Grays Harbor Oyster Growers
3714 Oyster Pl. E.
Aberdeen, Wn. 98520
March 27, 1998
Mr. Brian Walsh
S.W. Regional Office
Department of Ecology
PO Box 47775
Olympia, Wn.
98504-7775
Re: Citizen involvement and the Chehalis Basin Council (CBC).
Dear Chehalis Basin Council,
The Grays Harbor oyster growers have concerns about the make-up of the CBC. We are a water quality regulated industry and we use the water that others upstream have used before us. In recent years we have looked for citizen organizations that would help us make the case for balancing water quality and economic development needs.
It is our belief that if this balance can be achieved then all basin community members will be winners over the long haul. We also believe that in order for positive change to take place each and every member of every watershed should have direct access to the decision making process. In problem solving partners make better decisions and are more creative than subjects.
The present make up of the Council excludes the citizen element that will make its efforts effective. As an example the CBC has one elected official from Grays Harbor County on the Board. His responsibility must stretch over 5 major subbasins and numerous streams that discharge to the Chehalis River Basin. It is inconceivable that one person could focus much attention to Chehalis Basin responsibilities in addition to the normal work load of a County Commissioner. It has been noted in past CBC meetings and in the local press that river dynamics and flood control may be a major focus of this group. It has been reported that inter- governmental agreements have been reached for engineering work related to the Chehalis River Basin. Projects of this magnitude will have the potential of changing the lives of all those who call the Basin home.
If major changes are coming to the Basin, citizens will have to be educated and issues fully discussed to let them know what the pluses and minuses are. If they don't have a good grasp of why change is needed they may be obstructionist in their attitudes and behavior. This certainly would not help the river. If asked there are groups available to link with the citizens. Chehalis River Council, Citizens For The Protection Of Upper Chehalis, River Keepers Society, Friends of Grays Harbor, Sierra Club and Critical Issues Council to name a few. Thank you for listening to our concerns.
Blaine Braun
Brady Engvall
Co-Chairs
Grays Harbor Oyster Growers Association
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