March 30, 2000

KITTITAS COUNTY WATER PURVEYORS

The March meeting of the Kittitas County Water Purveyors was called to order by Chairman Pat Clerf. Those in attendance were Roger Satnik, Barbara Pettit, Jack Carpenter and Jim Schnebly, Kittitas Reclamation District; Richard Bain, Wold Ditch; Jeff Brunson, Bull Canal Co.; Vern Burghart, Westside Ditch Co.; Mark Charlton, Kittitas County Farm Bureau; Jack Clerf, Tony Jantzer, Cascade Irrigation Dist.; Pat Clerf, Ellensburg Water Co.; Jane Creech, Department of Ecology; Kevin Eslinger, Steve Rosbach, Paul Sorenson, Denmark Irrigators; Anna Lael, Mark Moore, Kittitas County Conservation District; Carol Ready, Kittitas County Water Purveyors; Pat Taylor, Olsen Ditch; John Acres, City of Ellensburg.

Item 1: Call to order

Chairman Pat Clerf declared the agenda for the March 30, 2000 meeting approved as presented. The minutes of the February 27, 2000 meeting were approved as presented.

Item 2: Grant Update

Jane Creech, Department of Ecology presented an update on the Quality Assurance Project Plan explaining the QAPP should be finalized and signed April 3^rd or 4^th. Roger Satnik stated he and Carol took water samples from 16 sites on March 21^st and 22^nd.

Carol Ready presented information on the public information requirements of the grant explaining KCCD will be assisting with the presentation and distribution. Carol requested mailing lists from each entity. Carol further explained she is working on a slogan and logo for Kittitas County Water Purveyors. Anna Lael explained KCCD is preparing a Small Ranch Manual and will be presenting on- farm demonstrations.

Item 3: Overview of Water/Fish Issues

Dick Bain, Private Consultant, presented an overview of salmon and water issues and possible pathways, contacts and groups dealing with the National Marine Fisheries Service ESA and similar issues. Dick discussed the listing of steelhead as a threatened species in 1999 and how that may relate to irrigation water. Dick presented information on the Mid Columbia River Ecological Significant Unit. explaining his belief is that NMFS will ultimately want a salmon recovery plan for the entire area. Mr. Bain further discussed a recovery plan and various ways to approach preparation of a plan. Mr. Bain explained the river triage approach of prioritizing streams for restoration is currently being used in Washington State. Mr. Bain explained most of the 303d list violations cited are temperature related. Mr. Bain further explained a hydrograph reflecting the tail water from timothy fields showing the deep perk return indicates a cooling effect showing agriculture on the aggregate is not having the effect some people may conclude and needs to be documented. Mr. Bain discussed the 4D Rule and proposed implementations by various entities. Mr. Bain discussed a letter submitted by KCCD on February 17, 2000 to NMFS regarding a cooperative recovery plan for the geographic location of Kittitas County. Discussion followed with the recommendation Kttitas County and the City of Ellensburg be contacted for participation. A motion from Kevin Eslinger and seconded by Jim Schnebly authorized scheduling a meeting with King County personnel to discuss approaches to recovery planning and NMFS. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 4: Fish Passage Planning

Jack Carpenter discussed the development of a long-range plan to address fish passage. Mr. Carpenter further explained each entity should do a risk assessment inventory and be prepared to apply for and utilize funding when it becomes available.

Item 5: Kittitas County Water Purveyors By-Laws

Carol explained it will be necessary for KCWP to adopt by-laws and become a legal entity in order to receive agency grant monies. Carol further explained she has sample by-laws and requested input and guidance in drafting proposed by-laws for KCWP.

Item 6: AFW; FOTG Tour; CIDMP

Kevin Eslinger presented information on the Field Office Technical Guide Tour explaining the tour was attended by approximately 65 people with presentations at Ellensburg Water Company, Bruton Ditch, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation,

Kevin Eslinger Farm, Paul Sorenson stream structure and the Don Jacobs Farm.

Discussion followed with the consensus the tour was very informative and successful and the educational process needs to be ongoing. Carol discussed the Comprehensive Irrigation District Management Plan including the purpose and use of the document. Jack Carpenter further discussed the CIDMP explaining the guidelines and draft will be distributed to KCWP and other entities.

Item 7: Meeting Schedule

Chairman Pat Clerf announced the next meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. April 27, 2000.

All Business having been concluded the meeting adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Pat Clerf, Chairman