CRC position on CBP membership

Dick Nichols
Chairman
Chehalis Basin Partnership

Dear Mr. Nichols,

The proposed Intergovernmental Agreement for the Formation of the Chehalis Basin Partnership is an issue of concern for the Chehalis River Council (CBP)

As constructed the CBP provides membership for 14 cities which represent less than half of the basin population. Four members will represent major interests. Counties, tribes, water supply utilities, port districts, and state departments will make up 15 additional special interest members. A total of four citizens will be allowed to represent the interests of over 50% of the population and 90% of the land area.

At the March 27 meeting of the group we expressed our concerns (a copy is attached). We now want to formally request that the CBP consider the following recommendations:

We feel this allocation must be changed. At a minimum we recommend that full membership be extended to:

• One citizen from each subbasin identified in the Chehalis River Basin Action Plan
• One representative from each Conservation District in the watershed to represent their unique agriculture interests
• One representative from each incorporated nonprofit organization which deals with natural resources
• One representative from U.S. EPA, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

We strongly recommend that the CBP pursue watershed planning, watershed assessments, and the watershed management plan grant. The legislature has seen fit to entrust us with the responsibility of managing our water future and it is in our best interest to take advantage of this opportunity. We may not have another chance

It is also to our advantage to assemble a group which truly represents the watershed and that from day one we begin to work on solutions together.

Sincerely

cc: CBP Mailing list