Like you, we are saddened to see the results of the weather exposure the Lalooska totem poles have endured over time. We’d like to clarify just a few points.
- Port of Kalama does not own these poles—we are the host venue.
- We are working closely with the family of owners to help them with the best way to determine the future of the pole.
- The Port is investing in engineering consultants to help us—and the family—understand the best—and safest—way to bring the tallest totem to the ground for more evaluation.
- Until we all know how the tallest totem has been impacted by weather and exposure, we don’t yet know the best solution.
- We want to keep everyone up-to-date as we receive more information from both engineering teams and the family that owns these treasures.
- There are three totems that will remain upright at this location while we analyze the tallest which stands at 140’.
- Engineering specialists advised the Port of Kalama commission that the tallest totem is a potential safety hazard as it is not likely to withstand riverside winds as it once did.
- The totems are hosted at one of the Port’s most-visited public parks—public safety at Port parks and beaches is our number one concern and priority.
We hope that the Kalama community understands that we are doing the best we can to move quickly with engineering and the family of owners to assure a timely solution for the totem.
Thank you all so much for your patience as we identify the best route to proceed.
