This fresh sheet includes:
The WRIA 1 Watershed Management Plan – Phase I is now available for public review and comment. The plan includes an overview of water quantity, water quality, instream flow, fish habitat, and socioeconomic data in the WRIA; an action plan for selecting and setting instream flow levels; pilot projects; and initial WRIA-wide programs. In addition, the plan also includes long-term strategies for monitoring, governance, implementation, and adaptive management.
To read the plan, download a copy at http://wria1project.wsu.edu/watershedplan.htm. You may also request a copy of the plan on CD from Whatcom County Water Resources by calling 676-6876.
You are invited to attend a public open house to review and comment on the Watershed Management Plan – Phase 1. The open house will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 5-8 p.m., at the Laurel Grange Hall, 6172 Guide Meridian (between Hemmi and Ten Mile Roads). Brief presentations repeated throughout the evening will provide an overview of the plan, water rights, and instream flows. There will also be displays and handouts on the Ten Mile Creek Project, the Bertrand Creek Watershed Improvement District, Lake Whatcom, and salmon recovery.
Public comments received at the open house will be compiled and submitted to the Whatcom County Council. For more information, please contact Rebecca Schlotterback at 384-4288 ext. 13 or rebeccas@pudwhatcom.org.
On May 24, 2005, a Whatcom County Council resolution will be introduced to
approve the Watershed Plan. At the following Council meeting on June 7,
the Council will hold a public hearing on the plan, and may vote on whether
to
approve the plan. By state law (RCW 90.82, the Watershed Planning Act),
the Council cannot modify the plan; it may only vote to approve or reject it.
If the proposed plan is not approved, the Council will return it to the
Planning
Unit with recommendations for revisions. If the Planning Unit submits a
revised plan to the Council, and it is not approved, the planning process will
be
terminated.