July 17, 1997
July 15, 1997 OAKVILLE, WA - A coalition of organizations was formed at Oakville, Wa. The newly formed Chehalis Watershed Coalition establishes a cohesive network that will deal in a proactive manner with stewardship of the activities in the Chehalis River Basin.
The 2,600 square mile Chehalis River Basin covers most or parts of five counties (Lewis, Thurston, Grays Harbor, Pacific and Mason) and empties into the Grays Harbor estuary where it meets the Pacific Ocean.
This Coalition brings together many organizations which represent citizens and stakeholders who live, work and recreate in the basin and are concerned about the health and quality of life in the basin. Areas of interest and concern for the Coalition are flooding, pollution (of all types), wetland and floodplain filling, habitat and water resources.
Among the founding members of the Coalition are the: Critical Issues Council, FOGH (Friends of Grays Harbor), Chehalis River Council and Citizens for the Preservation of the Upper Chehalis River. Each member of the Chehalis Watershed Coalition accepts the mission of the Coalition which is:
"To establish a cohesive network that works to protect and enhance the natural resources of the Chehalis River Basin through education, stewardship and activism. Encourage responsible and environmentally sound policies. Empower basin residents and Coalition members by supporting them on critical issues, promoting cooperating problem-solving, and enforcing accountability of agencies, citizens and businesses."
Membership in the Coalition is open to established organizations and applications may be sent to the Chehalis Watershed Coalition at P.O. Box 586, Oakville, WA.
One of the first public activities of the Chehalis Watershed Coalition is to host a public meeting designed to introduce the parameters and requirements of the State Environmental Policies Act (SEPA) and how the general public can participate in the process. Department of Ecology, which has SEPA oversight, will give a presentation, and Centralia, Chehalis and Lewis County officials will also provide information on their requirements. The meeting will be held at the Lewis County Courthouse Annex, Wednesday, August 13th, 6:30 p.m. The annex is reached by taking Interstate 5 exit 77, go east about 1/2 mile. The annex is on the south side of the street. Off street parking is available in the area.
###### From: Chehalis Watershed Coalition P.O. Box 586 Oakville, Wa 360/273-6137 Contact: Dave Palmer CRC 360/273-8117 or 360/273-6137