HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources October 25 20111
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
October 25, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Carl Weimer called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL (9:31:08 AM)
Present: Carl Weimer, Bill Knutzen and Sam Crawford.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Kathy Kershner, Tony Larson and Barbara Brenner.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. UPDATE FROM THE NOOKSACK SALMON ENHANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AND REPORT
ON THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE WASHINGTON CONSERVATION CORPS CREW
(AB2011 -347)
Rachel Vasak, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) Executive
Director, submitted handouts and gave a presentation (on file). She described the structure
and history of the Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups, the types of salmon the
organization strives to sustain, the reasons for preserving salmon, the salmon life cycle, a
student program, a monitoring program, restoration projects, funding, and Conservation
Corps crew tasks.
(9:50:49 AM)
The following person answered questions:
• John Thompson, Public Works Department
Weimer asked and there was discussion of how the Conservation Corps work
compares to the NSEA staff work.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of whether NSEA works with the Tribes'
hatcheries.
Crawford asked and there was discussion of how nets across a river affect the
fisheries.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• Restocking salmon in the Ten Mile watershed.
• Whether NSEA works with the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
(CREP) program.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of:
• Changes in fish returns in the Bertrand watershed.
• Working with students in the watersheds.
Natural Resources Committee, 10/25/2011, Page 1
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Weimer asked and there was discussion of when the Conservation Corps contract
comes due.
2. DISCUSSION REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES
ACTION PLAN FOR LAKE WHATCOM (AB2011 -319) (10:10:39 AM)
John Hutchings, Public Works Department, gave a staff report and stated there is an
initial response strategy to set up a framework for a policy conversation in the Lake
Whatcom Policy Group.
Clare Fogelsong, City of Bellingham, gave a presentation on the potential policy
conversation, including a prevention program and a staff recommendation. He is looking for
approval to conceptually go forward with the program outlined in the Council packet. He
described the recommendations beginning on Council packet page six, items 1.a through
i.e.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• Car wash inspections.
• Whether the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will have to do a
prevention program.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of:
• An interlocal agreement for the Sheriff to regulate the City's portion of the
lake.
• Whether they can get around the WDFW inspection by using a stringent
permit program.
(10:34:06 AM)
Brenner asked and there was discussion about regulating people who take their
boats out of the lake when it's not used, but who don't put the boat in elsewhere.
Kershner stated and there was discussion of the benefits of education and outreach.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of:
• How boats are cleaned to kill the clams.
• How the clams can foul the fish ladders.
Weimer asked and there was discussion of whether they would hear more details
about the program in the future.
Knutzen stated implement a program by May 1, 2011. Work with the private sector
regarding car washes and to implement a permit program.
Weimer stated the councilmembers agree that they don't want WDFW to staff the
program.
Kershner asked and there was discussion of a statewide program for boat inspection.
Knutzen stated make the permit process pay for the inspectors.
Weimer asked the four councilmembers present if they conceptually approve the
direction of the proposed plan and to continue discussion with the Lake Whatcom Policy
Group.
Natural Resources Committee, 10/25/2011, Page 2
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Councilmembers Weimer, Brenner, Knutzen and Kershner concurred.
Wendy Harris stated they aren't addressing the infestation. They shouldn't continue
to allow boats on the lake. Anyone who drinks the water will pay for the mistakes of this
program. She described bio- fouling. The infestation is growing in Lake Whatcom and other
water bodies in the county. They should educate the general public, not just the boaters.
Brenner asked and there was discussion of whether Asian clams or Zebra clams are
the most hazardous.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 10:56 a.m.
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Please contact the Council Office to obtain an
official, signed copy:
360- 676 -6690 or council@-.o.whatcorn.wa.us
Natural Resources Committee, 10/25/2011, Page 3