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After the Storm in the Quinault Valley
by John Woolley
Friday, March 7, 2008
The timber industry would like to get their hands on trees (naturally regenerated, some old growth) that blew down in the early December storm. The problem is not just that these are old trees but they are in a very important Roadless Area on the north side of Lake Quinault. This area is one of the prime places that conservationists would like to protect in wilderness. Under current policy and by court injunction, Roadless Areas cannot be logged.
OFCO will follow up this potential disaster in conversations with Forest Supervisor Dale Hom and Congressman Norm Dicks. The timber industry wants them to intervene--but it is too early to gauge their reaction.
OFCO board members John and Nancy Woolley recently visited the Quinault Valley for firsthand observation of winter storm damage there. What follows are their impressions of this impressive event, as well as recommendations for caution and prudence as local land managers determine how best to respond over the longer term.
Driftwood logs remained well up on the formerly tidy lawns of Lake Quinault Lodge. The braided islands in the Quinault River were swept bare of young alder growth, and a house up the South Shore road hangs over the newly made river bank. Both the Quinault South Shore and Graves Creek roads are washed out and severely damaged at several locations during the heavy rains and flooding of early December. Driving and hiking access are limited.
Photos by Nancy Woolley
One couple chose to dayhike a nearby one-mile loop trail just south of the lodge and inadvertently spent the night out, after losing their way in the massive blow downs. Dogs located them the next morning.
The North Fork road was covered with trees to the extent that the roadway was not visible in the forest chaos. A Park Service employee returning from work exclaimed that the entire forest canopy is gone in places. It has taken nearly two months to clear the way to the North Fork ranger station. Sitka spruce more than three feet in diameter were snapped or twisted off their trunks 30 feet above the ground.
Talk was of 100 mph winds, churning like a vortex through the forest. Bigleaf maple and alder suffered unusual damage. As we walked though the wreckage on the closed North Fork road , starting at the Clark Hill gate, we encountered an elk herd, as well as a surprising number of mature bald eagles roosting in maples thirty feet off the ground, a good distance from the river waters. I couldn’t help wondering how they handle the terror of such severe weather. Neither species appeared interested in interviews.
OFCO and Olympic Park Associates will be providing scoping comments for an environmental analysis to study how to address this situation. It is our contention that the ecological integrity of the area—which remains despite the storm's impacts—will take precedence over merely reconstructing damaged roads, as has occurred in the past.
The South Shore road is currently closed at the park boundary just west of a major washout. Hikers can walk through the fallen giant trees and debris to the Quinault bridge, but it is a challenge to walk the 6-mile, ill-sited Graves Creek road, due to blow down and nine washouts.
Spokesperson, Barb Maynes, issued a public briefing indicating that the park “intends to restore access" and “is developing alternatives to permanently repair the damaged roadway to provide more sustainable access. Options may include the design and placement of engineered log jams and bank barbs to better protect the road while protecting and improving habitat for fish.”
Bruce Moorhead, retired park biologist, suggests: "Good comments may somewhat affect what the Park Service does, but that the Quinault in-holder and local residents’ lobby will dominate when Congressman Dicks is asked for input. Comments may influence how heavy handed the work will be done. So that means very specific and helpful comments about specific sites along the two routes might have some influence.”
Paul Crawford, retired wilderness ranger, intones: “Fat Chance!" when asked about the Park Service’s intention to perform a ‘permanent’ fix on the South Shore Road . "No road in that valley is permanent. And I’m curious to see how they propose to fix things without encroaching on the Wilderness boundary. Pontoons?" Paul also “wonders why the Park is spending so much time and effort opening the North Fork Road . I’ve been advocating closing that damn thing at the bridge for years. It serves a tiny, flood prone campground and trailhead.”
Climate change and drastic storms are upon us. Do we continue as if such damage is normal, and that we can continually turn back the clock?
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