Revised 5/29/03, Chris Page, cpage@triangleassociates.com
What is the purpose of this issue paper?
The Partnership is committed to voluntary rather than regulatory methods for achieving the mission, goals and objectives it identified for Chehalis Basin watershed planning. Therefore, Basin residents need information on how their activities impact water and what they can do to protect this vital resource now and in the future.
The purpose of this issue paper is to present methods for raising awareness of citizens and stakeholders about water issues and to recommend approaches to inform the public and to obtain public input on water resource issues of concern in the future.
What is the background?
As the population of the Chehalis Basin expands, the water necessary to support growth will come from the development of new resources (potentially) and of infrastructure to capitalize on existing water rights. To minimize negative impacts on stream flows, these approaches must be augmented by conservation measures, including “water-wise” land use practices (also known as Best Management Practices). These conservation measures should be the primary focus of public information.
Conservation, as used here, refers to using less fresh water, primarily through technology improvements and landscaping practices. Water conservation is a basic tenet of Washington water law, although the law does not require specific implementation actions. Conservation efforts provided for in the law are directed at both suppliers and consumers of water. Water resources saved through an effective conservation plan can be utilized to reduce the impact of withdrawal from hydrologic systems, to help maintain base flows in streams, and to delay the development of more costly water sources. Local water and land use plans must incorporate conservation as part of their agenda.
What information should be presented to Basin citizens?
Information is needed to improve the general public’s understanding of water issues in the Chehalis Basin. Basic concepts about water, watersheds, the needs of people, fish and wildlife, and how the various uses affect other uses/users – all need to be explained in simple, clear terms so people have the information they need to understand and participate effectively in the watershed planning process. Information about the water resources and the role of individual water users must be readily available, easy to understand, and credible. It needs to be presented in ways that capture public attention and interest.
What key messages should public information materials convey?
Consistent, focused messages should be used throughout the Basin to assist public and private water users in understanding the need for responsible management of water resources. An overarching message is that there are simple, inexpensive and effective measures that Basin residents can take to ensure there is sufficient water in the Chehalis Basin for human and fish needs. Specific messages should be developed that:
Address water conservation
Address non-point sources of pollution
Address illegal diversions of water
Encourage the recycling/reuse of wastewater
Lead to the development of partnerships for coordinating water projects and efforts
Lead to better recognition by ground water purveyors of the need to work together
Improve and protect stream zones;
Identify strategies to improve habitat conditions for aquatic species
Address flooding issues, including the benefits of meandering and side channels
Who needs to develop and implement a public information program?
Local government agencies and stakeholders alike can play a leadership role by taking responsibility for developing and disseminating public information. Local governments and water purveyors have public information staff already that can be used to increase awareness of water resource issues in the Basin. For example, when a public utility mails its bills to customers during dry summer months, a small insert or attractive information blurb can be included to raise awareness of water supply and stream flow issues. In addition, the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Partnership, which has already played a significant role in public outreach for watershed planning, could continue to play a key role in developing a public information plan and identifying key messages for the overall effort.
What issues need to be addressed?
It is expected that new informational materials will likely be needed on the following issues:
.Non-point sources of pollution
Illegal diversions of water
Riparian zone management
“Best management practices” for irrigation, development, etc
What outreach approaches are likely to be effective?
Personal Contacts
The rural nature of much of the Chehalis Basin lends itself to informal, personal contacts. The importance of individual efforts by Partnership members was demonstrated in the public information and involvement efforts for the four local Study Area meetings held in the spring of 2002 around watershed planning in the Chehalis Basin. Attendance was much higher at the meetings for which Partnership members invited people personally than at the one for which few individual contacts were made. (Citizens at the Study Area meetings showed remarkable knowledge about specific local issues, though it appeared that more information would be beneficial about timing and quantity of water use as related to stream flows and fish health.)
The Internet
The internet is a tool that can make information easily available over a wide geographic area, and an excellent website about Chehalis basin issues currently exists in the Chehalis River Council site. [Web addresses/links to be included here] The Partnership should consider how this site, or its equivalent, will be supported in the future since a concentrated, coordinated effort is needed to create, maintain and publicize a site that could inform interested parties about stream flow levels, water supply issues, fish runs, etc.
