2017 Annual WASLA Conference

Spokane Convention Center, April 21, 2017
One Day, Dynamic Sessions, Ultimate Location

10:15-11:15 AM
Exploring Earthquakes, Springs, Dams, and a River Restored: Designing a New Wildlife Area on the Columbia River at Beebe Springs

Description:

Beebe Springs’s emergence following the 1872 Ribbon Cliffs earthquake is legendary. Eventually, community interest supported the purchase of the 207-acre Beebe Fruit Orchard with public monies, which was then designed in 5 phases to blend the restoration of fish and wildlife habitat with recreation and site interpretation. The story of the site unfolds as the visitor discovers the diverse shrub steppe, riparian and aquatic environments and the history of human use. We will discuss techniques for linking ecological design with the visitor experience. Visitors to Beebe Springs take home messages and memories that strengthen WDFW’s mission of fish and wildlife preservation and enhancement. Layers of historical and natural system stories were considered. We will examine the process of narrowing the possibilities in a stakeholder process. Also discussed will be the educational elements that guide users in the safe and sustainable use of the site, and the integration of the natural area into the community.

Lead Speaker:

Jim Brennan

Speaker Bios:

Jim Brennan, Principal, ASLA, J.A. Brennan Associates
Maximizing design potential in natural systems is a focus of Jim's experience, which includes the enhancement of wildlife and fisheries habitat, plant communities, and shorelines. Jim has focused his career on projects like Beebe Springs that are of great interest and sensitivity to the community and surrounding environment where communication and involvement with public groups and individuals is critical to the project’s success.

Dennis Beich, Ecosystems NW
From 2000-2012 Dennis was the Regional Director of WDFW where he worked on all aspects of fish and wildlife habitat, management, regulation and protection in a five-county region of North Central Washington. He brings expertise with complex permitting issues associated with wetlands and riverine systems. Dennis has also conducted wildlife surveys for threatened, endangered and sensitive listed species.

Chuck Lennox, Lennox Insites, Principal
Chuck specializes in developing quality visitor experiences through interpretation, education, sustainable tourism and evaluation services. Chuck and his team developed an interpretive plan for Beebe Springs and all of the interpretive signage and elements.

Carla Talich, Prinicipal, BHC Consultants
Carla is a Civil Engineer specializing in water resources engineering, including storm water management, flood control, and stream and wetland restoration. Carla and her team designed many of the engineering features at Beebe Springs including the Children’s fishing pond, water line improvments, kiosks, pedestrian bridges, open channels, and habitat elements.

Learning Objectives:

Learn about the design of restoration projects to maximize ecological value and the importance of public involvement in the process.
Learn to design to lead a visitor on a path of discovery exploring place, history, ecological design, and preservation using creative interpretive design.
Explore ways to integrate a natural environment into the context of the local community.
How to create a balance of human use and preservation of the natural environment.

21.APRIL.2017

Where History Meets Nature

Spokane Convention Center
Spokane, WA