With summer approaching and river recreation picking up, King County Council member Larry Phillips of Seattle has introduced legislation calling for the development of rules to protect rafters and swimmers from the hazards created when large woody debris is put into rivers.

“It’s important that King County’s beautiful rivers and streams remain safe and accessible for people and fish,” said Phillips. “By taking adequate safety measures, large wood can be placed in waterways to benefit fish habitat and help control flooding while minimizing risks to people boating and swimming in rivers.”

Wood emplacements contribute to aquatic habitat, reduce erosion, and protect shorelines, but they can also be hazardous to rafters and swimmers.

The County Council in 2007 directed the county’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks to prepare a report on ways to mitigate the public safety hazard of large wood emplacements. Phillips is now calling on the executive to adopt rules for the County to follow when establishing large wood emplacements in rivers or streams, and require that public safety be kept in mind when designing river habitats.

Phillips’ legislation would also require the county to inform recreational river users, environmental interests and neighboring communities about proposed projects involving wood emplacements, and develop a public process for seeking input from them.