City of Walla Walla pushes back on Tiger-Mill criticism, outlines watershed protection plans

WALLA WALLA — The Walla Walla City Council clarified Wednesday that the city of Walla Walla lacks legal standing to challenge federal decisions regarding the contentious Tiger-Mill Project.

The 38,000-acre watershed management initiative, proposed by the U.S. Forest Service on the Umatilla National Forest, has drawn sharp public criticism over its plans for commercial logging and prescribed burns. However, City Attorney Tim Donaldson explained that because the city previously signaled its support and the formal objection period has lapsed, it cannot legally demand an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

“The time has passed for us to change our position,” Donaldson said, noting that only individuals who filed timely objections, such as local resident Randall Son, retain the right to pursue further legal action.

Councilmember Monte Willis pushed back against public perceptions that the city has not taken the watershed’s protection seriously. Willis detailed multiple site visits with the U.S. Forest Service to evaluate treatment approaches, emphasizing that the city is actively coordinating additional water quality testing.

Public Works Director Ki Bealey confirmed that the city is working on an enhanced monitoring program. Under a pending arrangement, the U.S. Forest Service will purchase monitoring equipment for the city to install and operate.

Bealey also reassured residents that the city maintains a highly redundant water system. While Mill Creek is a primary source, Walla Walla routinely shifts to its backup system of deep wells when weather events increase water murkiness, ensuring a consistent and safe municipal water supply.

File photo

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Elkhorn Media Group