a 1956 graduate of Rochester High School, has lived most of his life on a farm located at River Mile 9 on the Black River. He is a board member of both the Chehalis River Council and the Chehalis River Basin Land Trust. He retired from service with the State of Washington in 1999.


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Updated 2015/01/07 21:14:22