In the small Lewis County town of Onalaska where I live, there are plans to nearly double the population and develop many acres of greenspace, to build a suburb. Housing and development is needed as residents move out of flood prone areas, expensive cities and neighboring states. Regardless, there is no doubt that the character of this small town encircled by nature will be forever changed and greenspace lost.
This type of development and change is not, and will not, be isolated to Onalaska. It will begin to happen all over the county. How long before we are like Pierce or Thurston counties, with endless suburban/urban sprawl? How long before the greenspaces and rolling hills that make this area so special are transformed into apartments and gated communities? What can we do about it?
In the next decade, the places and spaces we recognize to be Lewis County will be forever changed. This is inevitable.
This is why Lewis County officials need to reconsider their opposition to the recent proposed TransAlta donation and WDFW land acquisition. The county will need places that still offer the recreation and sporting opportunities we have all become accustomed to. Since TransAlta has to pay for the cleanup and much of the property is being donated not purchased, the proposal will not cost taxpayers, but will instead enrich them. Furthermore, with the industrial parcels being left out of the deal the county can still do some development and increase tax revenue. This seems like a win-win that will help to preserve this rapidly changing region. Our commissioners should at least come to the table with TransAlta and WDFW to begin to think about the county, the future, and preserving our way of life in the face of rapid change.
Catherine Van-Eps
Onalaska
