Grand Daddy Mac's views

Observations on The Cowlitz Falls and the Family Preserve by Charles MacDonald

I think this is a good time for review, and for some important questions. First, the questions:
Who owns the road? Who decides on use of the road? How is the road to be maintained? Who defines the road right-of-way?
Who owns the wells? Who may use the wells?

Perhaps it’d be well to review what has been done, what projects are in progress, and what the next steps ought to be. First off, after I realized the acre on which I live and, its surroundings, could not become the permanent Family Camp Ground (it’s served pretty well, in the short term, however), I began development of the River Camp Site. This required some land clearing and expense. During that time I envisioned what the Camp Sites might look like, and what I’d hope they would not look like. I envisioned log framed cabins with good roofs and half-walls, one for each of the sites cleared. (There are more good sites available.) These cabins would be made from peeled hemlock logs, availed on the greater 84 acre site, and not marketable for lumber. This would be a low-cost, labor intensive project, perhaps each family selecting their own site to develop. I also talked with Aaron about restrictive covenants, etc. During this time I also cleared the gully leading to the fishing hole, and constructed a trail. You had already constructed a beautiful trail, but it didn’t lead to a fishing hole. The gully was a bigger project than originally conceived, but still went pretty well. We also located an amphitheater, built some seating, and a performing stage will be completed when floor planks are milled.

Development of this site has 4 basic elements: a serviceable road, water and bathrooms, and power. First, the road! I had hoped, and had been assured; that a serviceable roadbed would be constructed when the logging was done when equipment was available for the project. This was not done. I was then told the Family Preserve would have the expense, to which I replied, “But, you’re part of the preserve.” I have wanted to participate in some of these costs, but my offers have been declined. Now, the ROAD still needs doing (there are 3 really bad parts requiring culverts). Now, roadbed construction must also include a water line trench, and (the most expense part) gravel. Once I felt a truck load of alder could be salvaged from the 84 acres to defray road costs, but now the lumber market is too poor for that.

POWER was a pretty easy problem for me, but my solution is questioned by some. I bought a really good power generator, and can take it to the site when required. The cost of taking power lines to the camp site would be out of the question. The generator will work well for a long time.

WATER is still a critical need. Well drilling is a major expense, but we already have two wells on the site that were drilled during construction of the dam. I bought a good submersible pump with power cable, and we used this to test both wells. One is very good, and the other has some potential. All that is needed is to get the water to the Camp is a water line and a trench to put it in. Gary Morgan has offered me 2” cable that will be great for water. All we need do is dig a trench and bury the pipe. I can still provide the means to pioneer the roadbed, dig the trench and bury the water line, but cannot afford to do the culverts or lay the gravel. These are the most critical projects, and I believe they must be our first priority.

I think the next big project is to construct what I call a dining hall. That’s a pretty grand name for what I envision. I see a 30’ x 60’ pole building with a nice metal roof. One end of the building has 3 enclosed rooms: 2 privies (outhouses), and a shower room. The 30’ bulkhead wall opens to what I call the kitchen: hot water heater, generator hook-up, sinks, counter tops, bar-be-cue hook ups, and lockable cupboards. The balance of the building is opened walled, and contains tables and benches, and could even have a dirt floor in the short term. This project should be a low-cost for building materials, but labor intensive.

I had hoped to complete this much while alive, so additional costs may be more manageable for young families. But, things are going too slow. I cannot see an easy solutions. The CFLLC has all the WHEN authority. Family Preserve projects must be compatible with CFLLC time tables, and authority to proceed rests with them. As you know the CFLLC has just given us the go ahead. We all need a clearer vision of the Family Preserve role. I think your accomplishments are profound and very good. Our Family can accomplish great things when we work together.