Chehalis Basin Partnerships Notice and Summary

Posted as a courtesy to the Chehalis Basin Partnership by the Chehalis River Council

Meeting Purpose: Chart future activities of the Chehalis Basin Partnership, report on watershed grant and Salmon Recovery, (2496), share perspective on Chehalis TMDL.

Chair: Mayor Bob Spahr, City of Chehalis (360/507-3149)

Lead Staff-. Brian Walsh, Department of Ecology (360/407-6310)

The Chehalis Indian Reservation is located on Route 12 near Oakville.

NOTE - THIS MONTH'S MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9:00

Introduction

Commissioner Nichols welcomed the group and mentioned that this would be his last meeting as chairman. He reflected on the group's progress after one year. Recognition was given to all for their hard work. Commissioner Nichols noted that the initial organizing work is nearing completion, setting the stage for the group to begin tackling some of the substantive issues facing the watershed.

I. Watershed Planning Grant / Scoping Committee / 2496 Salmon Recovery

Marc Duboiski (Lewis County) mentioned that 5 additional signatures are needed for the partnership to assume the lead role for 2496 salmon recovery. He also provided a copy of a letter to Governor Locke formally requesting state agency participation on the Chehalis Basin Partnership. (Marc explained that this step is part of the state agency MOU). Commissioner Nichols asked and received permission from the partners hip to sign the letter. Marc than handed out a copy of some draft by-laws for further discussion. He mentioned that the realtors association had contacted him about participation of the CBP as the business representative. Nancy Winters (Thurston County) presented a flow diagram showing the suggested steps in the contracting process for the level 1 and level 2 watershed assessments under the 2514 watershed grant.

II. Report on Intergovernmental Agreement and Citizen Participation

Brian Walsh (Dept. of Ecology) reported on the status of the intergovernmental agreement. He thanked Mike Daniels and Brian Shea for participating in city council meetings in McCleary and Montesano where the intergovernmental agreement was approved. Brian also received approval from the City of Ocean Shores. Sue Patnude attended that meeting and provided support for the process. Signatures are still needed from Grays Harbor Water District #2, the Quinault Indian Nation, the City of Aberdeen and Boistfort Valley Water. Brian hopes to have these signatures before the next CBP meeting.

Regarding citizen participation, Brian had received a message from Margaret Rader suggesting he contact Jim Walls (Columbia Pacific RC&D) and Ron Wisner (Grays Harbor Conser. District) to obtain some additional names for the lower watershed. Brian agreed to follow-up. Brian acknowledged the newest citizen members of the Partnership - Ed Moerke (Lewis County) and Margaret Rader (Thurston County).

III. Update on Chehalis Flood Project

Commissioner Graham (Lewis County) reported on the latest developments on the Chehalis Flood Project. A progress report to the legislature has been prepared and submitted. The WA Department of Transportation continues to meet to identify alternative approaches. The U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers may become the lead agency on the project. On December 1 6, the first of 5 public meetings will be held. Commissioner Nichols stated that the draft report has drawn criticism that the consultant has already decided the fate of the project. He assured the group that this is not the case. However, citizens are anxious to get a resolution. The executive committee for the flood project will make the ultimate decision.@ The public meetings will be an opportunity to test the public sentiment on the project.

IV. Comments on Last Meeting

Mayor Penberth (Pe Ell) requested time on the agenda to express some thoughts on the progress of the CBP. He expressed strong concerns about where we are going and the lack of progress. He stated that not all participants are at the table. According to the Mayor, the legislation is flawed and needs to be revisited. He announced that he does not plan to continue with the CBP. Brian Shea said that he understood the frustrations and that 'your agenda is our agenda - this group can help you'.

Commissioner Nichols stated that the soon-to-be adopted intergovernmental agreement is a major accomplishment. He said that the mayor's comments were well taken.

V. Business Discussion

Each member of the Partnership was asked to comment on the progress of the group and what they would like to see develop in the coming year. Most of the representatives were positive about the need for the group and what it could accomplish. There was recognition of the complexity of the issues and the need to share information. Chairman Nichols suggested that a subgroup be formed to get the technical advisory and citizen advisory committees established. Mike Daniels suggested that by-laws be developed and a workplan. Margaret Rader wanted to focus on the structure of the group, the watershed assessment and the data clearinghouse. Commissioner Cady (Mason County) emphasized the need to know what has already been done. She said that the KRIS product would be nice, but it will take time. She cited the experience of the Hood Canal Coordinating Council and the management of information. Jeff Wetzel (City of Hoquiam) said we need to narrow the scope. Jon Hare (Chehalis Confederated Tribes) said we need to focus on 2514, especially instream flows. Sara LaBorde (WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife) said that the group has made progress. "We don't want the feds to be involved." The flood piece is vital and we need to look at the 2496 piece. Brian Shea (City of Aberdeen) stated that he is pleased with the progress of the group and he likes the inclusiveness. Debra Dickey (WA Cattleman's Association) liked the information gathering. She agreed that flooding is critical. Commissioner Graham said that it is a bit confusing with 2514, 2496, and the flood issues. He said we need to move farily slow due to the complexity of issues and the size of the groups. Ed Moerke explained that the public process moves slow to gain public support. 'Every drop of water counts." We need better direction on where we are trying to go. Marc Duboiski said that we are leaps and bounds ahead of, other groups. He suggested modifying future agendas to limit the scope to 1 or 2 important topics. He thinks we're on the right track. Commissioner Nichols urged focus on 2514 and 2496. He said that more needs to be done on information sharing , public education, outreach and legislation. He thinks that this is the best opportunity to resolve issues. Mayor Spahr (City of Chehalis) concurred with what had been said. Sue Mauermann (Dept. of Ecology) suggested that the group is in a typical stage of team development. Subgroups will work on specific issues. A subgroup was formed with the following members - Mike Daniels, Sue Patnude, Bob Spahr, Margaret Rader and Brian Shea. Dick Nichols asked Brian Walsh to organize the meeting.

VI. Elect New Chair and Vice Chair

Chairman Nichols asked for nomination for chair and vice chair. Dr. Sodhi and Mayor Spahr were nominated for Chair. Mayor Spahr was elected by a majority of the members present. Dr. Sodhi was elected as the vice chair.

VII. Successful Grant Writing

Rich Brinkman (City of Aberdeen) made a presentation on successful grant writing.

The key message - the funding exists - just have to find it

VIII. Wrap-Up/Adjourn

Next Chehalis Basin Partnership meeting is scheduled for January 22 at 9:00 am at

the Chehalis Indian Reservation.

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