Beavers blamed for Ewan floods

COLFAX - Whitman County commissioners listened to testimony about a flooding threat in Ewan attributed to beavers.

Andrew Wolfe, manager of Rock Lake Conservation District, spoke to commissioners on Monday about the recent increase in flooding of Kamiak Creek, which goes directly through Ewan.

He explained how a 1,200-foot long grove of willow trees attracts beavers, which gnaw and cut trees building sediment in the creek to cause rising water levels.

"An obvious flooding threat," Wolfe said.

The county's critical areas ordinance is holding back action, he said. The conservation district seeks...