CLT permit approval sends wrong message

To The Eagle:

In last week's Eagle, Trudy Fredrickson submitted a letter entitled Land Trust Not Our Friend. She was commenting on the Kandoll Road CLT project where they finally succeeded in forcing landowner Raven Webb to sell her property. I was also sad to see Raven leave. But this is only the beginning.

In a recent county commissioners meeting, Mr. Dan Friesz of Columbia Land Trust admitted he was wrong on an issue regarding CLT's Indian Jack Slough, formally known as the Nelson Creek project. In 2010, he said that the project would have to be re-permitted in 2011 as their permit was to expire in 2010. Now he advised that he was misinformed as they prepare to fill more ditches and flood another 25 acres bordering Risk Road.

At today's commissioners meeting a very important precedent was set. CLT's most recent project at Mill Road was issued a free pass in road rerouting of a county road without the requirement of a bond. It seems that CLT's grant funding does not provide them with funds to secure a bond. It seems that everyone else would need this bond for approval.

At the meeting, Mr. Pete Ringen (Public Works) was asked by Commissioner Blair Brady, "Would you issue a permit for this project to anyone else without them securing a bond?" Mr. Ringen replied "No."

When it came time to vote, the permit without a bond was approved by a margin of two to one. Voting no was Commissioner Brady. With this vote, Commissioners Cothren and Marsyla by yes have sent a clear message to the citizens of this county.

Frank Loomans

Cathlamet