CHEHALIS BASIN PARTNERSHIP
Steering Technical Committee MEETING SUMMARY
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way
Olympia, WA
August 7, 2008
9:30 AM
PRESENT |
|
Lee Napier, Grays Harbor County |
Janel Spaulding, Grays Harbor College |
Christine Hempleman, Department of Ecology |
Chanele Holbrook Shaw, Citizen, Thurston County |
Kahle Jennings, City of Centralia |
Sarah Sutherland, AmeriCorps |
Chad Stussy, Department of Fish and Wildlife |
Isabel Marchuka, AmeriCorps |
Phil Rupp, Lewis County |
Jerry Louthain, HDR |
|
|
Cheri Lindgren, Puget Sound Meeting Services |
Welcome & Introductions
Acting Chair Kahle Jennings called the August 7, 2008 Chehalis Basin Partnership (CBP) Steering Technical Committee (STC) meeting to order at 9:37 a.m. Everyone present provided self-introductions.
Presentation and Discussion Regarding the Watershed Pledge Project Proposed by Grays Harbor College AmeriCorps Staff
Ms. Marchuka briefed members on the Liberty Lakes Watershed Pledge project and proposal to present the Chehalis River Watershed Pledge proposal during the Watershed Festival. The pledge provides citizens and businesses with information on how to protect and improve water in local rivers, lakes, streams, and groundwater. Kathy Jacobson expressed interest in using the materials as an educational tool. A draft document was distributed.
Ms. Sutherland reported the draft pledge proposal is focused on Grays Harbor County, the major funding contributor. The intent is for the Partnership to support the venture watershed-wide in the future. Citizens can complete a pledge card and mail it to Grays Harbor College. Another idea is offering an incentive to encourage participation.
Ms. Hempleman reported the Department of Ecology (DOE) administers a water quality grant fund. She suggested including an incentive component as part of a Centennial grant application. Proposals are due in the fall.
Ms. Spaulding said she plans to help implement the pledge program.
Discussion ensued on additional funding resources and expanding the pledge beyond Grays Harbor County.
Ms. Hempleman commented that conservation districts also conduct outreach activities. Expanding the pledge basin-wide, if possible makes sense.
Mr. Jennings agreed the pledge could have a broader application. He asked if the constraint is related to time and/or money or people contributing information. Ms. Sutherland said funding for printing the materials is a major constraint. Mr. Jennings suggested providing the document in an electronic format to enable local agencies to incorporate local information and print materials independently.
Ms. Hempleman proposed developing an online pledge.
Ms. Napier said one issue is identifying a source to support the project. Mr. Jennings expressed an interest in supporting the proposal and the idea of offering an incentive for participation.
Ms. Napier suggested each participating entity could provide an incentive unique to its jurisdiction.
Discussion followed concerning pledge response rates in other watersheds, follow up actions, and offering additional incentives for pledge renewals on an annual basis.
Ms. Holbrook Shaw arrived.
Ms. Sutherland said the intent is to have the first round of documents printed by the end of August and debut the pledge at the Watershed Festival. She asked members to review the draft document and forward comments to her or Ms. Marchuka by August 15.
Members generally agreed to include individual jurisdiction contact information in the pledge materials.
Ms. Napier suggested presenting the pledge to the CBP prior to printing the materials. She asked Ms. Sutherland to forward the document to her electronically for distribution to the Partnership for review and feedback. She asked members to share the information with their respective jurisdictions to generate support and enthusiasm for implementation.
Mr. Jennings offered another idea of developing a Chehalis watershed pin as an incentive piece.
Discussion ensued on other outreach opportunities such as reenergizing and utilizing the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) and engaging with local schools. Ms. Hempleman volunteered to contact Thurston and Lewis Conservation Districts and assist with the grant application.
Ms. Sutherland and Ms. Marchuka affirmed they will forward pledge materials electronically to members for review and comment.
Members brainstormed additional incentive options such as sun catchers and shopping bags.
