Community Watershed Planning has strong start for WRIA 50

FCCD has started the planning process! Foster Creek Watershed in WRIA 50 (578,182 acres in both Northern Douglas County and Southern Okanogan County) is currently undergoing revision in order to better tailor a plan that represents the updated priorities and concerns of stakeholders in the area. The plan has not been revised since its creation in 2004, so the need to reassess watershed impacts within the last 19 years has never been greater. Wildfire activity, restoration projects, land development, agriculture, range, and implementation of best management practices (BMP) all need to be incorporated in this new plan to create a future blueprint to address these concerns and priorities.

A watershed plan is a legal document that represents the wants, needs, and concerns of everyone within the watershed. Whether you work for an agency, run cattle, grow wheat, or live in the area—you interact with water in some way. By participating, you can make your voice heard and make sure your priorities are considered. This document showcases project possibilities that can be implemented and addresses who could help resolve concerns and enhance the watershed functionality. These types of planning documents are becoming increasingly necessary to ensure funds for conservation can continue to be implemented and to help showcase the community driven wants.

FCCD has held Stakeholder Meetings in both Mansfield and Bridgeport to gather resources priorities and concerns so far. Both meetings were well attended and many resource concerns were discussed. These concerns covered wildlife habitat, water quality and quantity, land management opportunities, and more. These meetings are a great way to make connections with local entities that work in Douglas County, as well as get conversations started about ways we can all work together towards our specified conservation goals for Foster Watershed.

We will be hosting our third and final Community Stakeholder Meeting in Nespelem on March 16th. After these meetings wrap up, the next step is to form a committee of interested persons to guide the watershed plan to ensure all resource concerns and priorities are being heard and addressed.

If you are interested in being a part of the Foster Creek Watershed Plan or would like to know more, please contact our office at (509) 888-6374 or email at info@fostercreekcd.org.

Thank you to the Department of Ecology for funding this planning effort!