Former commissioner Betty Sue
Morris gets special Sammy Award

Former Clark County commissioner and state representative Betty Sue Morris was honored Thursday with a special 2009 “Sammy Award” for her many years of leadership in developing measures to protect salmon and other fish.

Morris and other award winners received an original fish sculpture made by Northwest artist Don Perry in a ceremony hosted by the Board of Clark County Commissioners. The sculpture is created from recycled stainless steel and mounted on a handcrafted wooden base to recognize a variety of exceptional efforts, including habitat restoration and environmental education.

Board chair Marc Boldt said Morris worked for more than a decade to help create and advance the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board, which brought together counties, cities, the Cowlitz Tribe, power companies, environmental groups and the state legislature in crafting a regional salmon recovery plan.

“Instead of the feds imposing a federal solution, our region has stepped up and proposed ways to deal with a very complex problem,” Boldt said. “They adopted our plan as a blueprint for recovery on the Washington side of the river. Although many people worked hard on that, we have Betty Sue Morris to thank for energetic leadership all of the way.”

Besides Morris, this year’s Sammy winners are:

George Nosko, who raises beef on a 20-acre farm on Salmon Creek and has established five acres of riparian habitat.

Harry Barber, a life-long sport fisherman who retired from paper manufacturing and has since spent a decade as a conservation leader noted for restoration projects on the Washougal River.

Jac Arnal, a Watershed Steward volunteer active in restoration on Tenney and Gee Creeks.

Kirk Fitzer, an avid fisherman, former fishing guide and teacher at Hazel Dell Elementary School who has created real-life educational experiences that are fun for all ages.

Lower Washougal River Project partners, including Georgia-Pacific, Concrete Products, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and City of Camas for creating spawning and rearing habitat for salmon and steelhead runs.

St. Helens Institute presents
volcano program next Friday

The Mount St. Helens Institute presents Volcano Views and Brews at 7 p.m. Friday, June 19, in the Lucky Labrador, 1945 NW Quimby in Portland, Oregon.

Peter Frenzen, monument scientist, discusses, “Mount St. Helens Comes Back to Life! The 2004-2008 Eruption of Mount St. Helens.”

Tickets are $5 and available at the door. Food and beverages are available separately for purchase. Doors open at 5: p.m., and the speaker will begin at 7:00 pm. All ages are welcome.

Two new parks underway

Clark County Public Works and Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation will start construction at two new neighborhood parks next week.

The Jack Z. Fazio Neighborhood Park is at NW 21st Avenue and NW 99th Avenue. Tiger Tree Neighborhood Park is between NE 145th and 149th Avenues in Sifton.

The construction contract went to Paul Brothers, Inc., of Boring, Ore., for $673,806. The parks are to be completed this fall.

Calendar

The 16th Leadership Clark County graduation is at 7 p.m. today in Washington State University Vancouver. Keynote speaker is Mark Matthias. Class speaker is Michael Bomar. <> The Divine Home and Garden Tour in the Hough Neighborhood is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June, 13. Tickets are $15. For further information, call 695-6443. <> National Get Outdoors Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 13, is being celebrated at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 S.E. Columbia Way. The theme for this free event, “Explore Your Backyard,” encourages families to experience healthy, active outdoor fun available right outside their doors. Hands-on activities and engaging presentations will help grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and children of all ages find renewed interest in their own backyard, neighborhood and region. The Vancouver event is co-hosted by the City of Vancouver, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation, and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. <> Columbia Dance will showcase the talents of its students during its year-end performance at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 13, in the Royal Durst Theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 12 & under. <> Port of Camas-Washougal commissioners meet in regular session at 4 p.m. Monday, June 15. <> The Vancouver City Council meets in workshop session at 4 p.m. Monday, June 15.

Community Calendar Links

• Southwest Washington Center for the Arts

• Greater Vancouver Chamber

• City of Vancouver Calendar