Day 13 Beaver Dam Day- Who give a Dam! WE DO!

Day 13 Friday of the POBR2015: ***Yes, I do have pictures, but access to internet and electricity has been limited***

[Sorry for the brief records of the day, but the blog needs to be done]

After breakfast, we met Jennifer on the docks of the Coeur D’Alene Lake. She discussed the history of the area and showed us a handmade 3D map of the area. She also handed out other material covering the history of this Lake.

Next Angelo Vitale met up with us and brought us coffee, we had a cup of coffee and then departed to the other channel project. This project was where the beavers resided.

We suited up in the Waders and then seen the existing beaver Dams, the Beaver residence, and finally the area where the local youth students built their own Beaver Dams. We spent the entire afternoon out here in the channel/forest.

Now it was our turn to contribute our efforts and build our Yakima Valley Dam. We completed a Dam in less than 2 hours and Mr. Vitale complemented us on this effort. He will keep an eye on this experimental job throughout the year, and when we return he will give the next class an update on our project.  

Last Day, time to travel home

Day 14 Saturday:

 

Briefly put, we want to thank everyone around the Northwest that hosted us during our travels and learning experience.

The group pre-Beaver Dam 2015

On our way to existing Beaver Dams

We almost there...

Chrissy almost fell into the water.

Judy mean mugging. LOL

Tarrel, cruising through the brush.

Chrissy leading the way.

Sully is probably laughing at all of us taking our time.

Alyssa having fun.

Matt just chilling, waiting for us

Ibeth, hard at work LOL.

The construction begins.

 

This morning we closed camp and had an excellent breakfast at the Casino… woohooo, we are now attempting to complete blogs…

Day 12 Thursday *** I will add pictures eventually…

To begin today’s learning, we arrived to Coeur D’Alene Natural Resources. Bobbi White opened up today’s meeting with the question: What is one word that describes yesterday’s learning? Everyone had different words, mine was knowledge because of the different information we have been learning on this trip from all of these inspirational individuals.

Next, Stephanie whom works with the Environmental Program discussed a few items about Watershed in the area.

Channel straightening was practiced by the Army Corps and other residents of the area in the mid 1950’s. Coeur D’Alene tribe and some land owners in the area are working together to create new channels that benefit the wildlife, plant, trees, farmland, and the Tribe. Stephanie showed us slides of the recent project began in 2009 and completed in 2011, roughly a three year process. What really stands out in the pictures and in real life is how much the Alder Trees have grown since the seeds were planted.

After Stephanie’s discussion in the classroom, we then traveled to Jim and Judy’s property where the re-channeling project took place. Jim and Judy were excellent hosts, letting us know how excited they were to have us visiting the property especially since we were on a education class trip. I believe everyone that we visited were extremely happy to see students active during the summer, still learning.

Jim gave us his version of how the re-channeling has benefited his land by extending the crop area and irrigation to increasing the amount of wildlife in the area. He was happy to say that there has been a number of birds, elk, moose, and deer coming back to the area.  

Stephanie then took us on a tour in the field to show us where the channel is now, and where it used to be. I’d say this was rather exciting to see a project in its developing stages, as I said earlier, the trees were already about 8 feet tall. Stephanie mentioned that the trees should be full grown in 30 years, although the rate that these trees are growing I believe these trees will be at that height in less than 30 years.

The reason for the trees, is to keep areas of the channel (river) cold for fish and river life. The rocks used were not traditional riverbed rock, so the trees will definitely help the development and contribute to its purpose.

After the tour we then returned to the Natural Resources Department just in time to visit the Repository and listen to Carol-dee discuss the importance of Cultural Preservation Program (this building/room).

In this area, the historical artifacts are being stored (Beaded Items, Arrowheads, Rocks, Baskets, Audio/Video records), this program also shared the building with the IT department. This sounds like a great combination because both departments required room temperature control and cleanliness. This was a fast 25 minute, yet an insightful 25 minutes.

Then we squeezed in a meal, and went to assist in the canoe building in the Natural Resource Bull Pen (parking lot for their vehicles), I asked John a few questions regarding this amazing historical opportunity. The staff was extremely happy that us students were there to help, they allowed us to take shavings and chips.

