Federal report on flood protection, Spirit Lake and sediment from Mount St. Helens

Federal agencies announced this week that monitoring of the lower Cowlitz River Valley revealed that flood protection remains well within the authorized levels established by Congress; that the risk of a breech in the debris flow currently blocking Spirit Lake is not of any concern (1:200,000 probability); and that the raise in the sediment plain planned for this summer above the Sediment Retention Structure (SRS) near Kid Valley has been delayed by a year. Plans to replace and improve the intake structure of the tunnel serving as the outlet to Spirit Lake are still scheduled for this year, as well as scientific measurements of the debris flow stability. Limited public use of the Spirit Lake access road may be established on weekends during research and maintenance work. Monitoring of flood levels occurs each year between mid-July and August.

Speaking to a group of 70 workshop participants from nearly all local government agencies dealing with continuing impacts of the 1980s eruptions of Mount St. Helens, Gordon Grant from the U.S. Forest Service, Jon Major of the U.S. Geological Survey, and Valerie Reingold of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) shared these findings based on monitoring of the lower Cowlitz after funding was restored last year by Congress after a four-year lapse. The workshop, held at the Cowlitz County Event Center, was also open to members of the public, as well as students from Lower Columbia College.

The one-year delay will provide agencies an opportunity to protect newly emerging clearwater “wall” creeks for salmon hatchlings, also called “fry.” Linking salmon-bearing creeks to pockets of natural spring water and rainfall, the wall creeks have begun to emerge where the valley floor meets adjacent hillsides, as the Corps sediment management plans have built up elevations toward the center of the North Fork Toutle River valley floor.

Noted world expert on sediment management, Dr. Colin Thorne, professor emeritus from the University of Nottingham, England, explained that these new connecting creeks have become “havens for a rich diversity of natural growth, especially now that beaver have discovered them and constructed dams and ponds.” The salmon use these ponds to winter-over and grow stronger before venturing out into the North Fork.

Fish recovery advocates have been frustrated for years with the poor survival rates of salmon collected below the SRS and transported to historically abundant fish-rearing streams above that 30-story SRS. The turbidity of the North Fork Toutle has been lethal to new salmon fry whose gills are so tiny that the sediment in the waters literally suffocates most of them.

The scientific study of the Spirit Lake Debris Flow is being conducted by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. As Justin

Rittsger of the Reclamation Bureau described, there will be a series of holes drilled in various locations across the flow into which seismic sensors will be lowered to detect sound shockwaves sent through layers of deposits. The data collected will inform researchers of the stability of the flow. Ultimately these tests could eventually lead to construction of an overland outlet for Spirit Lake.

While the North Fork Toutle remains extremely dynamic, thwarting many fish restoration efforts, fish biologist Bryce Crayne reported that the South Fork with lower levels of sediment flow is a prime location for more successful salmon recovery efforts. Crayne works for the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group (LCFEG) and reported on a $30 million recovery plan for the entire South Fork watershed, including carving out new side channels and installing large woody-debris structures.

In addition to sediment management, flood control, and fish recovery, the workshop also focused on the uneven economic, cultural, and recreational recovery of the area. Mark Smith, owner of Eco-Park, a private camping and tour company near the SRS, outlined how the number of tourists visiting to the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument has steadily declined since peaking at over six million annual visits in the early 1990s to barely 250,000 last year. The number of visitor centers has declined from six to only two. Smith pointed out that the $3.27 per visitor the U.S. Forest Service is able to spend each year on running the monument pales in comparison to what the National Parks Service spends at other national monuments and parks. However, one major development opportunity is beginning to take shape: the Mount St. Helens Institute’s Coldwater Ridge Lodge and Outdoor School facility. The Institute’s Alyssa Hoyt shared that the group has received a 30-year lease from the U.S. Forest Service for utilizing the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center, shuttered in 2008, as an outdoor school for area schools and for overnight lodging for other visitors, including RV and tent camping. A key partner with the Institute is the Cowlitz Tribe, who contributed a planning assistance grant of nearly $1 million.

