18 August 1972
COLUMBIA SLOUH ENVIRONMENTAL TASK FORCE
Gentlemen:
We can, like everyone else, live with whatever is finally given us as an accomplished fact regarding the Columbia Slough Peninsula area. It seems, however, that a comment or two might be of benefit.
1. Blue Lake, the Columbia River, the Willamette River, Multnomah Channel, Sturgeon Lake (during high water) and the Gilbert River all are virtually given over to the larger power boats, to the degree that the person in a “car-top” lower-powered boat, or canoe or rowboat is, in self-preservation, forced to forego the use of his water craft in those areas or use them only during midday-midweek hours.
2. If the Slough were to be closed to power boast – other than with low-power electric trolling motors for those not quite so young or otherwise physically restricted – the rowers and canoeists would have a safe place for themselves and their families to enjoy water-borne recreation. This would represent a large number of people, since not everyone as yet can afford $2,000 and upward for boat, motor, trailer, etc.
3. If the foregoing comments are valid, then there is no need for rip-rapping except at access points where pressure and “wear” would be greatest, thus eliminating a major cost.
4. To envision this little, shallow, closely enclosed, mud-bottomed slough as a “commercial” waterway is patently ridiculous, the only result of which would be to saddle taxpayers with a tremendous bill for rebuilding, and protective works that would have no other ultimate result than to “enhance” the property value of a dozen or so companies at time of resale; companies which almost entirely have ignored the slough except to use it as a dumping ground for their waste and debris.
Please note that among those crying loudest for commercial navigation we have the same companies who scream loudest for government protection when possibility of flood appears.
5. We see nothing particularly incompatible with industry and the Rivergate (or other) freeway in the area and people enjoying a quiet canoe or fishing trip unendangered by power boats. We all know that birds and animals for the most part can and do adapt to living near the works of men. If a natural (not fancy “improved”) green strip is left along the slough, with its banks unchanged, the resident birds and animal will find accommodation regardless of industry in the Peninsula interior and on the rivers edge. A minimum development of the immediate slough area with permanent closure to the Willamette River and a managed fishery and wildlife population appears to us to be the most commendable, both from the standpoint of financing and maximum pleasure by those who would use the slough, most of whom would particularly enjoy the absence of artificiality in its appearance which would be caused by unnecessary “development”.
Sincerely
Jack D. Webster
Information Director
Oregon Bass & Panfish Club