I think we showered up today??? End of today’s brief log…

Wednesday, departure for the next stop

POBR2015 Day 11 Wednesday: *** I will add pictures soon, I do not have all day access to a computer... ***

We woke up to Mr. Black cooking a wonderful breakfast J LOL, we intended on having only cereal but Mr. Blacks awesomeness made certain we were fed with eggs and hashbrowns… mmmhmmmhmmmm!

Afterwards, we had to hurry and tear down our camp to travel to our next destination.

A big thankyou to the Spokane Tribe, Warren Seyler, Warren’s Interns (Eastern Washington University, and Montana (out of Butte) University), Wellpinit High School Students, George Hill, Twe-la Swan, the Mining Companies (Midnite, Newmonte, Dawn), for sharing your abundant knowledge and your hospitality.

As we left, we stopped at a couple of 10 minute stops on our way to the Coeur d’Alene Reservation.

We arrived to Meet Bobbie White, Gina, and Laura all from the Natural Resources Department here on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation.

We began with introductions around the room, by the way we arrived just after lunch and our hosts were very understanding and allowed us to eat while we listened to the talks.

Laura is the lake management coordinator.

Gina is the Natural Resources Education Specialist.

Laura expressed her knowledge about the Coeur d’Alene Lake, the surrounding areas, the history of the area, including the Aboriginal Territory which stretched into Montana, and Washington

Coeur D’Alene Lake is the heart of the Coeur d’Alene tribe, it is their significant source of who they are as a people. Recently the tribe has been revitalizing the tribes’ history. Coeur D’Alene Tribe has lost over 60% of their lands, and are making efforts to regain this part of their heritage.

The Coeur D’Alene Lake has 21 different species of fish, of those fish there are only two native fish to the region which are Bull Trout and Adfluvial West Slope Cut Throat. These fish eat an itty bitty food called Daphnia, we can only see this with a microscope.

How the impact of the finding of Gold and Silver in the area has an impact on today’s environment. Mainly the discovery of Silver in 1883, in its day it was the 2^nd Largest Silver Mining operation in the worlds. It has left much contamination that exists and affects today’s environment with much impact not only to the tribal members but to the visitors of the area.

The Coeur D’Alene lake towns and cities rely on tourist activities, yet the locals either do not know about or ignore the fact that there are contaminants in the lake that traveled via Rivers/Lakes that stem from the mountains and rest in the bottom of the lake.

The Coeur D’Alene Tribe is educating as many people as they can about the pollution via river beds. Unfortunately the local city and governments are passive-aggressively ignoring these facts about the pollution. Conveniently only providing tests in the major public, or tourist areas to provide the most minimal information as possible to the public. Basically to my understanding the governing cities and states are avoiding the responsibilities they assumed back in the early 1900’s and late 1800’s when the treaties were signed. Hopefully the Federal Government will provide some assistance in the revitalization of the reservation and surrounding areas for a healthier environment.

While I listen and learn all of this new information about the impacts of our northwest, I feel a bit scared for the future generations. The cover up, or ignorance of what needs to be done is outrageous… We all have opinions, even more when we begin to learn more of the unknown.

After Laura’s discussion, the next two speakers presented about the revitalization of the Coeur D’Alene Language and what they are doing in regards to educating the tribal members.

Currently they are having classes for the adults. Previously they attempted to educate through the children but without the support system at home, it is an uphill climb. This is the reason for educating through adults then with the children again, therefore the whole home will be a sort of support system in revitalizing the language.

What blows my mind, not only on this reservation but throughout the Nation, we have very few “fluent” speakers, but at the same time I understand, as I am a member of the Yakama’s and I know little of my language. I believe all of this generation and hopefully the future generations will collaborate in a pattern of success that stems from this idea.

We were then invited to the ceremony at the Coeur D’Alene long house, what a splendid opportunity to be a part of their history as this was one of their first dinners in a long time.

We wanted to attend the canoe races but we got lost looking for our camp site, after we finally set up camp we were drained and got some rest for tomorrow’s events.

Day 10 Two for Tuesday, discussion with Spokane Natural Resources, two rivers, and Mr. George Hill

Day 10 Tuesday: Sleep felt rather good this morning…

After breakfast, we were off to the Little Chamokane Creek to shock fish.

