Letter to National Park Service
On Continued Finley Creek Watershed
Alteration
9/20/2011
Karen and Todd
Once again, our community has grave concerns with
Olympic National Park's work in the Finley Creek channel. I know,
what's new?
Looking at the unfinished streambed of
Finley Creek one can only be deeply concerned with the future of
the structure supporting the Finley Creek bridge.
The gravel has been
excavated to the bottom of the structure which raises issues as
to the structure's future stability in a high water
event.
Excavating this gravel
will cause serious problems this winter. Olympic National
Park (ONP) has removed gravel that has supported the structure
since the bridge was put in place. I realize that rip rap is
being replaced for future support, but the base support has been
altered, and rip rap will be VERY difficult to keep in place in the
future around the bridge support.
Previous yearly maintenance, while
failing to correct the problem ONP created in 2001/2002, merely removed
gravel from the streambed. The maintenance did not do anything as
drastic as destabilizing the support for the bridge. Going
forward, this is a major concern for the Quinault Valley.
I am sure ONP has studied
the ramifications of the loss of the Finley Creek bridge. And, in
fact, they have previously studied the possibility of a "dry crossing"
for Finley Creek in the future, correct? While such
an event might be acceptable, and probably even preferred by
ONP, closure of the loop road in the Quinault Valley IS NOT acceptable
to us! Loss of the Finley Creek bridge would cause the closure of
the road for 8, 9, and sometimes 10 months out of the year.
Again, that is simply not acceptable, and we will not allow it.
I request a copy of
the Army Corps of Engineers permit, Environmental Assessment, or
whatever paperwork that ONP is operating under in doing the current
Finley Creek work.
I would also like the
paperwork on the cost of the chip-seal project at the Bunch Homestead
site.
Thank you for your time in
assisting us with our concerns.
Keith Olson
Second Letter
9/25/2011
Karen and Todd,
I/we really would like the information I
requested last week.
What would be ONP's plan should Finley Creek have water
throughout October/November? Or do you consider the job already
finished?
These are very important questions that the local
community wants and needs answered now!
I realize you both must be pretty busy, but a
moderately prompt reply would be appreciated.
Is it really necessary to turn elsewhere for this
information? Let me know in a couple days.
Thank you.
Keith
Letter to Sara Crumb (Norm Dicks), Sheila Babbs
and Kristine Reeves (Patty Murray).
9/25/2011
Sara, Sheila, and Kristine,
I am having trouble getting the Finley Creek
information from the Olympic National Park Superintendent and Assistant
Superintendent.
I realize that they are probably busy with other
important issues, but to the residents of the Quinault Valley the
Finley Creek problem is every bit as important as dam removal,
re-surfacing roads, public relations, etc.
We shouldn't have to resort to the Freedom of
Information Act to acquire these documents....... should we?
Thank you all for your help. Would a meeting down
our way be possible in the near future?
Keith
Response from Karen Gustin (NPS) after Letter to the Legislaters
9/25/2011
Hi Keith - we received your email on this issue on Sept 20 and
you will get a response this upcoming week. When we receive inquiries
about issues, we try to respond within 10 working business days.
Thks
Karen
+++++++++++++++++++
Karen Gustin
Superintendent
Olympic National Park
600 E Park Ave
Port Angeles, WA. 98362
P 360. 565. 3004
F 360. 565. 3015
Finely a response to the parks
action
HERE IS THE INFORMATION REQUESTED