Present: Mark Swartout (Chair), Sue Patnude, Patrick Wiltzius, John Sims, Lee Napier, Ron Wisner, Bob Wheeler (Triangle), Cynthia Carlstad (TetraTech/KCM), Chris Page (Triangle), Margaret Rader, J. Roach, Kitty Gillespie (Ecology), Kahle Jennings.
The agenda for this meeting was very ambitious and these are the issues that were addressed:
Summary of Level 1 Assessment
Cynthia Carlstad (TetraTech/KCM) presented an overview of the approach they are proposing for the detailed summary of the Level 1 Assessment of existing information. The presentation was interspersed with lengthy discussions about questions and issues raised by the Level 1 Assessment and subsequent work by the CBP.
Matrix of Basin Issues
The matrix of basin issues is intended to capture specific issues for each of the watershed planning elements (water quantity, water quality, fish habitat), which sub-basins the issues apply to, the priority of the issue, possible solutions and an implementation strategy. The Matrix will eventually become part of the watershed plan. Triangle provided a draft and committee members recommended additions. Work on the matrix will continue over the next few months.
Local meetings and Project Schedule
The committee received an update from Triangle on the work that has been done to date. A draft announcement has been prepared and some meeting locations have been reserved. The committee discussed how the meetings should be organized, what needs to be done and who could help. The dates for the meetings are February 26, March 19, April 16 and May 21.
There was discussion of coordinating at least one of the meetings so that it would occur at a time and in a location that would be convenient for legislators to attend during the 2002 legislative session. The location of the Chehalis Basin might make it a convenient way for legislators from across that state to directly observe how watershed planning is proceeding. J. Roach feels this is a unique opportunity to reach the legislature and will help coordinate a link with the legislature.
Estimate of Surface and Groundwater claims, permits, certificates, etc.
Ecology's reviewed the progress it has made on compiling information it has in its records. The key to preparing a useful estimate is to understand how the information will be used during the planning process so you can assemble the correct information in a format that can be used to answer the questions being asked.
Water Quality Sub-committee
With all the work required for the watershed planning effort the S/TC just can't take on additional responsibilities. Committee meetings have already expanded to five hours. Although the Steering/Technical Committee agrees that a separate water quality committee is a good idea, the Committee felt there are still many questions that need to be resolved before it can make a firm recommendation. Questions include the following: What are the responsibilities of the committee? How will the CBP benefit? Who will be on the committee? Who will staff the committee? How will the committee coordinate with the S/TC and the Partnership? To discuss these questions the sponsor of the proposal, along with representatives from the Department of Ecology that favor the approach will be asked to attend a future ST/C meeting.
Annual Plan of Work
Kahle presented an update of the 2001 Annual Plan of Work and a draft of the 2002 Annual Plan of work for review. Several changes or additions were recommended and discussed. Committee members can provide comment to Kahle by noon Wednesday December. A revised draft of the 202 Annual Plan of Work will be prepared based on the comments received and sent out with the December CBP meeting agenda.
Status of modifying the Partnership's draft by-laws into Operating Procedures
Due to the workload associated with watershed planning this effort has stalled. The only chapter that needs to be reviewed is the one on membership. This is an important issue for the Partnership - several positions remain unfilled and some members in positions that are filled do not attend meetings. This work will be rolled forward into the 2002 Annual Plan of Work and scheduled for the first part of the year.
The next Steering/Technical Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday January 3, 2002. The meeting will be held at the Montesano WDFW office and will be another long one, starting at 10:00 a.m. and running until 3:00. Lunch can be ordered at the start of the meeting or you can bring a brown-bag lunch of your own.
Kahle TO DO
Ask Sandy to help with meeting announcements and distribution list of new organizations. (done - yes)
Ask Dave Rounty to help with preparing a display of water quality issues. (done-yes)
Prepare a display of water resources and instream flow issues.
Ask Ecology grant administrator about providing "free pizza." (done-no)
Check with Brian Walsh about using some of his Chehalis photographs. (done, need follow-up)
Prepare a list of the maps currently available for the basin.
Revise Annual Plan of Work for CBP mailing. (done)
Prepare S/TC meeting summary for CBP mailing. (done)
Reconvene the by-laws sub-committee to complete work on the revision of the by-laws.
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