I rode to the stream/river with Driver- Britanny, Front Seat Passenger- Jordan, Other Passenger- James.

Nice to ride with the locals, it is always good to get to know other people especially in a foreign land. Well this is not entirely foreign but I am not familiar with this area.

When we arrived to Little Chamokane Creek to listen to the Natural Resource Fishery talks and learn what they do.

Overall they shock fish to get counts of types and tag the various fishes in these rivers and creeks. I had the opportunity to use the Shocker, valued at $10,000, a device that temporarily stuns the fish temporarily. I accidently put my hands into the water during the process of shocking, and let me tell you… That feeling certainly woke me up, not devastatingly dangerous yet not the most gentle feeling either.

Just before lunch we returned to the Middle/High School… Let me tell you this facility is extremely nice. We arrived just in time to listen to Twa-Le Swan’s discussion on Air Quality.

Twa-le Swan, Air Quality Program Manager-  Discussion opened up with a hand-out regarding of the Midnite Mine Superfund Community Involvement Plan.

Ms. Swan is an activist on Air Quality, she is passionately concerned about the tribal natural environment. Currently she works with the Air Quality, Ms. Swan also has a weekly Radio Show. Radio communication is widely used in this area because Cellular service and Internet is not accessible as it is for us who are visiting.

Briefly discussed our talks with the Mining company (Midnite, Newmont, Dawn Mining Company), how the Mining executive/speakers avoided answering questions. How the company has a practice of dropping the responsibilities on the little companies. In this case, the tribe will be the lesser of the two companies that may lose out. Apparently Newmont does this throughout the world, just to avoid bankruptcy because they are almost considered as “consultants” therefore avoiding the implications of hazardous aftermaths.

The Midnite Mine, or Dawn Mine? Newmont Mine, Tribal Mine…

Newmont Mine usually hides behind other Mining companies until these companies go bankruptcy, then Newmont usually backs out, this has been there practice.

Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (AAQM), observing air quality, Particle Pollution (PM 2.5) & Ozone Monitoring

Air Quality Burn Advisories

Permit Review

AAQM, are observing Ozone pollution in the Norhwest.

A lot of the tribes are being impacted by pollution because of the air pollution created in the big cities. Since the bigger cities are creating this air pollution, it pushes this out to the country, or in this case, it forces pollution onto the Rez.

Discussion of wildfires, Twa-Le mentioned the fire in Wenatchee. And how this sort of natural pollution affects the air.

Here are a few of the other topics covered:

Indoor Air Quality updated Washington State Radon Risk Map.

Radon is odorless and tasteless… The testing and fixing of this problem is not a high cost. But the budget keeps getting cut lower every year.

Uranium is being discovered in people’s wells, and the people have been drinking this water for years. It is a possible beginning stage of cancers. Not only is the water being consumed but it is used for bathing.

Protection of Traditional & Culturally Significant Plants: Huckleberry is one of the plants being affected by the Ozone problems. Along with the Roots, which are traditional foods for the Spokane Indians and other tribal diets

Huckleberry plants will get a yellow color on the leaves.

Radiation Monitoring- An Airplane flew over the reservation in 2011 and took a photograph that highlighted the radiation level.

There are 2 Mines, Midnite Mine, and Sherwood Mine. Both are Uranium Mines.

Radio Show called “Inner Tribal Beat”

Radio is the best way to connect with the local audience. This is due to the fact that the Cellular service and Internet is so slow or not present.

One of the problems has been the oil by rail project. Recently the tribes have been opposing this because of the pollution problem.

No one is benefiting from this problem,

Foal and oil trains will close the streets for 2 to 4 hours daily.

The coal is not being burned in the United States, it is being burned in China.

The tribe has been fighting coal since the 1980’s.

Law Magentic

Sight Line Interstate website

Another impact is the Barge Traffic, The companies wanted to use this as an alternative route to carry the charcoal. The amount of Barge traffic has been hugely increasing.  A hot issue with the tribes right now.

The tribes are coming together,

The Spokane will be having a tour in August, the Lummi is carving a ceremony. Maybe the 25^th of August. The Lummi Totem Pole Journey. The tribes that are coming together about the impact of our reservations.

