L Liivviin ng gW Wiitth hW Weesstteerrn nW Waassh hiin ng gtto on nR Riivveerrss August 18, 2011 For Immediate Release Contact: James Wilcox: (360) 352-7988 3322 104th SteelheadSalmon@yahoo.com
New Date
Western Washington is impacted each year by increased numbers of floods and increased volumes of flood waters which together lead to catastrophic flood-related damage. This is a harsh fact that elected and appointed officials (local, state and federal), sovereign tribal nations, corporations and others impacted by these very real dangers (including loss of human lives) must take seriously in order to prevent flood-related damage throughout Western Washington. In the meantime, steep slope logging continues at an increased pace without effective enforcement of existing regulations throughout western Washington watersheds. Additionally, residential and commercial development along with increased infrastructure construction in western Washington (much of it impacting streams and rivers) continues at an unprecedented rate. These land use practices potentially place more of Washington’s citizens, businesses, infrastructure, property and publicly-owned natural resources in harm’s way especially given Washington’s unpredictable weather patterns and associated floodway changes. The time for all stakeholders to work together to develop community-supported and science-based strategies to effectively manage commercial and residential development in ways that will allow us to “Live with Western Washington’s Rivers” is upon us. The November 18, 2011, Steelhead and Salmon Conservation Society-hosted “Living with Western Washington Rivers” symposium will be held from 10:00am until 5:00pm in the Veterans’ Memorial Museum in Chehalis, Washington. The purpose of this historic event is to provide a forum for presentation of emerging policy and management goals, objectives, and information needs related to “Living with Western Washington Rivers” now and into the foreseeable future. Subject matter authorities will participate in panel discussions throughout the day. Each panel discussion will be followed by a question and answer session involving audience members. “Living with Western Washington Rivers” will be streamed live via the internet for those unable to attend in person. The symposium proceedings will also be recorded onto DVD’s for those wanting to purchase the proceedings for reference. Admission to “Living with Western Washington Rivers” is $25.00 per person. This includes the symposium with lunch and complimentary access to the Veterans’ Memorial Museum. The Steelhead and Salmon Conservation Society and the symposium sponsors look forward to this event serving as a major influence in efforts to plan appropriately for expected growth in our region; growth that is driven to some extent by our healthy rivers and other precious Pacific Northwest natural resources. ###