The Skagit River Systems Cooperative wants to see if it’s possible to establish a salmon estuary at the Greenbank Farm but nearby residents are vocal in opposing the plan.
Some of those disgruntled neighbors attended this month’s Port of Coupeville meeting to sway the commissioners.
They don’t even want the cooperative to conduct a feasibility study.
Resident William Renn didn’t attend the meeting, but he sent his lawyer, Clinton-based Doug Kelly. Kelly said his client is opposed to the study and that an estuary would have adverse impacts on Renn’s property.
Fellow resident Bob Watt brought a stack of letters showing that 74 nearby residents oppose the study, comprising 56 percent of the area homeowners.
However, Sharon Dunn, president of the Greenbank Beach and Boat Club, said some people’s opinion of the study has changed since more information has become available. She submitted a letter stating that 13 of the 74 residents recently changed their opinion and are now supportive of the feasibility study.
The Skagit River Systems Cooperative wants to examine the possibility of restoring the wetland near the Greenbank Farm buildings to a salmon habitat. Officials are trying to design a plan that would resolve resident concerns including maintaining the private boat ramp, not removing bulkheads or nearby structures and accessing private property only with the owner’s permission. The plan would alleviate flooding along Greenbank beach that may be caused by water impoundment behind the tide gate, according to an updated proposal the cooperative released in October.
Watt disagreed that there is a flooding problem. He noticed the recent heavy rains didn’t cause any flooding. He said it takes a combination of rain, high tides and high winds to cause flooding.
The cooperative in September started gathering public input about whether to move forward with a feasibility study. That input included a marathon public meeting held during Labor Day weekend when neighbors generally blasted the idea.
Port Commissioner Bruce Bryson said the cooperative did a good job responding to people’s concern. He also said the county didn’t take any action either way about the feasibility study and the port should do the same.
“I don’t see a need for a resolution from the Port of Coupeville either,†Bryson said.
Commissioner Benye Weber said the Greenbank Farm is public property and the cooperative can access the public property to take work samples and conduct their study.
Jim Patton, port executive director, said while staff from the cooperative can access the public property, they need approval from such groups as the Greenbank Boat and Beach Club for permission to access private property.
Dunn said the club hasn’t made a decision yet supporting or rejecting the estuary project feasibility study.