Water Right Mapping Project – Skookumchuck Basin
Mr. Jennings provided information on the water right mapping pilot project for the Skookumchuck basin. The project is a cooperative effort between DOE, Grays Harbor County, and the City of Centralia.
Jerry Louthain, HDR, reported the project concluded on June 30. A copy of the map was presented to the Partnership at its June meeting. Copies of the final map were presented to the STC. A digital version is also available for viewing on Grays Harbor College’s website. The map is accompanied by a spreadsheet identifying each of the water rights. Pending applications are also reflected on the map. The data does not address water right claims. A component of the pilot project is developing a scope for assessing water right claims in the Chehalis basin.
In response to a question from Mr. Rupp, Mr. Louthain said the project took six months to complete and cost approximately $43,000.
Ms. Napier noted the mapping project is a deliverable related to the Phase 4 grant.
Discussion ensued concerning paper issued water rights, interest in learning how much water is actually being used, and Centralia’s desire to identify an alternate drinking water supply.
Mr. Louthain explained that discussions with the Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) and the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation indicate the tribes like the idea of obtaining water from the Skookumchuck River rather than the Newaukum River. The City of Centralia is also considering using the Skookumchuck River as a conveyance several miles downstream. Modeling is underway to determine whether that type of water is available.
Mr. Jennings added there is discussion of modifying the earth and dam on the Skookumchuck Reservoir to also provide flood protection. The City of Centralia is willing to put its water rights on the north fork of the Newaukum River into protective status.
Members discussed partial (mini) and full adjudication of the Skookumchuck basin water rights and next steps.
Chad Stussy’s Farewell
Mr. Stussy reported on his acceptance of a teaching position at North Thurston High School beginning in September. Members wished Mr. Stussy well. Mr. Jennings acknowledged Mr. Stussy’s contributions and personal commitment to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) agency and the STC.
Discussion followed on Puget Sound Partnership, the health of Puget Sound, and the difficult decisions for protecting the resource.
Discussion about How the Watershed Plan Can Influence Local Regulations
Mr. Jennings briefed members on the City of Centralia’s process to update its Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) and its critical aquifer running from the northeast part of Centralia to Fords Prairie. He described challenges the city faces. The municipal wells are less than 100 feet deep. The aquifer provides the sole source of drinking water to the city. The City Council and Planning Commission are holding a workshop on August 26 to discuss potential restrictions for future growth or spending $20 million to build sewer and stormwater infrastructure.
Ms. Napier reported Grays Harbor County has released a draft CAO. The Water Quality Committee (WQC) drafted a comment letter. However, the Partnership did not believe it was appropriate to send comments. The CBP is more comfortable acting in the capacity as an outreach tool, such as hosting a forum to provide additional information. One issue is how to connect land use planning and watershed planning.
Mr. Rupp stated Lewis County is working on the South County Subarea Plan, a multi-year pilot project. The proposal was funded by the Legislature to link watershed and utility planning with land use and transportation planning in the Cowlitz Watershed.
Ms. Napier suggested Lewis County staff should brief the Partnership and the STC on the pilot project.
Discussion ensued on how to make a direct link between land use, agricultural land preservation, watershed planning, and Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) activities.
Mr. Stussy reported WDFW’s water team funding has been reduced. Water team efforts in the Chehalis basin ranked low in terms of priority because instream flows are not being addressed. However, the Chehalis basin could rank higher if instream flows are addressed in the future. Ms. Napier added that it’s likely appropriate at this time to focus on and gain a better understanding of the high flow situation.
Members generally agreed to continue discussions on how the Watershed Plan can influence local regulations.
Discuss Work Programs (Watershed Coordinator and CBP)
Ms. Spaulding distributed a handout that translates her contract into a work program. She noted the “finish” date corresponds to the expiration of the grants. Members also received copies of Amendment No. 8 to Ecology Grant No. G0600069.