Cowlitz County played an important role in the workshop. Adam Trimble, senior long-range planning specialist, gave presentations on the county’s Comprehensive Land-use and Flood Hazard Management Plans. Jim Mallet, county vegetation specialist, shared his plan for containing sediment near Toutle Park Road (LT1) through soil amendments and in lieu mitigation. Darcy Mitchum from the county Parks and Recreation Advisory Board gave an update on the County’s Parks Plan, advocated for increasing public access in the rivers systems; and urged an inter-agency planning collaborative. “There are many trails in the

Thinking about hosting Business After Hours in 2024? Contact us at 360-423-8400 or email ksisson@kelsolongviewchamber.org

January 10: Total Employment and Management (TEAM)

February 21: Three Rivers Law Center

March 29: Building Bridges Business & Tourism Expo

April 11: Cowlitz Wahkiakum Legal Aid

May 16: Foster Farms 25th Anniversary Celebration

June 13: Stewart Title

July 11: Mary Cranston, LLC

August 8: Cowlitz Indian Tribe

September 12: Northwest Enforcement

October 10: Edward Jones - Roy Gawlick

November 14: Windermere Northwest Living

December 12: Holiday Mixer

Commissioners from page 23

Monument that the public cannot even get to,” she explained. I also attended.

Other interesting topics discussed included reintroducing lamprey in the area rivers and streams; sophisticated hi-tech use of drones for mapping and analysis of restoration efforts; floodplain by design; expansion of broadband services; and assistance from the Corps, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Department of Natural Resources to obtain grants and technical advice.

The workshop was held by the Spirit Lake/Toutle/Cowlitz River Systems Collaborative which consists of the Yakima Nation and the Cowlitz tribe; the USACOE, USFS, USGS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service; the Washington State Departments of Ecology, Fish and Wildlife, and Natural Resources; Cowlitz County agencies, including Building and Planning, Roads and Engineering, Conservation District, Public Utility District, four Diking Districts, the Port of Longview and the cities of Longview Kelso, and Castle Rock. Representatives from Gov. Jay Inslee, U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, as well as US. Rep. Marie Glusenkamp Perez also participate. The Collaborative was formed in 2020 following recommendations from the National Academy of

Science, Engineering and Medicine and is facilitated by the William D. Ruckelshaus Center and the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments. The workshop was underwritten by WFDW.

Longview from page 22 perseverance and commitment to the City of Longview. Happy birthday JH Kelly!

• City of Longview parks department has outdone themselves again! Scheduled for April 23, the first annual Rainier to Longview 10K Bridge run. Starting at Rainier City Park, in Rainier, Ore., over the “Longview Bridge” built in 1929, AKA “Lewis and Clark Bridge”, to Martin’s Dock at Lake Sacajawea. This bridge run is open to all ages. Dust off your running shoes and get ready for this run!

Let the sunshine in Longview friends! Share it with others and see what grows.

Building Bridges

Hosted by Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce

We closed out March with our annual Building Bridges Business and Tourism Expo, plus Business After Hours at the Cowlitz County Event Center. Thanks to our sponsors, it was free to attend. Summerland Catering Services provided great food and drinks with attention to every detail. Exhibitors made new connections, held contests and games and gave away great prizes. If you missed it, we missed you!

Networking

Delicious food & beverages Raffles

Business After Hours

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Opportunities to purchase raffle tickets for spectacular prizes! 5:30 to 7:30 pm

News and events come from our website, press releases, and public information shared with us. To see more visit kelsolongviewchamber.org

Swanson takes helm as city manager

Kristina (Kris) Swanson took the helm as Longview’s city manager March 1.

Although Swanson was appointed by the city council in November, it was not official until Kurt Sacha’s retirement. Sacha’s final day was February 28 after 45 years of dedicated service.

Swanson is Longview’s sixth city manager and first female in this role. She has been employed with the City since March 2020, where she started as administrative services director. In July 2022, she was promoted to assistant city manager. Prior to joining the City of Longview, Kris served 2.5 years as the director of operations for the Washington State Auditor’s Office and 26 years in the Cowlitz County Auditor’s Office, where she began her career and was subsequently elected to five terms as Cowlitz County auditor.

“I’m very honored to be selected by the City Council to serve as Longview’s city manager,” said Swanson. “It is an incredible opportunity to lead a dedicated and talented team in this great city. I look forward to collaborating with the Council, staff, residents and the business community as we continue to lead Longview in a positive direction.”

