In considering the input received from the STC and the CBP and in reviewing the "Next Steps" document, Triangle, in partnership with TetraTech/KCM, proposes the following scope of work and budget (attached) for the next 6-months: October 2001 through March 2002. This approach is intended to continue and build on the momentum of the CBP in Watershed Planning. The Partnership has made some clear strides in recent months and is working well together. The Triangle team can help the STC and CBP capitalize on this progress by assisting in developing the Watershed Plan in logical, progressive steps.

Triangle is also providing the STC and CBP with a budget listing tasks for continuing Watershed Plan development beyond March of 2002 to completion - provided there is interest now in outlining what is needed to complete the Plan considering the tight time schedule for it. Triangle has the additional, technical resources of TetraTech/KCM for completing technical components of the larger planning process.

Below is an overview of the primary areas for work in the upcoming months and specific tasks to be accomplished. This document was considered at the October 11 STC meeting along with the longer budget/scope of work for completion of the Watershed Plan from April 2002 through County public hearings to approve the Plan.

Sub-Basin Approach

Triangle and TetraTech/KCM will assist the STC in defining the parameters of the four sub-basins for study and recommendations onto the CBP for final decisions. The CBP has approved the "Next Steps" document that outlines the sub-basins as follows:

Watersheds of rivers/streams that drain directly to Grays Harbor

Watersheds of rivers/streams that drain into the lower Chehalis River

Watersheds of rivers/streams that drain into the middle Chehalis River

Watersheds of rivers/streams that drain into the upper Chehalis River

Triangle will work with STC/CBP in clarifying whether or not the Grays Harbor estuary itself is to be considered in the Plan, and exactly which watersheds comprise each of the four basins. This work is not difficult but needs to be nailed down.

Triangle will additionally draft a process, parameters, and guidance for setting up and conducting these meetings for review, comment and approval by the STC/CBP.

Stakeholder & Issue Identification

Triangle will assist the STC and Partnership in preliminary identification of specific issues both for the whole WRIA and by sub-basin. We will work with the Partnership to identify specific stakeholder groups in each sub-basin (in addition to those already active in the Partnership). Triangle will work with these groups to begin pinpointing issues, including suggesting solutions by interest areas, e.g. agriculture, forestry, cities, fisher groups, water purveyors, citizens, and others. These issues will be listed in a matrix that will include the element(s) affected (water quantity, quality, or habitat, as well as general issues) and proposed solutions in addition to the priority for addressing each issue.

Technical Needs

The STC, assisted by technical consultants TetraTech/KCM, must review criteria for Phase 2, Level 2 studies and prioritize these studies. Their work will likely include estimating the costs for conducting these studies. Once the prioritization of Phase 2 Level 2 studies is complete, several possible approaches for completing the studies exist, e.g. hire Triangle/Tt/KCM to carry out the Level 2 work, or hire Triangle to assist the STC/CBP in finding and hiring a contractor to perform the needed studies (e.g. mass water balance analysis, groundwater info). Obviously, the CBP could manage this on their own without Triangle involvement.

In order to begin using the Level One Assessment as a policy document for Phase 3 Plan development, Tt/KCM will also develop a detailed summary of the Level One Assessment. Triangle and Tt/KCM can also assist in conducting technical sessions for the Partnership on water balance and instream flow incremental methodology (IFIM). Triangle will also work with TetraTech/KCM to ensure that the CBP is aware of and understands the technical issues and findings as they emerge.

Communications/Outreach

Triangle will assist the CBP with continued efforts to involve and educate entities (especially initiating groups/individuals) that are not fully engaged. In January 2002 the Partnership should begin holding its monthly meetings in the different sub-basins, involving local stakeholder groups and individuals. Triangle will assist in identifying and inviting these participants to CBP meetings and soliciting their input into the Plan. These meetings can be used to further identify sub-basin issues. Triangle will also work with the Citizen Advisory Committee, the STC, and the CBP to develop a communications plan to ensure public support of Plan recommendations and actions.

Meetings

Triangle will continue providing meeting management services for both the CBP and the STC as needed. Provided that the Partnership continues moving forward with its watershed planning effort, it would be helpful for Triangle to facilitate the meetings of the Partnership as it moves out into the local sub-basins. Between October and March, it is estimated that Triangle's presence at six CBP meetings would help the group progress (in reaching agreement on STC recommendations, issues/solutions, etc.) on Phase 2 and Phase 3. Triangle and TetraTech/KCM will assist the STC in developing the issues/solutions matrix, sub-basin meeting approaches and parameters, communications strategy, etc. at the six meetings in this time span also - assuming there is a need for this.

Future

The Triangle/Tt/KCM team will propose procedures, parameters, and information for the CBP that will allow for continued development of the Watershed Management Plan beyond March 2002 and assist in keeping the momentum of this effort moving forward.

Deliverables:

Delineated Sub-basin Boundaries

Detailed Summary of Level One Assessment

Issue Matrix

Prioritized Level 2 Study List

Communications Strategy

Stakeholder Contact List

Meeting Facilitation & Minutes for 6 STC and CBP Meetings (12 total)

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