Introduction
The Walla Walla Watershed Management Partnership is a public agency operating under RCW 90.92 (2SHB 1580, Chapter 183, Session Laws of 2009). The Partnership is charged with piloting local water management in the Walla Walla Basin. Efforts leading up to the formation of the Partnership were made up of community members including landowners, local governments, conservation groups, tribes, state and federal agencies, and many other entities working to develop local solutions to the unique water issues in the Walla Walla Basin. The Partnership is currently in the process of beginning implemention of the ten-year pilot local water management program approved by last years legislature.
Participation
As of January 2010 the Partnership operates two main programs in the Partnership's Planning Area under RCW 90.92 (HB 1580): Local Water Plans and Water Banking. At this time the Water Banking program is open and operational. The Local Water Plan program is currently in a pilot phase were one project is being taken through the filing, review and approval steps to test the process; this pilot is scheduled to be complete June 2010. Background information on these programs is available on the program page, and additional information will be added weekly. If you are interested in participating in the program you may contact staff for further information.
Operation
The Walla Walla Watershed Management Partnership "Partnership" is composed of three core groups:
- The Walla Walla Partnership Board: The Board, with nine members, is the primary leadership, oversight and decision-making body for the Partnership.
- Policy Advisory Group: The Advisory Group advises and assists the Partnership Board in carrying out its responsibilities.
- Water Resources Panel: The Panel is composed of technical experts from a range of disciplines and perspectives to ensure that decisions are grounded in sound science and that knowledge is shared among people active in the Basin.
The Partnership also has Staff.
Authorization
2SHB 1580 was the outcome of the Walla Walla Watershed Management Partnership: A Proposal for a Pilot Local Water Management Program in the Walla Walla Basin" report which was commissioned by the 2008 Legislature. The Bill has been codified under RCW 90.92. Further information on the process that led up to this authorization is also available.Board Creation
At their August 11, 2009 Board meeting the Walla Walla Watershed Management Partnership (Partnership) approved a resolution establishing and creating the Partnership as a water management board under Chapter 183, Session Laws of 2009. This action was taken based on a petition to establish a water management board submitted by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Walla Walla County, Columbia County, City of Walla Walla, and Gardena Farms Irrigation District #13 on July 24, 2009. The Washington State Department of Ecology responded by letter to this petition on August 10, 2009 determining that the petition met the requirements of the legislation for the approval of a water management board and approving the establishment of a water management board based on the July 24, 2009 petition.
The Partnership will begin operating fully on September 1, 2009 upon receipt of the 2009 legislative proviso funding through the Washington State Department of Ecology. If you have questions regarding the Partnership please contact Cathy Schaeffer, Executive Director.