Practice Together – Environmental Action Team Presentation

On September 25 after the Service, stay around for a presentation and discussion sponsored by the OUUC Environmental Action Team.

Chehalis at a Crossroads:
Why a flood control dam is the wrong solution for flooding in the Chehalis Basin?

The Chehalis River, just south of Olympia, is the largest watershed entirely within WA State, and in most years is the most productive salmon river in the state. Plans for a “Flood Control Structure” at the headwaters upstream of Pe Ell. have been proposed. The site of the proposed dam is an important cultural site for the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation.

Lee First, Twin Harbors Waterkeeper, will present information about the Chehalis River and the proposed flood control dam. Lee will include information about recent floods, how development has affected the river’s flood plain, as well as the ongoing process by the Office of the Chehalis Basin to both address ongoing flooding and aquatic species restoration. Lee will offer information about how to learn more and how to attend public meetings about this ongoing process.

Lee has worked in the water quality field for over 30 years and has been involved in the Waterkeeper movement for almost 15 years. Along with 350 Waterkeepers around the world, Twin Harbors Waterkeeper works for fishable, swimmable, and drinkable water in the Chehalis and Willapa Bay Watersheds. Lee lives along the Chehalis River in Rochester and is an avid canoeist and kayaker.