Nooksack Watershed Management Project

The Caucuses

There are twelve caucuses with Planning Unit representatives: Agriculture, Diking/Drainage, Environmental, Federal Agencies, Fishers, Forestry, Land Development, Non-Governemental Water Systems, Private Well Owners, Small Cities, State Agencies, and Water Districts.

It is anticipated that some of these caucuses may contain organizations and individuals with somewhat divergent views. In those instances where the caucus cannot come to speak with one mind on a given issue, it will be the responsibility of the caucus representative to present all of the divergent viewpoints fairly. Caucuses will need to organize themselves, direct their activities, and create means for communicating among the members and their designated representative. Each member organization in the caucus must be fairly informed, heard, and represented.

Participation in a caucus provides an opportunity to assist the planning process and to express a viewpoint regarding issues. Some water resource organizations or individuals may participate in activities or businesses that overlap the interests of more than one caucus. In those instances, the people must choose to participate in one caucus that most closely represents their activities. Attempting to be represented by more than one caucus is not in keeping with the spirit and intent of the caucus system, and could lead to unfair abuse or manipulation of the process.

The goal is to allow full representation of all viewpoints. If it becomes necessary, the Administrative Decision-Makers and/or the Planning Unit can be asked to resolve disputes arising from caucus representation issues.

Back to Who's Involved Page

Click here to ask a question about the project.

Are you having technical problems with this web site? Contact the Webmaster.

This site hosted by:

Also, visit these community water resource sites also hosted by WSU Cooperative Extension Whatcom County.