As a substitute of eradicating some or all the ponds, Dykeman stated there are different methods to make them extra appropriate for salmon and different fish.
“I would like them to retain the pond, not necessarily as it is, but improved,” he stated. “The main argument is that the water temperature increases enough so that when it dumps into Salmon Creek, it raises (the water temperature) to where the fry can’t survive. There’s a lot of different arguments you could posit.”
Dykeman additionally stated the householders affiliation owns a number of small parcels of land that embrace elements of these ponds. He’s undecided how the county plans to work round that. Dykeman stated he’s spoken with different residents within the neighborhood concerning the restoration plans. He stated the primary situation is the attainable removing of the strolling paths, that are often used, however many others are against filling within the ponds space.
“A lot of folks are against the idea of filling it in, even the people who don’t have a view of it,” he stated.
The county is partnering with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe on the venture. Together with restoring fish habitat, objectives for the venture embrace eradicating fish passage boundaries and enhancing alternatives for strolling, birdwatching, fishing, picnicking, and cultural and environmental training.
Ross Hoover, division supervisor for the county parks division, stated the ponds pose a big problem to salmon well being as a result of they circulate straight into Salmon Creek.
“The water that’s coming out of those reservoirs is at a higher temperature than the creek is itself, which is not conducive to salmon rearing. For the salmon spawning that happens in the creek, there are detrimental effects to the current state. We’re losing salmon in its current state,” Hoover stated.
The planning section for the venture, which started final 12 months, was made attainable via grant funding the Cowlitz Indian Tribe obtained from the Salmon Restoration Funding Board.
Residents hoping the location will retain its former parklike setting with manicured grass and well-maintained cart paths possible gained’t be pleased with the county’s plans.
“The goal from the beginning of this project was to take this amazing space and ensure that we’re returning the property to its natural state, improving it — in particular for salmon, fish habitat, waterway and creek health, floodplain resiliency, and fish passage,” Hoover stated.
Whereas the restoration plan is predicted to be finalized by 2026, a timeline for development will likely be decided later as funding for the venture is secured.
Hoover stated this week’s open home will likely be an incredible alternative for residents to be taught extra concerning the venture, the county’s plans for the pure space and, most significantly, present suggestions on these plans.
“We want to get people’s take on that. We also want to hear about picnic shelters, the design of picnic shelters, the look and feel of the site, what types of plantings we might put on the site, play structures and nature play and what people prefer in terms of nature play,” Hoover stated.
