The Watershed Planning Act
The 1998 legislature passed HB 2514, codified into RCW 90.82, to set a framework for addressing the State's
water resource, water quality issues as well as establishing in stream flows and addressing salmon habitat needs. RCW 90.82 states: The legislature finds that the local development of watershed plans for managing water resources and for protecting existing water rights is vital to both state and local interests. The local development of these plans serves vital local interests by placing it in the hands of people: Who have the greatest knowledge of both the resources and the aspirations of those who live and work in the watershed; and who have the greatest stake in the proper, long-term management resources. The development of such plans serves the state's vital interests by ensuring that the state's water resources are used wisely, by protecting existing water rights, by protecting in stream flows for fish and by providing for the economic well-being of the state's citizenry and communities. Therefore the legislature believes it necessary for units of local government throughout the state to engage in orderly development of these watershed plans.
Draft guide to Watershed Planning and Management:
Phase 1 ~ Organization. Through a designated lead agency, the initiating governments may apply for an initial organizing grant up to $50,000 per WRIA (Water Resources Inventory Area). The Wenatchee Watershed Planning Unit has completed Phase 1, and accomplished the following:
- Identified a Planning Unit
- Developed operational/decision making structures and goals for the Planning Unit
- Held discussions and adopted a Scope of Work for Phase 2
Phase 2 ~ Assessment. Once the organizational phase is completed, a planning unit may apply for up to $200,000 per WRIA or $400,000 for a multi- WRIA to fund watershed assessments. On April 1, 2002, the Wenatchee Watershed Planning Unit entered into Phase 2 of Watershed Management. The Scope of Work for Phase 2~Assessment is as follows:
The following elements represent the general ideas of investigation that the Planning Unit will survey. These areas include background information on the watershed, water quantity, in stream flows, habitat, water quality, and regulatory compliance. Individual subcommittees will investigate these areas under the guidance of the Planning Unit and will perform their duties concurrently. Depending upon the amount of available information in each subject area, the life span of each subcommittee will vary but will always be subject specific and dissolved upon completion of its task.
Specific information may include:
Physical setting of the Wenatchee Watershed
- Profile of the Wenatchee River and its tributaries:
- Land use patterns
- Vegetation patterns, both riparian and upland
- Geology
History of the Watershed
- Population and Economic Activities
- Population conditions and trends
- Agricultural conditions and trends
- Economic Development conditions and trends
Phase 3 ~ Planning. A planning unit may also apply for up to $250,000 per WRIA or $500,000 per multi-WRIA for the development of a Watershed Management Plan. Phases 2 and 3 are to be completed within 4 years of receiving Phase 2 funds.
Phase 4 ~ Implementation. During the 2001 Session, the Washington State Legislature authorized creation of a committee to review the issues relating to the development of an implementation process. Governor Gary Locke subsequently invited a diverse group of watershed planning participants to serve on the Phase 4 Watershed Planning Implementation Committee. The results of their work are presented in the Phase 4 Watershed Plan Implementation Committee, Report to the Legislature .
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