Watershed councils form across Washington state

Omak, WA - Across the state, watershed councils are being formed as a result of the (law) passed in Olympia late last year.
In eastern Washington, John Andrist reports on the Salmon Creek watershed council. It is to be led by Hilary Lyman, an employee of the Colville Confederated Tribes. The study is funded by the Northwest Power Planning Council through the Bonneville Power Administration.

Andrist reports that Lyman spoke Nov. 10 at a joint meeting of the Omak and Okanogan Chambers of Commerce held at the Cedars Inn. So many of the words sound familiar, Andrist commented. "We are working for win-win solutions." "We do not intend to have negative impacts on existing uses;" and "Agriculture and fish runs can co-exist without impairing water rights or negative effects on the local economy." Many assurances were heard as the process begins, that the outcome will be a good one and that the intentions are for "good" for everyone, Andrist commented.

Another familiar sound comes from the statements that because of an endangered species (steelhead in this case) if we don't do something then "we" will be the subject of a lawsuit whose outcome will force costly punitive solutions upon us.

The first steps in the Salmon Creek process have met with fairly stiff resistance, distrust and skepticism, Andrist says. This, in part, because many people say they have heard all this before and seen the outcomes be very far from what they would call a "win-win" solution. Many are also skeptical of "consensus" processes. Consensus building is a difficult concept that leaves many feeling that in the interest of consensus they gave up something each step of the way.
Andrist adds that despite the distrust and dislike, the watershed council process is at hand. For some, property rights and water rights are at stake. For many, serious economic questions need to be answered. Participation is a better option than not participating (as if we could refuse), he says.
(from OC3 newsletter, 12/97)