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Commissioners approve temporary easement for Quandary Creek culvert replacement amid questions about tree removal and $15,000 valuation
Summary
The board approved a temporary construction easement with landowners for the Quandary Creek culvert‑replacement project to improve fish passage; staff said the $15,000 tree valuation reflects riparian rules preventing timber sale, and public commenters offered funding help (Wild Salmon Center) and opposed tree removal.
Clallam County commissioners approved a temporary construction easement on Feb. 3 for a culvert‑replacement project on Quandary Creek intended to restore fish passage.
County staff described the easement as temporary and limited to construction access, not a permanent right‑of‑way. Staff stated the tree valuation for the project area is $15,000 but explained that trees within the riparian setback are not considered merchantable and therefore cannot be sold, which affects how compensation is structured and returned to the landowner.
Nicole Rasmussen of the Wild Salmon Center said the organization has been involved with the North Pacific Coast lead entity on the project for five years and that the center’s NOAA grant can fund easement costs. "Our NOAA grant has funding for these types of easements... At any time the County can invoice us for those," Rasmussen said, offering a draft memorandum of understanding to streamline payment.
Other public commenters raised concerns. A commenter identifying as Bowen opposed approval until previously submitted questions about the project were answered and objected to cutting 39 trees and the stated $15,000 valuation, saying taxpayers should understand benefits and that the removal had not been adequately justified.
After discussions and clarification about riparian protections and the temporary nature of the easement, a commissioner moved to approve the easement agreement with landowners Wallerstedt and Horton. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote; the transcript records an "aye" but does not provide individual vote counts.
The easement allows construction access for culvert replacement; staff noted the county will follow riparian and environmental protections and that final compensation and restoration terms are outlined in the agreement.
What happens next: staff will proceed with construction easement execution and coordinate invoicing options with potential funders, including the Wild Salmon Center and other grant sources.
