WSU’s Horizons Project asks for community views

August 30, 2007

As part of its Horizons Project, Washington State University Extension is asking local residents on their ideas for enhancing the local economy and quality of life. Surveys were mailed last week to many Wahkiakum residents, in efforts to gather as much input from community members as possible.

“We hope that everyone will take a few minutes to complete and return the survey,” said Joe Baisch, Horizons Community Coach. “The more input we receive the better our plans will reflect the opinions and desires of our community. It’s a chance for everyone to be heard.”

The survey was printed and distributed from WSU in Spokane, and there are two typos noticed after the surveys were mailed. The survey mistakenly identified only Cathlamet, when the project encompasses all of Wahkiakum County. The survey also lists project ideas from the Action Forum this spring, and mistakenly mentions building a skate park in Cathlamet when the actual project idea was a skate park for the West Side.

Participation in the survey is voluntary and the responses will be kept anonymous. A summary of the results will be available by October, and presented at a community-wide visioning forum later this fall. All community members will be invited to the forum to develop a vision and plan based on the survey results.

Wahkiakum County is one of 23 communities statewide chosen to participate in the Horizons Project administered by WSU Extension and funded by grants from the Northwest Area Foundation. Its goal is to help members of participating communities develop leadership skills, and develop practical strategies to encourage a thriving Wahkiakum community.

Volunteers from Wahkiakum County have been participating in the Horizons Project since fall of 2006, and come from diverse backgrounds; including high school students, long-time residents, working families, and retirees.

For more information about the Horizons project or to obtain a survey, call Carrie Kennedy at the Extension office, 795-3278; or Community Coaches Joe and Joy Baisch at 360-301-1512.