HB2514 Planning

Watershed Planning

Understanding the New State Watershed Law

October 14, 1998 - Spokane     October 20, 1998 - Everett
October 15, 1998 - Wenatchee   October 22, 1998 - Tumwater

Who will decide ...

How much water should be left in rivers and streams?

How much is available for out-of stream use?

The state's new watershed planning law authorizes creation of local watershed plans to help answer those questions. ESHB 2514 establishes a framework for state, local and tribal governments to collaboratively design plans that address water needs, reduce water pollution and protect fish habitat in local watersheds.

A draft manual has been developed by a consulting firm under the guidance of five local government associations (AWC, WSAC, WPUDA, WASWD, WSWRA) to provide planning grant recipients a comprehensive and consistent guide to assist in achieving successful watershed plans. The manual covers topics including ESHB 2514 requirements, project scoping and management, technical assessment and implementation strategies.

The draft Guide to Watershed Planning and Management will be presented at the Watershed Planning workshop to obtain feedback from workshop attendees. Based upon the input received at the four workshops being held throughout the state, the manual will be finalized for use by local governments and state agencies in implementing watershed planning.

What you will learn...

• How local governments can effectively use the Watershed Planning Program to improve state and local decisions on water rights, salmon protection, water quality and other critical water resource issues.
• How the Department of Ecology plans to integrate Watershed
• Planning in its water resources allocation program.
• Practical techniques for organizing local "Planning Units" and developing realistic work plans.
• Approaches to ensure that plan elements can be funded and implemented over the long term.
• Methods for integrating watershed planning with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), responses to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and other programs.

Who Should Attend?

The following from cities, counties, public utility districts, water/sewer districts, irrigation districts, and tribes should plan to attend this informative/information gathering workshop:

• Water users who are part of a planning group, or are affected by water quality, quantity or salmon listings.
• Elected officials
• Environmental managers
• Planners
• Public works professionals

PRESENTERS & PANELISTS

• Bob Wubbena, President, Economic and Engineering Services, Inc.
• Andrew Graham, Project Manager, Economic and Engineering Services, Inc. and lead author of the Guide to Watershed Planning and Management.
• Representatives of the five local government associations sponsoring the Guide to Watershed Planning and Management:
  • Association of Washington Cities
  • Washington State Association of Counties
  • Washington Public Utility Districts Association
  • Washington Association of Sewer and Water Districts
  • Washington State Water Resources Association
  • Senior Representatives of the Department of Ecology:
• Joe Williams, Assistant to the Director, Watershed Management
• Keith Phillips, Program Manager, Water Resources (tentative)
• Bob Barwin, Central Region Office, Water Quality Section Supervisor

• Representatives of local governments actively involved in watershed planning.
• Ecology staff assigned as watershed leads in the various regions.
• Representatives of additional state agencies, including the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Health.
• Additional staff from Economic and Engineering Services, Inc. who are experienced in watershed management.

Note. Not all of the listed presenters and panelists will be present at all four workshops.

For more information call Michelle Witham at the Association of Washington Cities, 360-753-4137