1995 RESOLUTIONS
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FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS
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RESTORATION OF SNOQUALMIE FALLS IN
WASHINGTON
1995 FWOC
Resolution
No. 7:
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Snoqualmie Falls is a
unique, natural geologic feature on the Snoqualmie River near Seattle,
Washington. Besides being a beautiful waterfall, it is also a
sacred site of the Snoqualmie Native Americans and a major tourist
attraction.
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After the area near the
falls was settled by European immigrants late last century, the federal
government leased the lands, which included the waterfalls, to Puget
Power and Light Company, a private electric utility. To produce
electricity, this corporation installed a tunneling system that
diverted the water from the falls through a power plants' electrical
generators. The utility also dynamited natural rocks at the crest
of the falls.
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Recently, when Puget
Power's lease on Snoqualmie lands was up for renewal, the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) held obligatory public hearings to
obtain comments on this issue. At these hearings, public
testimony was almost unanimous in opposing the renewing of Puget
Power's lease. Plans for a large power plant expansion by the
utility have been denied by the FERC, but continuance of the lease for
continuing the power plant operations is still under consideration.
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At the Snoqualmie
hearings, the Snoqualmie Native American people, members of local
churches, environmental groups and other public-spirited individuals,
favored the dismantling of this Puget Power and Light power plant
facility. They also supported the proposal that the Falls and the
surrounding area be designated a National Monument under which the
Falls would be returned to its natural flow.
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| The Federation of Western
Outdoor Clubs recommends that the Snoqualmie Falls be restored to its
natural state before the water was diverted. |
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FWOC members and member clubs are urged to
send a copy of the above resolution, along with any comments they may
have on this issue, to:
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
Lois D. Cashell, Secretary
825 Capitol Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20426
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