“Kris’ extensive experience in public service at the city, county, and state level, combined with her success driven leadership and collaborative skills are an exceptional combination for the City,” states Mayor MaryAlice Wallis. “What a fantastic opportunity for the City of Longview and Council to work together with manager Kris Swanson.”

Longview police chief graduates from FBI national academy

Chief Robert Huhta graduated as a member of the 285th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., March 16. The 285th session class consisted of 247 law enforcement officers representing 47 states and the District of Columbia, 28 countries, four military organizations, and five federal civilian organizations. Huhta is the first officer in the department in more than 20 years to complete this program. Nationally, fewer than 1 percent of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.

Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers 10 weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as

For more News & Events, see page 31

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professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and usually return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.

“Chief Huhta is a highly respected leader in our organization who has demonstrated commitment and professionalism throughout his service to the City of Longview,” Longview City Manager Kristina Swanson said. “His participation in the FBI National Academy will significantly benefit the Longview Police Department. We are very proud of Chief Huhta’s accomplishments and grateful for his continued exemplary service to the citizens of Longview.”

Huhta has served as the chief of the Longview Police Department since December 2020. He began working for the department in 1996 as a college cadet. He has been a community services officer, reserve officer, officer, detective, sergeant, and captain.

“I am grateful for this phenomenal experience at the National Academy. Over the ten weeks,” Huhta said. “I was able to network with an incredible group of law enforcement leaders from around the world. We had robust discussions regarding the challenges facing our profession and the community. As leaders it is important to continuously seek learning opportunities. I am thankful for the support of my family, the department, City of Longview, and the FBI to allow me this opportunity.”

Easter spending anticipated to break sales records at $24 billion

Written By Washington Retail | Inside Washington Retail

The upcoming Easter holiday is expected to bring in recordhigh spending, with consumers planning to spend $24 billion this year. This is a significant increase from last year’s spending of $20.8 billion and the previous record of $21.7 billion in 2020. According to a recent survey, 81 percent of Americans plan to celebrate Easter this year, with average expected spending of $192.01, the highest amount on record. Consumers are planning to spend on various categories for the holiday, including candy ($3.3 billion), gifts ($3.8 billion), food ($7.3 billion), clothing ($4 billion), flowers ($1.8 billion), decorations ($1.7 billion), and greeting cards ($1.1 billion).

Most consumers plan to participate in Easter-related activities, such as cooking a holiday meal (56 percent), visiting family and friends (50 percent), attending church (43 percent), or planning an Easter egg hunt (34 percent). Most consumers plan to buy Easter gifts from discount stores (54 percent). Others plan to shop at department stores (42 percent), online (33 percent), local and small businesses (22 percent), and specialty stores (20 percent).

The survey predicts consumers aged 35 to 44 to increase their spending more than any other group.

For those celebrating the holiday, tradition is the most significant motivator for shopping (63 percent), followed by social activities with family and friends (31 percent), sales or promotions (29

State of Education

Chris Bailey, president of Lower Columbia College, presented the latest LCC news at our Quarterly Membership Luncheon in March. He also informed guests about what's next for the local college, including a world-class, 46,000-squarefoot vocational building. Guests were greeted by Chamber Ambassadors, enjoyed lunch catered by Hop-n-Grape and amenities provided by Specialty Rents.

percent), store displays or decorations (23 percent), and exclusive or seasonal products (20 percent).

Longview Parks plans April events to coincide with Earth Day

• Earth Day Celebration, April 29. This is a free event at Hemlock Plaza, Lake Sacajawea, from 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Bring the family and enjoy the day experiencing reptiles, a climbing rock wall, birds of prey, recycling, music, and hands-on exhibits.

• Kid’s Fish In, April 29. There are a few spots left to come fish. Tickets go fast and may be already sold out. The fishing area will be netted with over 2,500 trout. Each participant will receive a lunch, a goody bag, and a rod and reel to keep! Tickets are $10/ child. Children must be age 5-14. Preregistration required!

• Community Garden Registration. Plots are still available for new gardeners! Spaces is limited to two plots per family at 32nd garden, 10-foot x 40-foot plot, $46; 20-foot x 40-foot plot, $70. One box per family at Victoria Freeman, 5-foot x10-foot garden box, $25.