In 2008, the PUD bought a tiny, 6-foot-tall dam and powerhouse on Woods Creek near Monroe from a private utility company. The hydroelectric project is part of a newer approach to electricity, using small dams that do not affect the river's ecosystem to create power. The Woods Creek project creates enough power to run 300 homes.

On Friday, May 5 at 10am, Bear Creek students in 3rd grade and up have the opportunity to tour the project and learn about balancing hydroelectric power with environmental stewardship.  For safety reasons per the site's policy, no children under 3rd grade may attend, which includes younger siblings.  The visit is free.  There is no limit on attendees; however, we are only allowed to have at most 9 cars onsite!  So if you would like to attend, please work with your student's friends to identify who will go together. Because of the unique setup, we are only listing NINE spots.  Each one represents one car full of people.

Attendees should dress for weather, bring water, and wear closed toed shoes. There is a steep gravel hill to walk down to the powerhouse so part of tour is not accessible with limited mobility.  Most of the visit will be outdoors, so dress for the weather.  Cars will not be allowed into the lot until 10am.

Suzanne Madsen will be the point person. She can answer any questions at Suziecmk@gmail.com.