Camano Island flooding plan draws opposition

Published 12:01 am Saturday, August 6, 2011

CAMANO ISLAND — A plan by a fisheries group to allow the tide to reclaim part of Camano Island State Park is meeting with some opposition.

The plan was developed by the Skagit River System Cooperative, an independent organization that does fisheries planning for the Sauk-Suiattle and Swinomish Indian tribes.

Tidewater would be allowed to flood slightly more than an acre of the 4-acre park to provide a place for young fish to feed, said Steve Hinton, director of habitat restoration for the fisheries group.

There’s historical evidence that suggests this area once served as such a place for salmon fingerlings, he said.

That part of the park is used for activities such as kite flying, baseball and Frisbee tossing, state parks spokeswoman Virginia Painter said.

“We did not have any problem with them exploring the idea,” she said, adding that the plan is far from being approved.

Island resident Ralph Ferguson, who opposes the plan, says not only would it squeeze out the recreational activities but it would eliminate a place for potential expansion of parking for the boat launch.

Ferguson also said he checked state records that show no tidewater flooding in that area as far back as 1888.

Painter said the parks department made it clear to the fisheries group that the boat launch, picnic shelter and parking areas could not be affected in any way if the plan is to be approved.

First, it must be given the go-ahead by several boards and commissions before it even gets to the state level, Hinton said.

He said part of the area is covered by wetlands and part is open in the summer with natural grasses. This section, where the activities take place, floods in the winter, Hinton said.

The fisheries group’s plan is still in the beginning stages, he said. The organization is looking at ways to actually improve the park as part of the project, such as road improvements.

Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439; sheets@heraldnet.com.