Local News

Work Begins on Structures to Protect Life and Property from Threat of Flash Floods and Debris Flows


Jun 03, 2015

The Okanogan Conservation District is extremely pleased to announce that Allemandi Construction Inc., along with McMillan Construction, is currently installing protective structures for twelve at-risk properties in and near the Carlton Complex burn scar. Projects range from installation of dikes, to the placement of ecology blocks, and the raising of roadways. These are all designed to divert mud and debris flows away from homes. Flash floods are common in and around areas burned by wildfire, especially those as severe as the 2014 Carlton Complex.

This work is funded by the Washington State Conservation Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program. The Okanogan Conservation District staff worked closely with the affected landowners and with engineers from NRCS and the Kittitas Conservation District to design appropriate structures for the location and anticipated risk level. There is no cost to the landowner for these protective structures.

In addition to these twelve landowners, the Okanogan Conservation District continues to assist nearly 300 Carlton Complex landowners. Staff are currently working on deer and cattle fencing projects by providing cost-share funding to landowners and labor for fence building via Washington Conservation Corps crews. In March, over 36,000 pounds of grass seed were applied to critical slopes on private land, and additional seed will be made available to the Okanogan County Noxious Weed Control Board for reseeding of areas treated for weed infestations.

Additional support for Carlton Complex landowners is dependent upon funding from the Washington State Legislature, which is currently debating the next biennial budget in Olympia.


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