State To Study Resources In Thompson Creek Area Analysis Will Allow For Timber Planning And Other Activities

Thu., June 22, 1995

Adam Lynn Staff Writer

State scientists will scour the hills north of Newman Lake later this summer to assess the status and plan the future of the Thompson Creek watershed.

They’ll study water quality, wildlife habitat and soil composition in the 30,000-acre drainage that feeds the Spokane Valley lake, said Laura McDougall, a Department of Natural Resources forester in charge of the project.

The analysis, which will cost between $50,000 and $100,000, will let state officials know how best to plan for logging and other uses in the area, McDougall said.

Deterioration of the water quality and fishery in Thompson Creek and Newman Lake, some of which has been caused by logging and other forest practices, helped prompt the study, she said.

“Newman Lake has been filling with sediment for some time,” McDougall said.

McDougall said the results of the two-month study will help streamline the application process for people who want to harvest trees in the drainage.

Currently, state officials perform environmental studies in the Thompson Creek area on a site-bysite basis.

A timber company may spend time and money planning jobs in an area only to find out after a site review that they won’t be able to do it the way they hoped.

After the completion of this study, they’ll know up front what’s expected of them, McDougall said.

“This lends a sense of predictability to the application process,” she said.

The study also will give scientists a big-picture look at the entire watershed and help them better plan for its protection, McDougall added.

“This is being pro-active on the resources part as well,” she said.

Scientists are expected to begin collecting data Aug. 1. They should be finished with the study by early October.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Meeting tonight The Department of Natural Resources officials will hold a public meeting this evening to answer questions and take comments regarding the Thompson Creek watershed study. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Tri-Community Grange on Starr Road, just north of Trent Avenue.

This sidebar appeared with the story: Meeting tonight The Department of Natural Resources officials will hold a public meeting this evening to answer questions and take comments regarding the Thompson Creek watershed study. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Tri-Community Grange on Starr Road, just north of Trent Avenue.