Note: This is a preliminary version of the agreement passed at a meeting on 3/27/98

WHEREAS, the environmental, social and economic health of the Chehalis Basin depends upon sound management of natural resources and citizen stewardship; and

WHEREAS, the Chehalis Basin consists of multiple governmental jurisdictions (federal, state, tribal, and local governments) and various, diverse public and private interests:

WHEREAS, issues affecting the management of these resources transcend jurisdictional and ownership boundaries; and

WHEREAS, cooperative and collaborative approaches offer solutions that are less costly, more responsive to local conditions and needs, and garner greater public support;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that

1. Purpose

The parties agree to collaboratively pursue strategies within the Chehalis River Basin which include the key elements of flood reduction, fisheries, recreation, water quality and water quantity and examine their relationship to economic health and sustainability.

2. Goals

Counties, cities, tribes and state government shall work cooperatively to establish a Chehalis Basin Council and to seek participation from interested and affected parties. The Council, servicing in an advisory and information capacity, shall coordinate efforts focusing on:

• Improvement of water quality
• Management of water resources to provide ample supplies for farms, fish, industry and people (including restoration of healthy runs of salmon and steelhead)
• Reduction of the effects of flooding
• Increase in recreation opportunities
• Increase in watershed awareness through education

3. Chehalis Basin Council Meetings

The structure of the council and its membership will be as indicated on Attachment A. Meetings will be used to share information about developments in the basin and to identify common problems and opportunities. Technical and citizen advisory committees will be formed, as needed, to formulate options for consideration by the full council and reference to various government agencies. A work plan will be developed to chart the course of the council. The Department of Ecology will provide staff support to the council.

4. Lead Agency

For the purpose of this Agreement, Lewis county shall act a Lead Agency. The Lead Agency shall be responsible for and authorized to perform the following tasks:

4.1 Negotiate and execute agreements with WA Department of Ecology for Watershed Planning Grant funds.

4.2 Receive and disburse funds from WA Department of Ecology.

4.3 Solicit Statements of Qualifications, negotiate scope of work, and execute contracts to perform the work for projects performed by or on behalf of the parties pursuant to this agreement. The Lead Agency shall not obligate any parties to financial responsibility without approval of the group.

4.4 Prepare and maintain proper records for accounting and administration of watershed planning grants.

The lead Agency shall report regularly to the parties to this Agreement and shall provide them with a full accounting on the receipt and expenditure of funds that may be provided pursuant to this Agreement.

5.0 Funding

The activities of the Chehalis Basin Council as described herein, and as may be further defined by the parties to achieve the state goals, shall be funded by the following sources:

1) Watershed Management Grants made available by the WA Department of Ecology; and

2) Other public and private funds which are intended for watershed planning and implementation

Funds or services from the parties may be required for matching or providing local shares for other funding sources that may become available. And funds or services required may be shared by all parties and will be agreed upon in advance.

6.0 Term of Agreement

This Agreement shall terminate when all the parties agree to do so in writing.

(Note: To be revised by attorneys)

7.0 Modification

This Agreement may be modified or amended only by consent of all parties.

(Note: To be revised by attorneys)

8.0 Effective Date

This agreement shall become effective and commence upon execution of the Agreement by all parties.

Attachment A The recommended Council Membership

• 4+ cities
• 3-4 counties
• 1 Ports
• 2 Tribes
• 1 WA Department of Fish and Wildlife
• 1 WA Department of Natural Resources
• 1 WA Department of Agriculture
• 1 Wa Department of Ecology
• 1 Fisheries
• 1 Timber
• 1 Agriculture
• 1 Business
• 4 Private Citizens

There is a Council

There is a Technical Advisory Group

There is a Citizen Advisory Group
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