Specific to the WRIA Phase 4, Year 3 Grant ($35,000) - Develop outreach strategies, the intent is to explore development of a stream team. The watershed pledge could be included within task 6 of the DOE grant. Mr. Lehr created a survey prior to his departure from Grays Harbor College that could be distributed and analyzed. Specific to task 6B, Ms. Spaulding and Ms. Napier reported the CBP brochure has been updated for distribution. Copies of the revised brochure were provided. Members were asked to review the document and forward comments to Ms. Spaulding. Ms. Napier said the brochure could be provided to legislators. It’s important to keep the brochure refreshed for circulation purposes.
Members discussed tent space and location at the Grays Harbor County Fair and how to encourage visitors to stop and learn more about the Chehalis Basin. Ideas included utilizing the groundwater model display and conducting a coloring contest for children.
Related to the Watershed Council Year 1 (Legislative Appropriation 1) Grant ($52,336) – Watershed Festival publicity/outreach, Ms. Spaulding reported that her time is funded from the Planning Unit Support grant but she is becoming more involved with publicity associated with the Watershed Festival. The bulk of her time through September will be devoted on outreach for the festival.
Members discussed the idea of the CBP or Grays Harbor County building its own “Fin” for ongoing outreach and educational purposes. Ms. Napier said she knows of an employee interested in constructing “Fin.” A trailer for transporting costs approximately $7,000. The exterior and interior design of the sculpture should be different from the original. The Planning Unit Support grant only covers Ms. Spaulding’s time and not projects. An amendment to the Planning Unit Support grant is likely and feedback from the STC is welcome. A connection between the WRIA Phase 4 grant (materials) and the Planning Unit Support grant (labor) should be strengthened.
Specific to the Watershed Council Year 2 (Legislative Appropriation 2) Grant ($75,000) – Watershed Coordination, Ms. Spaulding reported the grant will eventually fund her time after Planning Unit Support funds are expended. She described other programs covered by the grant. The Planning Unit Support Grant ($45,000) also supports time to implement activities described in the Watershed Management Plan and DIP.
Ms. Spaulding expressed interest in assembling a stream team. Discussions are underway with the City of McCleary. Ms. Napier said the City of McCleary restoration’s project has not competed well for Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) funding. The project involves a variety of components and the cost is under $100,000. A stream team could focus on the riparian element. Ms. Spaulding said a portion of the WRIA Phase 4, Year 3 grant could fund creation of a stream team.
Ms. Hempleman suggested working with others in the watershed to complete a Centennial grant application including a number of different components, such as working on the ground, restoration, and outreach. A grant application just for a stream team element would likely not compete well.
Discussion ensued on a potential stream team project on China Creek and contacting someone from Nisqually’s Stream Stewards Program. Ms. Spaulding indicated a preference for organizing a stream team program.
Mr. Jennings commented that he’s unsure Ms. Spaulding would have the time to coordinate the projects. One option is developing a presentation focused on stream team skill sets and capabilities. The presentation could be used to recruit organizers to help identify specific projects within their individual communities. Ms. Spaulding could coordinate the program with the stream teams delivering the products.
Ms. Hempleman said she’ll follow up with additional stream team contact information.
Ms. Napier added that she will follow up with DOE staff to identify the appropriate deliverable associated with task 6a.2, a portion of which reads, “Explore development of a program similar to the Thurston County Stream Team.”
Mr. Rupp said he plans to attend the STC and/or Partnership meetings until Mr. Lien’s position is filled.
Mr. Rupp left the meeting.
Mr. Stussy commented that once established stream teams could provide the match for grant funding.
Discussion ensued on creating and developing an environmental education center.
Members generally agreed exploring development of a stream team is a good concept.
It was noted that the Centennial grant applications are due in the October/November timeframe. Members discussed writing a successful grant application and establishing a partnership with the City of Centralia and its stormwater program. Mr. Jennings offered assistance, time, and resources to help coordinate the grant effort and will speak to Bob Amrine who has experience writing grant proposals. The City of Centralia’s China Creek hydrologic modeling work could qualify as grant matching funds.
