Welcome to Skagit County

May 11th, 2007

MEMBERS SOUGHT FOR NEW SKAGIT RIVER BASIN WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

SKAGIT COUNTY - In 2006, the Washington Department of Ecology adopted amendments to the Skagit River Basin Instream Flow Rule. Unlike the original rule, the amended rule reserves limited amounts of water for future domestic, commercial, industrial, and agricultural uses throughout the Skagit River Basin, while protecting the vast majority of stream flows for the benefit of fish and wildlife. The current Skagit Instream Flow Rule is the most progressive, salmon-protective instream flow rule in the State of Washington, and is serving as a model for other jurisdictions. Skagit County is committed to working with the state and other local governments and the community at large to successfully implement this rule for the benefit of the environment and the citizens of Skagit County.

Moving forward, the Skagit County Board of Commissioners is seeking greater public involvement and participation by the public in water resources management and planning in the Skagit River Basin. To accomplish that objective, Skagit County is soliciting volunteers for a new Water Resources Advisory Committee (“WRAC”). The primary purpose of the WRAC committee will be to provide local input to the Department of Ecology on pending water right applications and changes, and on managing the water reserves established in the Instream Flow Rule.

The Board of Commissioners believes the WRAC will facilitate a broader public understanding of water resource decisions within the Skagit River Basin. The WRAC will invite representatives of the county’s water purveyors, local Indian tribes, Skagit County cities and appropriate special purpose districts, neighboring County governments that have jurisdiction over lands within the Skagit River Basin, and relevant state agencies, as well as other interested parties from the Skagit River community, such as agricultural, environmental, and related industry groups, and other interested citizen organizations. The size of the WRAC has not been established. However, the Board of Commissioners intends the WRAC to be as diverse and inclusive as possible.

If you are interested in serving on the WRAC and believe you have qualifications, affiliations and experience that would make you an asset to the WRAC, please submit your name, affiliation(s) and qualifications to Mr. Gary Stoyka, Skagit County Public Works, email gstoyka@co.skagit.wa.us, telephone contact 360-336.9400.