Twe-La shared an abundant amount of information, I believe a class like us would need to listen to her discussions for at least a week to totally understand, to be honest everything we are learning is a condensed version of what is going on in the Northwest Natural Resource environment.

In the afternoon we visited one of the local facilities where the Natural Resource Departments own a house and farm. The purpose for this facility is to grow Fields of corn, Barley, and other foods for the wildlife in this area, but not for the local cows and Wild Horses that they refer to as Farrel Horses. They have been turned out, there have been Farrel Horses that have been Free Ranging their whole life. The horses on the property you can actually feed them.  

Savannah (or Hannah, I didn't write her name down?) discussed the way the tribe does fly overs in the winter to count the amount of Moose, Elks, Horses. This past winter was dry so it was difficult to count many, because they blend in with the environment… BUT they know the Moose count is up because some of these animals eat the grass in the front yards of their houses similar to having a bit pet. The comical side of this is that they do not need to mow their lawns.

Next we visited Two Rivers to swim, and not do too bad.

When we returned to camp, some of the students who help Warren were waiting. They brought us a Salmon. Alyssa and Chaylene prepared tonights meal. Deliciously cooked fish.

Mr. George Hill also visited us and showed us his Art collection, well a portion of it. He also discussed the story behind the display. I really liked the sculptures…very inspiring.

Last event of the night, we visited a short house with Warren, shared a little something which brought us all together emotionally. Creating a stronger bond between the whole group.

I know I maybe writing erratically but this entire trip, and lack of consistent technology combines a condensed and melting pot of information. I am thankful to learn all of this environmental science information.

I have a video of Mr. Hill discussion although it is too large to upload here, I will update the youtube link real soon. 

Monday Mining Tour

Day 9 Monday, MONDAY!!!

Not a bad morning, woke up early at 6:30am, a bit overkill since our day does not actually begin for a few more hours. Nonetheless, my group was in charge of breakfast today…

We scrambled around during the last minute because everyone needed to be prepared for the visit to the Mine today. I have very little knowledge about mining, let alone Uranium and its affect on the environment.

We arrived promptly at 8:45am-ish… Plenty of time before the speakers of Midnite Mining and Newmont Mining. 

The discussion of a brief history of this area (Wellpinit) and the Spokane area. How the Dam impacted the region, there was a power point showing us pictures of back in the 1950’s before the Dam, and after. The River created by the Dam, spans 180 miles all the way up to Canada, to add to this stretch, the river currently fluctuates throughout the year.

The Spokane Tribal member’s main concern was about the gravesite’s being disturbed by this fluctuation. When remains appear on the banks, or on the river, the tribal members hold services out of respect and rebury the remains. Recent years the methods have changed because of how traditions are not practiced as it used to. The elders are passing, yet the traditional methods are slowly being lost.

Other interesting history of the banks of this river are the landslides… In 1974, the biggest landslide occurred not too far from Two Rivers Bridge. The reason of this landslide is not fully understood, yet the thought is that the planes/jets that fly underneath the bridge at Two Rivers causes a sonic boom and the vibrations rattle the fragile banks along the River(s).

The question: Was the Dam the biggest impact on Salmon’s population? The answer is no, back in the 1950’s, there was “Fish Wheels,” a method of catching fish in abundant numbers. Canneries were all over the area, and canned fish for many parts of the nation and around the world. This reduced the numbers drastically, dwindling the salmon population.

Warren then discussed the Natural Resource Programs, plus the program he hosts. What a great program.

Next on the agenda, our attention was directed to a couple of Ice Breaker’s after our introduction of ourselves. This was a good activity to get all the students involved and interactive. Immediately after the second Ice breaker, we were ushered back into the Library, for the next session.

Midnite & Dawn Mining group (Gerald Kates, Radiation safety, Robert Nelson, Operations Manager, Randy Barnes, and Lou) provided us important history and instruction on our next destination. We were handed forms to fill out, and signed prior to discussion. We were notified that if you are under 18, you could not attend the Water Plant. If you are old enough and plan to attend, you will need to have cotton shirts, Levi Jeans, shoes (no open toed shoes) prior to go into the restricted areas.

The topic of pregnant women came up, that the women should disclose this information to wear a monitor. Although the contamination risk of where we are going is very minimal.

