Methow Valley Citizens' Council
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The Valley Voice
News from the Methow Valley Citizens Council
Fall 1998 |
 |
DRIP, DRIP, DRIP .. goes our water
by Teresa Allen
On August 4, 1998, the Okanogan County Commissioners signed a Memorandum
of Agreement (MOA) with the Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) for
the purpose of developing and implementing an improved water resources
management program for the Methow River Basin. The program must address
issues related to water for growth, agriculture, instream flows, maintenance
and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat, and the protection of existing
water rights.
Funding for the process is being provided by a new watershed law, HB
2514, that established a framework for state, local and tribal govemment
to collaboratively create plans that address water needs, reduce water
pollution and protect fish habitat in local watersheds. The law established
a three step planning process, each with a separate grant. Phase One is
organizing the local planning unit. During Phase Two, the planning unit
would assess the watershed's water supply. Under Phase Three, planning
units develop water strategies or recommendations for increasing water
supplies.
According to DOE's quarterly newsletter, "The goal is to have everyone
with a stake in the outcome at the table state, local and tribal
governments, businesses, environmental organizations, agricultural interests,
and others." The new local water planning group, lead by Dennis Beich,
shall propose provisions for the establishment of a water bank; and inventory
projects that may deposit water to the water bank.
The DOE pushed home the importance of the County to participate in the
watershed planning project by including a termination clause in the agreement
that states, "if the County and Ecology cannot reach agreement of final
rules or ordinances through the joint process within the time frame prescribed....
each party reserves the right to proceed with separate, unilateral action."
The decision by the Okanogan Board of County Commissioners to participate
in this MOA was not reached easily. Spence Higby voted against it. Dave
Schultz commented on the DOE's "strong arm" tactics saying, "This has happened
by the placing of steelhead on the endangered list which makes them more
valuable than mankind."
The DOE is very serious about developing the Methow River Basin Plan
because the river contains BOTH endangered Steelhead and Bull Trout and
because water shortages already exist.
The Methow Valley Irrigation District (MVID) has been targeted as one
of the initial depositors into the Water Bank. In recent discussions between
Ecology, the Bonneville Power Administration, and the Northwest Power Planning
Council concerning the preferred alternative of changing the MVID to a
pressurized pipe system, willingness to listen to alternative approaches
to the current MVID water supply have been lacking.
Dave Schultz was correct when he wrote, "It is important you keep informed
and participating in the process that is taking place." (emphasis added)
The County is still looking for citizens to work on this project. If you
are interested submit a one page resume to Dennis Beich, c/o Okanogan County
Commissioners, PO Box 791, Okanogan, WA 98840.
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