Friends of the East Fork

The Lewis River is endangered!

The East Fork of the Lewis River is our treasure, providing incredible scenic beauty, habitat, and a range of recreational activities. Unfortunately, the East Fork has also been stressed by population growth at the same time that it has been expected to provide profits for industrial interests. These pressures have pushed our river to the brink. In the past few years this precious resource, one of the last un-dammed rivers in the NW, was named one of the 13 most endangered rivers in America by American Rivers.

And, it could get MUCH worse.

Now the East Fork is further threatened by a proposed expansion of the Storedahl gravel mining operation at Daybreak, in the river’s floodplain. Storedahl’s current proposal would expand mining at Daybreak to include over 300 acres in the riverine (channel) migration zone. If this expansion is allowed scientists predict the East Fork will incur even more damage, including the high risk of:

Our best chance at stopping this threat to our river is coming up. On April 29th Clark County Hearings Examiner Dan Kearns will face two important decisions: Whether to allow rezoning, and whether the county can abandon its duty to conduct an independent Environmental Impact Statement by adopting a flawed EIS produced by Storedahl consultants for the federal government. The first hearing will be April 29, 7pm, at the Public Service Center, 6th floor hearing room, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver. Comments must be submitted before 1pm, April 29th. The first date will probably involve the proponents case. On May 13th the 2nd part of the hearing will be time for public comment. There will likely be a 3rd hearing date for closing arguments. That date has not been set yet.

You can help save the East Fork by commenting to Clark County and relating to these key points.

It’s easy. Just send your comments—a letter, postcard, or e-mail— letting the County know that:

1. The proposed rezone is inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan Map designation and I oppose it.
2. The proposed change is not consistent with Plan policies and locational criteria and the purpose statement of the zoning district (i.e. Project supporters must show a substantial change in circumstance since the original zoning) and I oppose the rezone.
3. The proposed rezone will not further public health, safety, and welfare of the community
–and I oppose it.
4. I oppose the Storedahl request to change zoning from agricultural to mining; and it will have an adverse impact that cannot be mitigated.
5. I support the County conducting their own Environmental Impact Study of the proposed mining expansion, to allow for the best and most comprehensive scientific information.”

Comments can be faxed to 360-397-2011.

E-mail comments to: Susan Rice: susan.rice@clark.wa.gov, or Josh Warner: joshua.warner@clark.wa.gov.

Mail comments to:

Development Services Division Clark County Community Development 1300 Franklin St. PO Box 9810 Vancouver, WA 98666-9810 Comments must include name and address and must be received before 1pm the day of the hearing.
Please, share this with friends and family. Every comment counts!