Representatives refuse to acknowledge problem

To The Eagle:

After several years of non-productive discussion with the Columbia Land Trust, Ducks Unlimited and Wahkiakum County regarding the Kandoll Farm project, the Grays River Habitat Enhancement District (a flood control and diking district), with the support of the affected landowners, has published an order of work to take corrective action to try and relieve some of the excessive, ongoing flooding and continuing damage to these people.

In response to that publication, an impromptu meeting was called by WDFW last Friday afternoon at the Kandoll Road site. In attendance were representatives from Columbia Land Trust, Wahkiakum County, WDFW, Army Corps of Engineers, GRHED, and at least a dozen local landowners, for a total of about 25 people. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the flooding and erosion problems and try to come up with some amicable solutions.

Throughout the discussion, Columbia Land Trust and its representatives still refuse to acknowledge there is a problem, while the landowners, Wahkiakum County Commissioner Blair Brady, the Grays River Habitat Enhancement District, and others can see the damage and adverse impact to private property by the cross dike from Kandoll Road to the Grays River, the raised Kandoll Dike Road, and the high velocities rushing through the two 13 foot culverts causing erosion on Seal Slough dikes.

Unfortunately Commissioner Marsyla doesn’t seem to see the obvious and commented, “I’m just a dumb girl, so you’ll have to show me.” Some folks are beginning to believe that is true, Ms. Marsyla. And if you believe your own comment, maybe you should excuse yourself from the decision making process and let those who do understand handle the decisions.

Back in November 2006, Columbia Land Trust wrote to Pete Ringen and stated they would replace three 36 inch tide gates in Seal Slough dikes for flood relief. This was never done, and was brought up again at the meeting on Friday. Columbia Land Trust has asked the Grays River Habitat Enhancement District to provide price quotes to them this week in order to get them installed. They also agreed to remove some trees in Seal Slough which seem to be directing water toward an eroding dike. Once again, the meeting consisted of denials, promises to try and find solutions, double talk and setting up more meetings.

This appears to be too little, too late for the landowners, and with the winter season predicted to be wetter and colder than normal, something has to be done. Now!

Trudy Fredrickson

Grays River