Beavers blamed for Ewan floods

Talk of replacing Willow trees with Ponderosa Pines

Garth Meyer, Whitman County Gazette | May 20, 20210

Dick Hoskin I Pexels count

A beaver chews on some wood.

COLFAX - Whitman County commissioners listened to testimony about a flooding threat in Ewan attributed to beavers.

Andrew Wolfe, manager of Rock Lake Conservation District, spoke to commissioners on Monday about the recent increase in flooding of Kamiak Creek, which goes directly through Ewan.

He explained how a 1,200-foot long grove of willow trees attracts beavers, which gnaw and cut trees building sediment in the creek to cause rising water levels.

"An obvious flooding threat," Wolfe said.

The county's critical areas ordinance is holding back action, he said. The conservation district seeks permits to remove trees and replace them with other native trees that don't interest beavers.

"We hope to find a favorable solution to this to preserve the homes and livelihoods of the people of Ewan," Wolfe said. "It's a problem that must be solved."

Habitat should not be favored over dozens of residents, he said.

Wolfe asked for a review by County Prosecutor Denis Tracy.

The flooding has been the most severe in the last 5-7 years, Wolfe said.

Mark Storey, public works director, made comments saying he agreed with "almost all" of what Wolfe talked about. Storey spoke in place of Alan Thomson, county planner, who was not available.

"The issue is not so much wetlands but one of habitat," Storey said. "Is it necessary to remove all the trees?"

Wolfe said some trees could remain. Tress far enough from the water may not interest beavers. In addition, as is the conservation district's main proposal, they would replace the trees taken out with harder-wood species such as blue elderberries or Ponderosa Pines, which do not attract beavers.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is involved and hesitant to approve the removal of habitat.

Commissioner Michael Largent suggested the next step is for more talks to occur between the conservation district, the landowners, and the county planner.