Graphics should be used liberally to make informational materials attractive, attention- grabbing and easy to understand. Information should be readily available, and credible.
Existing Efforts
Public information on Chehalis basin water issues must build on those efforts currently ongoing. These include the Drops of Water newsletter and articles in The Chronicle . Additional public information efforts might include some or all of the following:
?Chehalis Basin Partnership website
Informational materials (flyers, fact sheets, brochures)
Series of articles in local newspapers
Use of existing mailings
Press releases publicizing meetings, events, activities and opportunities
Briefings to local governments
Briefings about water issues to groups in the watershed
Information centers
Publicity of events and activities via public access TV
Fliers posted at popular community locations
Op Ed Articles
Piggyback on existing events
Other
Education materials and efforts should include information on several water resource related topics. These are listed in the table below along with suggested outreach technique that best suit each issue area
| | | |
| Use of water (commercial, industrial, agriculture, residential) | Websit
eBriefings with interest groups, local government agencies | Include relationship with instream flows, timing of withdrawal
sShow advantages of alternatives |
| The case for conservation | Articles or Op-Ed pieces in local newspaper
sInformation centers | Must show it is easy, inexpensive |
| Landowner tools | Informational material
sUse existing outlets (e.g. utility bill mailers) | Efficiency improvements, land use (comment: these are underused tools) |
| Consumer economics | Informational material
sUse existing outlets (e.g. utility bill mailers) | Show how to save money by using less water |
| Outreach/ass istance for citizen projects | Websit
eFlyers | Need clearinghouse for Basin resources |
The Citizens Advisory Committee of the Chehalis Basin Partnership should take a leading role in developing a plan for public information, including specific roles and responsibilities. The Citizen Advisory Committee would make recommendations to and be guided by the Chehalis Basin Partnership. Member agencies of the Partnership should consider what outreach techniques are a good fit for their resources and assist accordingly.
Initial public information efforts must focus on the water resource issues deemed most vital by the Partnership and should begin as soon as the Plan is adopted. In communicating with local citizens and water users, these efforts should also make clear that meetings of the Partnership are open to interested members of the public.
It might help to develop informational materials that are the equivalent of a “Chehalis Basin Water 101” and others that provide overview information about specific, localized issues of concern.
The Partnership, guided by the Citizens Advisory Committee, can review and select from options for information and involvement that the group feels will best meet the goals they have identified. It is expected that public informational materials and efforts will be revised over time to reflect what proves to be more/less effective.
Implementation
If possible, the Citizens Advisory Committee should guide development of public information and involvement efforts; however, it must be recognized that the individuals on this Committee are volunteers and may not have the time or resources to ensure effective implementation of the outreach/involvement plan.
The Citizen Advisory Committee can:
Make suggestions on public information materials (formats, content, appearance, distribution)
Review draft informational products before they are finalized
Offer advice on opportunities for public involvement (advance publicity, meeting formats where appropriate, and alternative methods for interested citizens to provide ideas)
Assist in outreach efforts, along with Chehalis Basin Partnership member organizations, to recruit participation, organize events, and spread the word
Strategize on cost-effective ways to implement the public information/public involvement program, including options for using resources available through Partnership member organizations and the community
As of this writing the Washington State Legislature is considering legislation to allocate funding for implementation of watershed plans around the state. The Chehalis Basin Partnership would be eligible to apply for $200,000; a portion of this money should be allocated towards public information.
Unanswered or Associated Issues (including data gaps, if any)
How can public information efforts include non-point pollution sources?
What existing outreach avenues currently exist?
What outreach techniques make the most efficient use of available resources?
Who will be responsible for carrying out which tasks to help increase public awareness of water related issues in the Chehalis Basin?
What issues must take precedence?
What areas need more awareness of certain issues?
References/Suggested Reading
Public Involvement Plan for Chehalis Basin Watershed Planning, by Citizens Advisory Committee of Chehalis Basin Partnership
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