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Sequim resident questions past restoration choices, asks for federal expertise at DRMT
Summary
Public commenter John Worthington asked the DRMT for federal attendance and challenged prior restoration methods and Noble's culvert assumptions, saying he lacks confidence in their approach and asking experts to explain helicopter-placed log jams and levee breach actions.
During public comment at the May 13 Dungeness River Management Team meeting, Sequim resident John Worthington urged the DRMT to invite federal agencies to explain past restoration actions and to address technical concerns. "I'd like to see some federal agencies attend one of your meetings where some of your experts could explain...how that type of salmon restoration works, in practice," Worthington said, citing helicopter-placed log-jam work and levee breaching.
Worthington also questioned engineering assumptions used in culvert work and expressed a lack of confidence in consultant Noble's approach: "I have a lack of confidence in Noble at this point," he said, asking why a 15% spawning grade was considered biologically workable when he believes science indicates lower thresholds. Meeting leadership replied that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has an advisory seat to the DRMT and that a new agency representative is expected to attend in June.
Chair Hansi House welcomed the prospect of a federal representative and adjourned the meeting. Worthington's technical questions were not resolved at the meeting; DRMT staff said they expect a federal biologist to join in June.
