When the first round of wind and rain rolled through the Curlew State Park, Ranger Ric Sanders considered himself lucky that the forecasted storm was somewhat insignificant. “I felt something was wrong, so I went up to the office and checked my messages. I found a 13 page email from Wenatchee Regional Headquarters warning of a yet another potentially treacherous storm,” recalled Sanders. With that information, the concerned ranger began running from campsite to campsite alerting campers of the situation and getting them to safety. “I saw a black cloud coming from the southwest and about an 8 foot wall of water and mist moving up the lake. At 4:19, July 7, it all broke loose. The wind sheared off or uprooted over 100 trees in the park.”

Due to the power outage created by the storm, Curlew Job Corps students’ summer vacation was extended. Curlew’s Construction Craft Laborers instructor, Darald Staley, recognized the park’s need for help in clean-up, so when the students returned to the Center July 30, Darald and his crew went to the park to evaluate the situation. “Curlew’s beautiful State Park is unfunded, meaning there’s no state money to help in times like this.” said Staley. “Job Corps students are able and eager to help out. It gives them a sense of community. We’re also able, at that time, to evaluate their skills, ability and work ethic.”

“We’re proud to be able to give a helping hand in the community.” reported Acting Center Director, John Booker. “It was a privilege to help Ranger Sanders. The park is such a treasure to this area. With no State funding to do the clean up, this was an overwhelming task for the park employees. It will take a lifetime to restore the trees in the park, but now it sure looks a great deal better.”

Jim Beckwith and his certified sawyers and firefighters were essential in the park’s rehabilitation efforts. Unfortunately, Jim and his crew were not present to comment for this article, as they have been dispatched to fire activity. 

The Center’s laborers, painters, facilities maintenance, carpenters, and foresters worked for several days in State Park and Swan Lake area.