Port district 1 considers policy

Wahkiakum Port District 1 commissioners discussed their holiday weekend reservation policy and an aquatic weed at their meeting August 12.

Jerry Bain of Longview sent a letter to the commissioners protesting the three nights minimum stay policy in place for Memorial Day, Bald Eagle Day, and Labor Day weekends. He asked that the port commissioners consider amending the policy to a two night minimum stay.

Port Manager Jackie Lea recounted past years when people had made reservations for only Saturday night of Bald Eagle Days, thus preventing people who wanted to camp for the whole weekend from reserving a spot. This lead to the generation of the policy by the port commissioners, said Lea.

The port commissioners decided against changing the policy.

Lea and Commissioner Brett Deaton reported that Puget Island resident Tom Ronne had brought to their attention the milfoil infestation visible in the marina at low tide.

Ronne suggested an herbicide that he has found effective in Welcome Slough. Lea said milfoil gets tangled in boat props and explained that the port would need a permit to apply the herbicide.

The county’s noxious weed program staff has treated the weed in the past, Lea said, and she will contact them again.

The commissioners approved the purchase and application of herbicide to treat the milfoil once the proper permits are in place.

The commissioners discussed the preliminary budget proposal for 2011 and decided to set a budget workshop for September 9.