Port 1 was ready for springer season

Wahkiakum County Port 1 Board of Commissioners held a brief meeting last Thursday, where they heard reports and authorized the manager to sign some documents.

Commissioners authorized Port 1 Manager Todd Souvenir to sign boundary line and utility easement agreements with the Town of Cathlamet regarding their respective properties in the old sewer ponds.

The matter was settled before Souvenir became manager, but the port has been waiting for the paperwork from the Town of Cathlamet, he later explained.

Souvenir said that the new sewer system continues to work well. The port recently had the lift station pumped and cleaned and several items were removed, including a couple t-shirts, which somehow made their way through the system.

“There were no issues, just doing a yearly maintenance, cleaning it up,” Souvenir said.

Springer season was extended four extra days, and according to the manager’s report it was a great month for the marina. More than 70 people participated in the Hook the Hawg fishing derby, but only six fish were weighed. Souvenir said fishing wasn’t very good, but everyone had a great time.

Salmon seasons were announced for summer and fall, from June 16 to July 31 and from August 1 to September 4, respectively.

Administrative Assistant Mackenzie Jones is getting ready for the return of the farmers market. She’s still looking for vendors for the season, which begins May 26 and ends September 1. For more information, check the Elochoman Slough Marina website.

She’s also working on bringing back vouchers for seniors to purchase produce, but they won’t be available until June 1.

So far, five vendors have signed up for the market. It’s too early for produce, but three local farmers have been certified to receive vouchers, Jones said.

Trunk sales will no longer coincide with the weekly event.

Commissioners praised staff for all the work that was completed at the marina before springer season.

“It looked like the marina operated well with all the work that’s been done. I think a lot of people were happy. I got a lot of comments,” Commissioner Deaton said

"I think all across the board, everyone who works there should be proud of what they’ve done in the last few months to get that riverfront up and going in time. Great job,” Commissioner Scott Anderson added.

According to the financial statement from March, the port’s showed a net cash decrease of $27,949.18, with $53,877 spent on capital outlay.

“Hopefully it will be a little better next month,” Deaton said.