Issue 251����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� September 13, 2006

 

In this issue:

Snake River Sediment Management Plan meeting September 26

Lake Wallula shoreline management meeting September 18

Outstanding program set for PNWA 2006 Annual Meeting

Quynh Luu departs PNWA

PNWA Communications Manager position announcement

 

 

Snake River Sediment Management Plan meeting September 26

The Walla Walla District of the US Army Corps of Engineers is holding a preliminary scoping meeting for a lower Snake River Programmatic Sediment Management Plan and Environmental Impact Assessment (PSMP/EIS). It will be held on September 26, 2006, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Clarkston, Washington Quality Inn. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the planning process, describe progress made to date, and begin efforts to re-establish the Local Sediment Management Group (LSMG). The LSMG will provide input and feedback to the Corps during the planning process. PNWA encourages all members with an interest in Snake River navigation to participate in this meeting.

 

The PSMP is required under the settlement agreement reached between the plaintiffs, the federal government and the Inland Ports and Navigation group in the Snake River dredging lawsuit. The settlement led to the dredging earlier this year of the Snake River ports and navigation channel for the first time since 1999. The plan will evaluate ways to manage sediment in the four lower Snake River pools as well as ways to reduce the input of sediment into the system. Among the alternatives that are likely to be considered is the drawdown of reservoirs periodically to �flush� sediment out of the system. Although it was not analyzed at the time, observations by PNWA staff during the 1992 drawdown test at Lower Granite and Little Goose showed that sediment had accumulated at the port facilities, but drawdown did not help in removing any of that material. For more information, contact glenn.vanselow@pnwa.net or carl.j.christianson@usace.army.mil.

 

 

Lake Wallula shoreline management meeting September 18

Management strategies for the shorelines of Lake Wallula is the topic of discussion at a public meeting to be held by the Corps Walla Walla District on September 18 in Pasco. There will be an open house at 5:00 pm and the formal meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Gjerde Multipurpose Room at Columbia Basin College. In previous years, PNWA members have had great interest in the future of the levies and beaches along the pool behind McNary Dam. For more information, contact Mike Swenson at the Corps at 509-543-6062.

 

 

Outstanding program set for PNWA 2006 Annual Meeting

We have a great set of speakers ready to meet with the PNWA membership. We have just confirmed Joel Connelly, National Correspondent for the Seattle P-I. He will provide a reporter�s view of the upcoming elections as well as observations on salmon and the regional economy formed during a recent rafting trip down the Salmon River in Idaho.

 

Previously announced headliners include:

�        Washington Governor Christine Gregoire

�        U.S. Representative Brian Baird (D-WA, 3)

�        NOAA Fisheries Regional Director Bob Lohn

�        U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District Commanders:

o        Col. Thomas O�Donovan, Portland

o        Col. Michael McCormick, Seattle

o        Lt. Col. Tony Hofmann, Walla Walla

�        Port of Tacoma Executive Director Timothy Farrell

 

Other experts from the Department of Homeland Security, regional ports, BNSF Railway Company, container carrier K-Line America, and Foss Maritime�s environmental cleanup arm will cover important emerging hot topics, including:

�        Effects of new oil spill regulations

�        Creative approaches to Northwest environmental challenges

�        The future of Pacific Rim container trade

�        Uncorking the bottlenecks for regional intermodal transportation

�        Challenges facing Northwest rail infrastructure

�        Securing America�s ports

�        Successful port strategies for community economic development

 

We also will adopt our policies and project endorsements and elect PNWA�s Board of Directors. And, the Port of Tacoma is sponsoring a fun and informative reception at the Washington State History Museum.

 

The PNWA Annual Meeting is the place to be October 11th � 13th at the Sheraton Tacoma! Register now at www.pnwa.net.

 

 

Quynh Luu departs PNWA

Quynh Luu resigned her position as PNWA�s Communications Manager to return to her home town in California. Quynh asked us to convey how much she appreciated working with the PNWA Board and our members. She sends her thanks for your support during her year and a half at PNWA. The Board of Directors and staff thank Quynh for her contribution to PNWA's success. We wish her well in California.

 

 

PNWA Communications Manager position announcement

PNWA is seeking a Communications Manager. The successful candidate will be responsible for event planning and management, membership services, and communications, including PNWA�s web page, newsletter and collateral materials. The following advertisement will be published this week.

 

Be a part of a small team that makes a big impact!

 

We are a regional trade association in Portland seeking an event planner/membership manager/communications manager.

�

What you offer:

�         Self-motivated, organized multi-tasker

�         Two years or more event planning or related experience

�         Strong written and verbal skills

�         Strong computer skills

�         Web design and website management skills

�         College degree

�         Database management and Dreamweaver experience a plus

�         Previous membership management experience a plus

 

What we offer:

  • Established association
  • Excellent work environment
  • Competitive salary
  • Generous employer-paid benefits

 

Email resume and salary history/requirements to EventPlannerPDX@hotmail.com.

Pacific Northwest Waterways Association������������������������������� www.pnwa.net