Women inmates tackle stream restoration work
August 19th, 2009 by cdunaganA loss in firefighting capability has been a gain for local stream restoration.
Inmates at Belfair’s Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women have been helping the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group restore local streams, including the Union River. See the story in yesterday’s Kitsap Sun by reporter Josh Farley.
“One day with a crew of eight can do so much,” Julie Easton, volunteer coordinator for the enhancement group, was quoted as saying.
One of their efforts is to eradicate invasive weeds, including knotweed which can clog the streams and create serious problems for fish.
While the women help the environment, they also are learning skills that could aid them when they get out of prison. For one thing, they could qualify for a license that allows them to handle pesticides.
Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were to become involved in planting native vegetation, counting salmon and other hands-on projects in the Hood Canal region.
One inmate crew remains in training to fight wildfires, if needed, although the Washington Department of Natural Resources has cut back its support for the program.
Tags: Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women
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