By Charlene Arneson
Special to the Turnagain Times
The Whittier Watershed Council (WWC) had a bit of a rough beginning two years ago with interest for the watershed group competing with other activities in the bustling community of Whittier. Today the WWC has become an excellent united conservation voice for Whittier and has concentrated on identifying issues of concern; working with multiple entities to garner support; and establishing partnerships in the profit, non-profit and government sectors. In September 2007, the WWC voted to become a 501(c)3 non-profit state corporation to better address some of the concerns of the community. Our first accomplishment as a non-profit has been obtaining a $15,000 grant to hire our new coordinator, Zachary Zaletel.
The WWC is working on a number of exciting projects, which have been identified and prioritized by the local community. The most pressing issue we are dealing with is the needed assessment, redesign, and repair of the Whittier Creek Levee, which has been leaking over the past decade, creating water run-off and erosion problems throughout the town. Other issues and projects include maintaining excellent water quality and quantity of Whittier; restoration of Whittier Creek; contaminant prevention and support of cleanup activities; formation of a weed warrior program; and a new project to move the Whittier earthquake monument to an accessible area with flowers, benches and eagle viewing platform as well as educational outreach to the school children and citizens of Whittier.
The second annual public meeting of the WWC was recently held on October 29,
2007. The meeting was well attended by over 50 community members, partners and stakeholders. Whittier School students catered a Mexican buffet. Door prizes were provided by the Alaska Railroad, Major Marine Tours, Kenai Watershed Forum, Alaska Rural Water Association, Chugach National Forest, and CRW Engineering. Donations were also received from CRW Engineering, PN&D Engineering, Alaska Marine Lines and Jerry Vandergriff. The WWC appreciates the support of the community, the city of Whittier and their partners, the agencies and the businesses that are working with us to enhance and protect the natural attributes of our coastal city.
We are really excited about the progress made by the WWC and look forward to a new year of challenges. If you are interested in learning more about the WWC, want to participate in projects or have any questions, comments or input please contact us by regular mail or email as the addresses below. Whittier Watershed Council meetings are open to the public and notices are posted around Whittier to promote public attendance and input.
Charlene Arneson is Chair of the Whittier Watershed Council