Ms. Hempleman reported that conservation districts typically donate plants and time for restoration activities. She emphasized that one entity will be responsible for administering the grant funding. Members generally agreed to identify an upper basin project.
Other Business
Ms. Hempleman reported the Southwest Regional Office completed a research report with technical and administrative findings and recommendations concluding pH listings are caused by natural conditions. Recommendations for the 2008 Water Quality Assessment to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) include 17 sites previously identified as impaired would be listed as category 1, which is healthy water.
Ms. Hempleman briefed members on the Hussman grant for funding restoration work. Funds are divided between the four regions. DOE is considering opening up grant opportunities more often and encouraging entities to consider smaller funding amounts ($25,000-$30,000) rather than potentially losing funds that have accumulated. She suggested members should consider the Hussman grant for salmon projects.
Discussion ensued regarding DOE’s call for projects on an annual basis and proposals funded as funds become available. The STC could prioritize projects to enable the Partnership to respond quickly to emerging grant opportunities. Ms. Hempleman indicated she will keep members updated on the status of the Hussman grant and present the idea for an annual call for projects to DOE.
Member discussion focused on Ms. Spaulding’s work program. Members generally agreed that focusing on developing a stream team, implementing the Chehalis River Watershed Pledge, and distributing and analyzing the survey created by Mr. Lehr was a reasonable approach to Ms. Spaulding’s work program for the near term.
In response to comments from Mr. Stussy, Ms. Napier reported the Partnership’s 2009 funding request was submitted to the Legislature and includes funding requests for the groundwater characterization work and an agriculture water rights project. She said she recently met with Bill Zachman and discussed legislative strategies. It’s important for the CBP to continue to engage with legislators; however, the planning units are now encouraged not to request specific line items.
Members discussed sustainable funding for the stream team concept. Ms. Napier indicated she will revise tasks 6A as appropriate.
Ms. Holbrook Shaw suggested incorporating language about the stream team within item 8 of the Chehalis River Watershed Pledge proposal, “Get Outside and Get Involved.”
Ms. Spaulding distributed copies of a CBP work plan document. She asked members to review the format and forward feedback.
Ms. Spaulding reported on the recent hire of Joel Green, who replaces Randy Lehr at Grays Harbor College.
Ms. Napier reported Samuel Iwenofu is resigning from his position with the QIN. He accepted a job with DOE.
In response to a question from Mr. Stussy, Ms. Spaulding said she will merge the cells specific to “Lead Entity Operation.” The $57,000 budget is to fund all tasks identified with the grant. It was also noted that the document needed a title, and that Grays Harbor County is the project lead/sponsor for the “Chehalis Basin Ecosystem Restoration Program.”
Members discussed the Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority (CRBFA), the ecosystem restoration project, and communication challenges.
STC Agenda for September
· Continued discussion on how the Watershed Plan can influence local regulations
· Status report concerning the Stream Team program concept
· Status report on the Watershed Festival (members asked Ms. Spaulding to encourage CBP members to attend the event on September 27) and Awareness Week
· Follow up on groundwater characterization
A presentation/briefing by Lewis County representatives concerning its pilot project to link watershed and utility planning with land use and transportation planning in the Cowlitz Watershed could be scheduled for the October 3 meeting.
· Introduce the Chehalis River Watershed Pledge
· Introduction to the Washington Coast Sustainable Salmon Partnership by Nancy Allison, Executive Director, and presentation of the Salmon Recovery Funding Board Lead Entity List
· Status report on the Watershed Festival
· Discuss Ms. Spaulding’s work program, introduce stream team concept, and inform members that the STC will seek a letter of support for the Centennial grant at the September meeting
Ms. Napier suggested scheduling a briefing of Lewis County’s pilot project for the Partnership’s October 24 meeting.
Adjournment
With there being no further business, Acting Chair Jennings adjourned the meeting at 1:01 p.m.
Prepared by Cheri Lindgren, Recording Secretary
Puget Sound Meeting Services