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DEQ urges watershed-centered forestry plans as Nehalem reviews city forest management
Summary
A DEQ analyst told Nehalem City Council that recent disinfection-byproduct alerts likely stem from organic matter in the citys source water, prompting residents and councilors to press for watershed-focused forest management, independent review, and clearer public notice of salvage operations.
Joshua (Josh) Seeds, lead forest water quality analyst at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, told the Nehalem City Council on Aug. 11 that recent test results showing elevated disinfection byproducts are "most likely due to the organic matter in the water source." He recommended the city discuss its priorities with its contracted forest manager and consider watershed-analysis consultants for a more detailed assessment.
The presentation and ensuing discussion focused on whether the city's forest management has emphasized timber revenue over water protection. Jesse Clark, a resident, offered to collaborate on a holistic forest and watershed management plan and urged collection of additional water-source data beyond timber-sale records. Mark McLaughlin urged the council to prioritize water quality and quantity when updating the forest plan.
City Forester Brent Keller acknowledged past timber-sale funding supported city facilities and said current work will "be sure to work in line with the citys new priorities and goals." Keller also noted that replanting is standard practice and estimated recent windthrow (blow-down) affected about 6 to 7 acres.
Residents raised concerns about transparency and timing of salvage operations in the city watershed. Mayor Phil Chick said the recent salvage operation was recommended by the city forester and was conducted under the Oregon Forest Practices Act, adding that the harvest was "quite small" and had "very low potential for impact" to water quality or quantity. Several commenters asked for earlier public notice and more opportunity for input before work begins.
Public Works Director Brian Moore and others noted seasonal patterns in source water chemistry: Moore said the fourth quarter typically shows higher organic matter in the raw water, a point that helps explain why some disinfection-byproduct alerts occur during that period.
What happens next: Seeds and DEQ staff indicated they would be willing to review a draft forest management plan if the city requests review. City staff and council members encouraged residents to provide input as the city updates its priorities; Mayor Chick and Councilor Doug Larzelier suggested the city could require the consultants to align future plans with any newly stated city priorities.
