HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources April 22 1997WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Natural Resources Committee
April 22, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 11 a.m. by Committee Chair Marlene Dawson in the
Council Committee Room, 311 Grand Avenue.
Also Present: Absent:
Tom Brown None
Kathy Sutter
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
RESOLUTION CREATING THE WHATCOM COUNTY WATER RESOURCES
ALLIANCE (AB97 -113)
Kathy Sutter addressed this issue, as she has been working on this. She withdrew this proposed
resolution until Council has had an opportunity to review all proposals. This item will be postponed until
after the May 6 Council presentation at 6 p.m. by the Steering Committee.
Skip Richards pointed out media errors regarding this issue.
Sue Blake, Water Resources Manager, noted that the May 6 presentation will not go into any
great depth on the proposals.
Bob Andersen, land use planner, commented regarding these discussions and the upcoming
presentation.
OTHER BUSINESS
PRESENTATION BY THE NOOKSACK INDIAN TRIBE REGARDING A FISH
ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM AND WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROPOSAL
(AB97 -136)
(Clerks Note: This item was discussed after item 2)
Herman Almoj era, Nooksack Tribe, Water Committee chair, and Claire CdeBaca, Nooksack
Tribe Senior Secretary, gave a presentation. Almojera described the tribe =s water quality monitoring
proposal. The Tribe requests to monitor each stream using the hydraulic egg
planter. The water quality would be monitored using regulations for that sector (agriculture,
business, etc.) to obtain a baseline to assess the salmon survival rate. The goal is restoration of the
stream. He noted the potential costs and manpower. He stated this issue was not about water rights at all.
Dawson was concerned about accountability and grant monies allocated. A brief discussion
followed.
Claire CdeBaca discussed strategy of the proposal, which is a one -year project proposal for the
County =s review. She noted the first year would consist of two phases: the brood stocking, and the actual
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stream work. The streams will be divided into different land use types -- urban, agricultural, dairy, timber,
recreational - -which will be based on water quality. The necessary chemistry and biology has not been
done. Because of the timeline, the brood stocking and planting must be done as soon as possible.
The Pinks are the gravel cleaners, which sets up the stream for the other fish. Each salmon use a
different size and type of gravel as well as stream flow. The tribe intends to brood stock and live capture
adult salmon from all species in the river this year.
The first year expenditures will be high because qualified staff must be hired. Most of the capital
expenditures will occur during this time, of which many can be offset by donations. The plan is to build a
weir that can be taken down and moved from stream to stream. The first planting season will take place
by the end of this year, and a different species will be planted each month. In February 1998, the insect
study will begin, which was explained.
A short film followed on the tribe planting streams.
(Clerks Note: Tape 1, Side B)
Dawson suggested sending this proposal to Administration for review and comment.
Clair Fogelsong commented about previous testimony. Almojera responded.
Questions followed. Topics discussed included response of the Department of Fish and Wildlife;
funding; the egg planting machine; data collection; and the number of fish required.
Jeff McGowan, Department of Fish and Wildlife, suggested bringing this before the Nooksack
Technical Advisory Committee. CdeBaca responded this has already been done. It was agreed many
issues are involved. McGowan also suggested listing references so the merits of the machine can be
evaluated.
Ward Nelson, Council member, expressed his concern about the processes regarding enhancing
salmon habitat in various communities.
Skip Richards clarified that in the proposed resolution, he acted as clerk only. He was concerned
that this item needs to be moved forward as soon as possible.
Dawson stated this item will be introduced at tonight =s Council meeting and put on the May 6
agenda for Natural Resources Committee as well as Finance and Administrative Services Committee; it
will also be on that night =s Council agenda.
2. DISCUSSION WITH CONSULTANT BOB ANDERSEN REGARDING A HABITAT
MITIGATION PROPOSAL (AB97 -144)
Bob Andersen, land use consultant, gave an update on this proposal. A general meeting of
various citizens was held regarding a proposed ordinance. He reviewed this proposed ordinance, stating
the basic intent was to have a County leadership role in documentation. He suggested the Geographic
Information System (GIS) that is currently in place be used as a data base for various information
regarding habitat enhancement. Various individuals or groups would give information to a central
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location for input regarding what was done where and by whom. Presently, there are no clear methods to
monitor this activity.
Dawson inquired if Andersen had identified a specific group which would be doing the inventory
and monitoring. Andersen replied that it was intended to be open- ended, as there was no control of one
group. Interlocal Agreements would be signed with other cities and the tribes for the adoption of parallel
ordinances.
Questions followed. Topics discussed included costs of data entry; costs of the programs in the
field; costs to the taxpayers and the benefits of the program; and other similar programs in the state.
Sutter inquired of the next step. Andersen stated he would bring to committee the amendments to
the ordinance from last year =s work session.
Ward Nelson, Council member, suggested Dawson request the next step for presentation to
Administration.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 12:25 p.m.
Elizabeth Bennett, Recording Secretary
ATTEST:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Dana Brown - Davis, Council Clerk Marlene Dawson, Council Member
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