Second Annual Hoh Down A Success

 

The Hoh River Trust held its second annual Hoh Down at the Burke Museum on May 8, and by all accounts it was a smashing success. Over 250 people showed up to celebrate this treasured river and the work that the Hoh River Trust is doing to restore and preserve nearly 5,000 acres of important mainstem river lands. Those attending enjoyed the Burke’s recently launched photographic exhibit by Keith Lazelle of the Hoh ecosystem, from headwaters to the ocean, and they all received a copy of the Hoh River Trust new book entitled “Fast Moving Water; Images and Essays from the Hoh River”. Entertainment was provided by the talented Garfield High School Jazz Combo.

In his remarks, Executive Director Phil Davis focused attention on the Trust’s important restoration mission, so important to the rehabilitation of lands impacted by years of commercial timber operations. Reading from his introduction to “Fast Moving Water”, Davis recounted his experience snorkeling a Hoh tributary where he was able to observe in the most intimate of settings the interplay between habitat and fish. “Just as I observed snorkeling, when you look closely, when you allow yourself to observe objectively, and perhaps even from a different vantage point than our usual view, you can see with more clarity what’s at risk, and realize how important it is for us to do the right thing, and in this case it is to restore and preserve the lands we own along this river. I’m confident we’re doing the right thing for the Hoh River and for those who treasure it.” Davis also acknowledged the local community, in particular the Hoh Tribe and the Hoh valley residents, for the growing collaboration with the Trust’s restoration and stewardship mission.

Money raised at the Hoh Down will go directly to support restoration projects planned for this coming summer, including culvert repairs, restoration forestry and invasive plant control.  If you would like to support this important work, please click here to make a donation today.  You can also purchase a copy of "Fast Moving Water" here.  The Burke Museum exhibit will run through June 8, 2008 after which it will travel the state for two years for display in smaller community venues.