Gerald is the next speaker whom discussed the fact that radiation is everywhere, us as humans are allotted 100 milligrams per year of this radiation. Most likely we will never encounter a hazardous level of contamination.

Eastern Washington Radon is higher than that of other parts of Washington State and the United States. The reason Radon is much higher, is due to the fact we have more winters in Eastern Washington, Radon is in the soil and depending on our housing situation whether we allow some sort of air circulation, it may just build up. Mainly due to the fact we keep our houses closed up in the colder temperatures.

The information provided was semi-useful, but without actually seeing where we are going I was a bit clueless.

Upon departure, we took a group picture… Our White Swan students always seem so shy, but I know they are not. Regardless the picture was a success, as you can see.

I requested to go with another group, because I always want to meet other people. The vehicle I jumped on, was mostly High School students, 3 from white swan and 3 from Wellpinit, the other 3 of us were college students. The Local (Wellpinit) students know how to express themselves, carried on good conversation, well for the most part, the twins from Wellpinit spoke but only when spoken too.

We finally arrived to the Mining site, 1^st stop was at a hillside, we all went up to the top (great exercise). The view we seen was the ponds filled with water, 3 of the four were active (biohazard water), and the other natural water (rainfall). This area was not harmful, as we were told.

After this tremendous hike, we all traveled back to camp for lunch. Dawn Mining group had lunch provided by Subway (hmmm hmmmm, my favorite place to eat). Oh my, I have had some continuous meals these past few days and I am very appreciative about this opportunity. After consuming 3 half sandwiches and 2 bags of chips, I am ready to go!

I jumped on with another group of students, I was a bit excited. This vehicle occupants were 2 local college students, 1 from (James) Montana, 1 High school student and myself… These individuals carried excellent conversations and spoke highly of Warren. Warren has influenced their lives in a positive way, what type of work they do with Warren's direction, and their goals after college. I am very happy to meet these individuals, I certainly hope White Swan students talk with these laidies and gents. Simply brilliant that young minds have goals they are determined to accomplish, another plus was the Air Conditioner!

The next area was the parking lot between the drainage pond/pit and the water treatment plant, this is where the teenagers and drivers went one way and the older crowd split up into groups for tours of the area.

Our group of 10 went through the Water Treatment plant, basically the water from the bottom of the drainage pit(s) are funneled into this facility and go through a series of containers. These Bats or Vats (I’m not certain the correct term for these huge barrel like containers) are stopping points for additives like Acid (I believe sulfuric acid), and Lime to weigh down and separate the H2O from the Uranium or other metals in a series of Vats. The excess water is re-routed to the Pit, and the Lime, Metals, Excess Debris gets routed to this press system. This press system squeezes out all of the water, on a busy day this press can fill up 3 to 4 bags. These bags are a hefty size, 4 x 4 x 8, this dimension always reminds me of a cord of firewood. This was the final part of this water treatment facility.

Next we decontaminated ourselves, in other words we used this meter to check for biohazards and possible contamination on our person. We all passed the test, then we went to see the Pit, recycle system. Crazy view, the water at 5 feet deep was a bright sort of neon green, and the deeper part was a depth of 25 feet deep.

Randy Barnes assured us that the amount of radiation was not truly hazardous, they just practice taking all precautions as necessary to avoid any serious accidents. The Pit recycle project is intended to be completed within the next 4 to 8 years, roughly 6 years or less with the current drought taking place.

A student asked, “What would happen if someone jumped into the lake?” The reply, Well that person would be really itchy, and we would have to spray them down with water for a while to wash off the contaminants. Other than that, as long as they don’t orally swallow the water they should be fine.

It’s not ironic what the next question was, “If they swallow water, would they die immediately?” Reply, No they would not die immediately or grow other body parts. The “Theory” is that a person with a little bit of contamination would survive much longer than those with no contamination. This Theory reminded me of why people request for vaccinations. Overall the area was not as hazardous as portrayed… But according to the stories the local students discussed in our private vehicle discussions has me questioning all of those “Theories” as there is always some sort of façade in place to keep us focused on the good side of the mining group project. We shall see in the next decade.

                                                                                                                                                             

Last but not least, a group picture, this was actually taken before we departed the school!

There are two sets, because one half is closing their eyes on one photo and the other half are closed in the other photo.