ABERDEEN: The Chehalis River Council (CRC) joined with its partner non-profit organization, Friends Of Grays Harbor (FOGH), for a combined annual meeting held at the Trout Unlimited office in Aberdeen.
James K. Walls, Executive Director of the Columbia Pacific Resource Conservation and Development organization was a special guest speaker . Mr. Walls spoke on ways of blending conservation with economics. He also addressed the advantages of managing natural resources with business to satisfy the basic needs of our growing population.
Three watershed residents were recognized at the January 16th annual meeting.
Ilona Petersen, Doty, was recognized as the Annual Chehalis Watershed Award winner. Mrs. Petersen through her volunteer efforts on flooding issues has had a significant impact on the entire watershed. As a member of the Lewis County Flood Control Zone Citizen Advisory Committee , and as Chairman of the Chehalis Sub-zone Committee, she has brought new vision and new potential flood solutions to the attention of the public. The sub-zone committee has and will conduct public meeting throughout the watershed.
Karen Knutsen, Onalaska, was recognized as the CRC Volunteer of the Year for her many efforts to bring scientific knowledge to the forefront in watershed decisions. Dr. Knutsen has supported the Chehalis River Council, Friends of Grays Harbor, and the Grays Harbor Audubon Society in their concerns about sewage sludge application sites, steel mill proposals and the preservation of mitigation lands.
Bill Barmettler, Chehalis, received the Inspirational Activist Award for his efforts as a first-time activist in protection of the Chehalis Basin Watershed environment. His well-researched appeal of the Settlers' Ridge project in the Coal Creek-Salzer watershed resulted in the withdrawal of the Mitigated Determination of Significance. At this time, the outcome is not known, but it is likely to be significantly better because of Mr. Barmettler's efforts.
New officers for 1999 include: Dave Palmer (Oakville) - Chairman, Merrily Knutsen (Onalaska) - Vice Chairman, Margaret Rader (Rochester) - Secretary and Brady Engvall (Westport) - Treasurer. The Chehalis River Council presented a financial report to the membership. Over the five years the CRC has been in existence the nonprofit has managed a budget of over $300,000, the bulk of which has been spent in local watershed communities. The CRC is a membership based organization whose mission is to "promote the conservation and restoration of the greater Chehalis River Basin Resources". Membership is open to all. The CRC maintains a public library and office at 104 E. Pine, Oakville. The CRC can be reached at 360/807-0764 or by E-mail at crc@crcwater.org.
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