Soap Lake Liaison Committee eyes partnership with CBCD

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Liaison Committee held a meeting Friday, inviting Ron Sawyer, the Conservation Director with the Columbia Basin Conservation District, to discuss potential collaborative efforts to address environmental concerns surrounding the city’s beloved lake.  

Sawyer, who brought extensive knowledge and experience in conservation practices, was welcomed as the committee seeks solutions for the lake's ecological challenges, including the lowering of both water and mineral levels.  

During the meeting, which drew attendance from local officials, community members and environmental advocates, Sawyer shared insights on the importance of proactive measures in conservation. There was also discussion around Soap Lake joining the CBCD; however, that couldn’t happen until 2027. 

If the city does decide to join the CBCD, it would cost residents around $5 per lot per year and Soap Lake has around 900 lots, according to Mayor Peter Sharp. The $4,000 this would raise yearly would go back to lake conservation.  

Joining CBCD will also make it easier for the city to obtain grants, according to Judith Gorman, a Soap Lake City Council member and a leader of the Lake Liaison Committee.

Sawyer’s presentation highlighted CBCD's successful efforts in the Moses Lake area, where he has overseen various programs aimed at protecting water resources and fostering sustainable land use.  

“Collective action is key. We have to engage the community and show them the tangible benefits of conservation efforts,” he said. 

Following the presentation, Gorman expressed optimism regarding the future of collaborative initiatives.  

“Today’s meeting was incredibly productive. Ron’s expertise and the resources available through the Columbia Basin Conservation District could significantly benefit Soap Lake,” said Gorman. “We need to build alliances with larger environmental organizations to enhance our efforts in preserving this vital resource.” 

Gorman said there are challenges ahead, particularly as the committee navigates the complexities of obtaining funding and support from various governmental agencies.  

“The road ahead may be long, but we have the opportunities to lay the groundwork for successful partnerships,” Gorman added. 

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus among attendees that fostering communication and collaboration between local agencies, community members and conservation experts would be essential for the lake's ecological restoration, Gorman said.

“By working together, we can ensure a healthy and vibrant future for Soap Lake,” Gorman said. “This is just one idea we have in the pot, but we plan on taking better care of the lake.” 

The Lake Liaison Committee will meet at the Soap Lake Community & Senior Center again April 4 at 1 p.m., and meetings are open to the public. The group also has a website: TheLake.org with more information on efforts surrounding protecting and improving Soap Lake.  

    Ron Sawyer, the Conservation Director with the Columbia Basin Conservation District joined a Soap Lake Lake Liaison Committee meeting Friday. Sawyer discussed a potential collaboration between the city and CBCD in the future. Currently, CBCD works with Warden, Moses Lake and Othello.