HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources April 22 20141
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
April 22, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Barry Buchanan called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. in the
Council Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(9:33:51 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer, Sam Crawford and Barry Buchanan.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Ken Mann, Rud Browne, Barbara Brenner, and Pete Kremen.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1. INTRODUCTION OF THE WASHINGTON CONSERVATION CORPS CREW AND
PRESENTATION OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
(A132014 -051A)
John Thompson, Public Works Department, gave a staff report.
Erika Douglas, Public Works Department, gave a staff report and described projects
that the crew has worked on.
Darryl Gray, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) Program Manager,
submitted and read from a presentation (on file). He described how the crews are staffed
and projects that the crew has worked on. Funding is available from State Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in addition
to federal money that goes through to the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).
Zach Shirk, Washington Conservation Crew Supervisor, introduced this year's crew
members.
(9:49:39 AM)
Brenner asked and there was discussion of where they're working on the Deer Creek
fish passage project in 2014.
Kremen stated he appreciates the Conservation Corps Crew and all the work the
members do. They are effective and efficient. It's money well- spent. He hopes to continue
funding the program.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether there is a demand from
applicants to be on the crew, the cost share match amount, and whether anyone tracks how
much money is leveraged.
Natural Resources Committee, 4/22/2014, Page 1
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Brenner asked and there was discussion of how they get the word out to the
community about the Conservation Corps Crew and the crew's response when people call to
ask for information or help.
Thompson stated this is a great crew and a great program. He appreciates Council
support.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION OF WHATCOM COUNTY LANDSLIDE HAZARD AREAS AND RISK
MANAGEMENT (AB2014 -169) (9:57 :16 AM)
Dan McShane, Stratum Group, submitted a handout of photos (on file) and described
the recent landslide in Oso, Washington.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether Glacier is in a hazardous area.
The following staff spoke and answered questions:
• Paula Cooper, Public Works Department
• Roland Middleton, Public Works Department
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether being on a landslide deposit
means the landslide event has already happened and the area is safer, the landslide history
at the Oso location, whether landslides can be prevented with good soils and planted trees,
and how a failure occurs below the trees.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of a possible landslide hazard on
Chuckanut Mountain, presenting risk to homes below; whether the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) will do property buyouts for landslide areas in addition to flood
buyouts; and whether they have mapped all the residences in potential at -risk landslide
areas.
Mann asked and there was discussion of whether there is risk at Columbia Valley on
the scale of the Oso landslide.
Browne asked and there was discussion of a large landslide near Hope, British
Columbia. He agrees that the County geographic information system (GIS) data made
available on the website can be improved. He asked the Public Works Department to come
up with the best technology to make that information available to the public. He asked and
there was discussion of how the geologic risk would change if there were a major
earthquake and of the small rock slides on Chuckanut Drive.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether science is good enough to
provide early warning indicators.
(10: 31:22 AM)
John Thompson, Public Works Department, submitted and gave a presentation (on
file) and described recent geologic activity and the status at various hazardous areas around
Whatcom County.
Natural Resources Committee, 4/22/2014, Page 2
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Kremen stated the earthquake potential accentuates the possibility of major events
in Whatcom County. He stated prioritize as best as possible the most hazardous areas to
health and human safety. He asked and there was discussion of the staff's prioritization
process and their progress. He suggests that staff contact the federal agencies that are in a
position to access federal money for the more acute problems. The Council and Executive
should contact federal representatives now to access funding.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of the whether the ground under Interstate
5 between Skagit and Whatcom Counties is hazardous.
Middleton stated the County, State, and federal governments need to collectively
study Church Mountain.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 11:02 a.m.
ATTEST:
, Council Clerk
-, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barry Buchanan, Committee Chair
Natural Resources Committee, 4/22/2014, Page 3