Dike district officials debate water levels

Members of Diking District 4 met August 20 to discuss the group’s future and possible elections.

Washington state law calls for an election of diking district board members every six years. However, if nobody runs, the board stays. The purpose of the diking district is so landowners within the district have a vote when it comes to district projects.

Chairman of the Board Maury Mooers said he couldn’t agree to allow use of one area to control water management which would affect other owners in the district. “They have got to have a say if they will be affected in any way,” Mooers said.

“When you are talking about running water level at five foot, or whatever you are talking about, it is going to back up across on the other side of the highway,” he said, adding that it would have a negative affect on a number of property owners.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service Project Leader Charlie Stenvall said the five foot level really wasn’t very high. He said he was aware of not being able to do anything that would affect other land owners.

Mooers said he wasn’t willing to give the refuge full say on water matters, or things that go through the dike.

“We need to be able to manage the refuge as we need to manage the refuge,” said USFWS Refuge Manager Joel David.

“Well, I need to manage my farm as I need to manage the farm,” Mooers replied. “I just don’t like the idea of having to worry about something happening.” He added he wanted things rectified before something started.

In other business, Mooers said this would be his last meeting with the district. He said he would be submitting his official resignation because of health issues.