Ocean Shores Waterways Edition of the Monthly Shores Insider 🌊

THE SHORES INSIDER

August, 2023

Ocean Shores Waterways Edition

Presented by the Ocean Shores Branch of Greater Grays Harbor, Inc.

A Localized Voice for Business in Ocean Shores

Shores Business News

Few things are as integral to the vitality of Ocean Shores as our fresh waterways systems. The health and beauty of Duck Lake and our twenty-three miles of fresh waterways and canals requires constant vigilance. This summer, the City of Ocean Shores is engaging in a number of projects and activities that will help keep our waterways systems vibrant.

Canal Spraying and Aquatic Vegetation Control

Doug Dorling and Northwest Aquatic Ecosystems finished their treatment of the Ocean Shores waterways on Friday, August 11th. The Duck Lake canal system was treated to control weed growth of submersed weeds and parrotfeather in mid-August. The weeds targeted included: pondweeds, milfoil, coontail, parrotfeather, duckweed, azola, and other associated free-floating species that could produce recreational problems. The weeds generally sink to the bottom of the canals within a few weeks of treatment.

The waterways were treated later than normal this year due to changes at the Ocean Shores Fresh Waterways Board and new regulations requiring that the City treat later in the season to ensure the preservation of the Olympic Mudminnow (Novumbra hubbsi), which is listed on the State of Washington’s Endangered Species.

Oyhut Ditch Update

Fresh water flows into the Ocean Shores waterways system via the Oyehut Ditch at State Route 115. Keeping the ditch clean and free flowing is critical to the health of the entire system.

This year, the City of Ocean Shores will put out to bid by the end of August for work to commence this fall on finalizing all those portions of the ditch that have yet to be cleaned. 

All areas of the ditch that were not completed last year are in the scope of work and the City is working with Twin Star Credit Union and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to also be able to have areas of the ditch cleared all the way to SR 115.  The plan is to then put the ditch on a two-year maintenance plan for clearing and clean-up.

Flood Prevention Measures

Due to our low level of elevation and rainy season, the winter months bring flooding to select areas of Ocean Shores. To mitigate this flooding, it is imparative that the City of Ocean Shores maintain the storm ditches in its greenbelts.

This year, the Ocean Shores Street Department is truly doing all it can to help alleviate flooding in the most flood prone areas of the City. Among the most dangerous areas for flooding is greenbelt section near Volans, Calawah and Satsup. The Ocean Shores Street Department has been doing excavation work the past few weeks to ensure that the storm drain system will function as intended through the winter and that flooding will be greatly mitigated for homeowners.

Stay Informed by Following Mayor Jon Martin's Facebook Page!

Shores Spotlight

Ocean Sunset Drug

Ocean Sunset Drug is locally owned and operated and is your total health and wellness provider for the central Washington Coast!

Carrying a huge assortment of products, Ocean Sunset Drug is your go-to store for seasonal gift items, cards, clothing, home decor, vitamins, gluten free, vegan and vegetarian foods, and so much more. Additionally, prescriptions can be filled in their on-site, full service pharmacy. No matter what you're in the market for, shop local at Ocean Sunset Drug!

Pay a Visit to Ocean Sunset Drug, Your One-Stop-Shop in Ocean Shores!