The
Finley Creek Disaster
The crux of the matter reverts
back to the Finley Creek Disaster wherein our investigation led by the
late Keith Olson* uncovered the fact that they: the national park (ONP)
had
illegally (with improper and then later, with an expired permit)
created and executed conditions that caused the mouth to relocate
upstream approx. 1/2 mile. This was not just a simple mistake. As
we learned with
elementary hydraulics, this result was entirely predictable. This chain
of events clearly indicates a CRIMINAL ACT (because of subsequent
damage including the loss of the Daniels home.) surrounding this bridge
grading had occurred regardless of intent. The new alluvial fan
that was being created was evidence with rock deposited from the
Finley.
Back at the bridge where the change began: the permits did
authorize
rock removal and contouring to protect it. It did not permit changing
the
water course nor completely blocking off the old channel causing Tabor
slough; another marvelous fish- bearing habitat/wetlands area to dry
up. Local legend says it was done to protect a small park storage area
with
a small building of little value! More likely it was done to avoid
installing a proper bridge. During this time (2001) a replacement
bridge was installed. What also occurred was a change in designation of
the park into wilderness (1988). The boundary runs right through the
spot that must be altered to direct the flow properly through a proper
bridge to restore Finley Creek, the western fan and Tabor Slough.
We were told to get that permit requires a change in law and
that was
next to impossible. After all, it took 5 years to get the Col. Bob
permit and we never did get to clean-up the blow down behind the fire
station (our back yard). Yet now, to build a web of roads forever
altering this valley from the way it was found and preserved
by the settlers who we also are being told ruined it? They say it
will be a piece of cake for them with the tribal connection and new
fast track legislation! For the prospect of fish that may never return?
The idea is preposterous. Fix what is broken. That is all (us
taxpayers) can afford.
The fish numbers tell the story. They dropped to almost nothing
following the collapse of these wetlands. They have not recovered
because they cannot.
We want to see Finley Creek and Tabor Slough along with a
properly restored
western lower fan. We deserve a statement from the park about what
occurred. We want the old channel on the Quinault reopened to mitigate
the threat of flooding we still face. We dont want to see the water
rammed unaturally down the eastern fan. We dont want to see park
expansion at all. There are proposals to completely reshape the area
and we are not being included in the planning.
