September 1, 2005

STC Meeting

WDFW Building 600 Capital Way North

Jim Hill, Taylor Pitman, Lonnie Crumley, John Blacklaw, Mark Swartout, Terry Willis, Lee Napier, Glenn Connelly, Steve Craig, and Bruce Jones were present.

Mark and Steve briefed the group regarding a meeting with Ecology staff and Thurston County staff related to WMP Action 29.  Mark prepared an issue paper for this topic.  The Nisqually Plan contains a similar recommendation.  Ecology will forward to the planning unit information related to the meeting and the proposed outcome. 

Legislative Discussions

The STC spent time reviewing the CBP discussion.  At the CBP meeting the group discussed hosting a legislative briefing/meeting, but after some discussion they decided that one on one interaction might also be a good choice. 

The STC spent time crafting an invitation.  You are cordially invited to attend the Chehalis Basin Partnership monthly meeting on November 18, 2005.  The purpose of your attendance is to familiarize you with the work of the Chehalis Basin Partnership and the legislative mandated Chehalis Basin Watershed Management Plan (HB 2514). 

Next the STC drafted a meeting agenda which could include: 

• Briefing presentation of the background of the CBP and watershed plan and salmon recovery; (Jim Haslett)
• Roundtable discussion of CBP members including local elected officials, staff, public and private interests, and citizens; 

· identify common/top priority implementation issues;  A suggestion was made to have chairs and elected officials present issues. 

• What is important to the legislators?  Include a contact list.

The group talked about directing legislation, but some members felt that it was too soon.  We should first solidify the group. 

The key request would be to ask for a legislative appropriation ($300K) to support CBP administration. 

If the group hosts a meeting, then Chanele and Taylor will try to put together a tour of maybe the Centralia WWTP or the well field. 

Phase IV-DIP

Napier briefed the group regarding status of the Phase IV contract.  She is awaiting the final contract document.  The group discussed the Tasks. 

For Task 2, Napier will send a letter to the Group A systems.  She will work with John Blacklaw, DOH, to acquire the mailing addresses for the systems.  Mark and Lee will draft a letter for consideration by the CBP during the September meeting. 

The STC during the months of October and November will dedicate meeting time to refine and prioritize the tasks associated with the water quantity and instream flow work plans.  This might be accomplished through decision rules.  Mark, Bruce, and Lee will try to frame the issues before the STC meetings. 

The STC will spend February and March refining oversight responsibilities.  This would also include outreach to potential implementation partners.  Some of this work may commence during the month of October and November. 

Chanele asked if the STC planned to meet twice a month.  Due to the rising cost of gas, the group discussed alternatives.  Options to consider included: meeting after the CBP meeting, teleconferencing, changing meeting locations, or some combination.  The next meeting is October 6^th from 10am until 3pm, location to be announced. 

Closing comments

Bruce mentioned to the group a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) initiated in Lewis County by the Family Forestry Group.  He received a scoping notice and is concerned that this plan may reduce habitat protection.  This HCP would supplant FFR.  He would like to raise awareness of this process to the group.  Information is available on the website www.familyforestfoundation.org

Steve mentioned that Ecology is ready to announce the availability of funding for capital improvements for water storage or conveyance.  The announcement will be out in September. 

Steve also mentioned discretionary funding is also available for watershed projects.  Steve mentioned development of a centralized data management, which would include equipment, software and training.