News Release
| Release Number: | 07-112 |
| Dated: | 9/7/2007 |
| Contact: | Amy Echols, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore—The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are considering a proposal to restore tidal influence at eight sloughs located on the Service’s Julia Butler Hansen Columbian White-tailed Deer National Wildlife Refuge near Cathlamet, Washington.
The Corps and Service propose to install and replace existing water control structures at eight sloughs located on the Service’s refuge. This action is planned to restore fisheries habitat and allow for access of juvenile salmonids, including fish listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act, to their former habitat. Maintaining drainage of the mainland portion of the refuge also supports a viable population of Columbian white-tailed deer. The Draft Integrated Implementation Report (IIR) and Environmental Assessment (EA), available at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/pm/e/en_plan_assess.asp, details this proposed work.
A flood control levee and associated water control structures constructed in the early 1920’s cut the eight sloughs off from the tidal and river stage influence of the Columbia River. One water control structure is currently failing, one provides for limited inflow and the remaining two are for discharge only; four sloughs do not have water control structures in place.
Written comments must be received by September 27, 2007, and should be addressed to U.S. Army Corps of Engineer District, Portland (CENWP-PM-E/Geoff Dorsey), P.O. Box 2946, Portland, Oregon 97208-2946. A copy of the complete public notice is posted on the Corps’ internet site at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/pm/e/publicnotice.asp.