Chehalis Basin Watershed Management Plan Mission & Goals
Mission: - A management plan that will result in effective, economical, and equitable management of the water in the Chehalis Basin to sustain viable and healthy communities and habitat conditions necessary for native fish.
GOALS
General
- Work together to find solutions, build relationships, and obtain consensus on the Plan while fostering a sense of the importance for watershed management and stewardship.
- Focus on cost-effective environmental improvements and efforts based on available funds, while balancing a sustainable environment with economic development using a cooperative, not regulatory approach.
Public Involvement
Use the Citizen Advisory Committee and public education to raise awareness of citizens on watershed issues and gain input from the public in developing and adopting the Plan.
Encourage basin residents to implement the Plan, with government support.
Water Quantity
Goal: - Bridge the gap between existing stream flows and target flows for fish, wildlife and human use.
Objectives:
- Clarify Washington State water law to citizens.
- Conduct a water balance for the Chehalis Basin, including complete groundwater data.
Identify what tools are available to meet this goal, e.g.
> - Existing water rights
> - (More) Conservation
> -Water storage
> - Landscape changes, including habitat improvements
> - Switch to deep groundwater withdrawals (no hydraulic continuity)
> - Adjust timing of usage
> - Buy senior water rights
> - Purchase "interruptible supply"
Water Quality
Goal: - Prevent degradation of, and/or improve water quality to have clean water (as defined in Washington State water quality standards) for all fish, wildlife and human uses.
Objectives:
- Consider improving water quality through increasing water quantity (using tools identified above)
- Implement current and future water quality cleanup plans
- Develop strategies to identify and prevent water quality degradation
Habitat
Goal: Prevent degradation of, and/or improve habitat in order to support healthy fish and wildlife species and to support water quality and quantity goals.
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Send comments or questions to the: Chehalis River Council