District 2 Michael Mattick, District 2 125 East 8th Avenue Eugene, OR 97401-2926 Ph: 541-682-3620 Subject: Low head dam hazard on Coast fork Mr. Mattick, I hope you can help mitigate a water safety problem on the Coast Fork of the Willamette river. As I understand it, the Creswell Water Control District south of Creswell has historic water rights to maintain a low head dam on the coast fork branch of the Willamette. This is a very small district serving few farmers, yet the dam has very large implications for recreational water users on the river. The dam has eroded significantly over the last couple years to the point of being a minor nuisance to boaters, but this summer the dam was rebuilt and now poses a significant hazard. While in the past river use has probably been insignificant, today the Coast Fork is becoming a popular paddle venue for kayakers, canoes, rafts and drift boats, especially now with the river being stocked for fishing and the popularity of kayaking in the Eugene area, supported by a significantly larger population locally and several boating organizations. The nature of the low head dam makes it invisible up stream to unaware or unprepared recreational boaters and the rocks and hydraulics pose a danger to people and watercraft. The location of the dam without any public access for exit or rescue compounds the problem. While some provision for a river right passage is present, the issue of water safety and adequacy of the passage in questionable. In addition, property owners do not want the intrusion of portaging boats around the dam site. The water district may also incur liability if someone is injured due to the dam. Mitigation: A safer and reliable river right passage around the dam is required and has got to be a top priority. A safe and stable portage around the dam site for boats is needed in cooperation with riverside property owners or in river. Adequate upstream buoys, warnings and instructions is vital and necessary ASAP The nearest river access for rescue or take out is upstream aprox 1/4 mile is at Lynx Hollow Wayside, however that ramp is not marked or very visible from the water, nor in service due to gates and closure of the wayside itself much of the year. (Oct until May) Fall and spring are popular boating seasons for the Coast Fork between high and low flows and during fishing seasons. I urge you to work with all user groups to ensure that the Coast fork remains a safe resource for all. Mark Murphy Member/Volunteer 49 N 2ND ST. CRESWELL, OR 97426 markmurphy1951@aol.com