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Russian River Watershed Council

Full Council Meeting

Minutes of March 27, 1999

Veterans Memorial Hall, Cloverdale, 9 am - 1 pm

March 27 Meeting Agenda
Russian River Watershed Council Members Cover Letter
Russian River Watershed Council Interested Citizens Cover Letter
Mission Statement Proposed by Mission Working Group
Recommendation by Membership and Structure Workgroup

Approval of minutes from 1/23/99 meeting: With following changes: 1) Delete "Community" from the Council name; 2) Change KRIS phone number to one that works. Roster that accompanied minutes was illegible.
Proposal to use Robert's Rules of Order. Participants expressed frustration with speakers who spoke too long or too often, the number of speakers per topic; getting bogged down in minutae; and the decibel level of the facilitator. The use of Roberts' Rules was not passed, but group agreed to ground rules for day: 1) one minute time limit for speakers, and 2) people should refrain from speaking a second time until others had spoken.
Update on PSP: Karen Rippey, US Army Corps, handed out and reviewed minor language changes requested by Corps Headquarters for the PSP.
Cathy Bleier, Department of Conservation, informed the Council that the Resources Agency had met with Department managers and staff to discuss the
Council and the PSP. The Agency is interested in providing some level of support for Council activities, and is considering State priorities so it can work with the Council to identify areas or activities of mutual interest.
Update on Fishnet 4C: Mike Reilly, Sonoma County Supervisor, described an assessment team, consisting of the Planning Dept (Permit Mgmt), Public Works, the Agricultural Commissioner, Transportation, and the Water Agency, which will look at county practices and policies as they relate to salmonid protection. It will include a field assessment. Meetings are not public, but Supervisor Reilly said they might be able to put together a public hearing, if desired. Results and recommendations are expected by April 2000. For more information or suggestions, contact Scott Briggs at the Planning Department. Those who are interested in the scope of work and benchmarks should call Kallie Kull, Fishnet 4C Coordinator.
Update on Pacific Coast Salmon Conservation and Restoration Program: Randy Poole, Sonoma County Water Agency (SWCA) said that the request by California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska to the federal Administration for $25-50 million each was in Congressional subcommittee. The money will probably come through National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The Resources Agency, CalEPA, and the Dept. of Food and Agriculture will work together with other stakeholders to determine how to use it. States and other local entities will need to cost share 50%. He said bi-partisan support is growing, and they are working with the Farm Bureau, For Sake of the Salmon, fishery groups, and others. He said that agencies will define priorities
and that they would also draw on projects proposed for SB 271 grants, but projects that are ready to go will also likely have an advantage. He said it would be helpful to have candidate projects identified by the Council. He hopes for answers by October 1.
Potter Valley License Amendment Larry Week, Department of Fish and Game (DFG), summarized the four Eel River flow alternatives for the Potter Valley project that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is considering from SCWA, Round Valley Indian tribes, a joint NMFS/DFG/USFW/PGandE proposal, and no action. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is called, "Protection and Maintenance of Fishery Resources at the Potter Valley Project", and comments are due by 4/27/99. Larry said that there are many concerns about the basic flow model and desires that FERC develop a new Draft EIS, rather than just receiving comments and releasing a final EIS. NMFS and others have requested various interim flow changes, and Larry said that PGandE and FERC are willing to consider proposals. The Eel Russian River Commission held a forum on March 25 for stakeholders to discuss the draft EIS.
Update on SB 271: Larry Week (DFG) announced that the next round of SB 271 proposals are due to DFG 5/14/99. The guidelines and instructions have been changed to improve the process, and a workshop for applicants will be held at the Regional Water Quality Control Board on 4/7/99. Council members expressed concerns that the program has not provided sufficient funds for planning to support ecosystem level projects. Larry pointed out the language in the Request for Proposal intended to support planning activities.
Coastal Conservancy: Richard Retecki announced a number of projects that have been funded: $150,000 for Steelhead Beach, $40,000 for Russian River Information Program, $12,000 for Russian River clean-up, and $12,000 for Riverside Park design. The following are scheduled for funding: $90,000 for Cloverdale River Park, $400,000 to Sotoyome RCD for Fish Friendly Farming, $100,000 for Arundo extraction to Circuit Riders, $80,000 for Riverside Park, Guerneville Bridge for $50,000, $12-15,000 for Potter Valley River Park, and $40,000 for Comminsky Station Road.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program(EQIP): Tom Schott (Natural Resources Conservation Service) reported that EQIP provides cost-shares to agricultural operators, ranchers, and non-industrial forest owners to install conservation and habitat/riparian improvements. $300,000 is available this year for projects in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties. The application sign-up ends in Mendocino County on April 30th and in Sonoma County on April 19th. Contact the local USDA Service Centers in each county for details.
New EPA Representative: Mike Boots introduced himself as the new representative, from the Environmental Protection Agency, replacing Suzanne Marr. He said is looking into the possibility of providing facilitation support for the Council.
Update on Delegation to Resources Secretary: John Calaprice (Upper Eel Watershed Forum), who was charged with convening a delegation to visit with the Resources Agency, said that the delegates agreed that it might be better to hold off until the Council had more to report. On another point, he informed the Council that a new alliance or council of watershed groups was being formed for the Eel River which would have a structure and objectives similar to the Russian River Watershed Council. They will meet on April 17th in Leggett.
Revising the Mission Statement: Mark Green (Sonoma County Conservation Action) and Jeff Negri (Santa Rosa Chamber Water Committee) presented a mission statement proposal which was developed by a workgroup charged with integrating a proposal from the January 23rd meeting with the existing mission statement. Council discussed concerns about clarity, consistency, and content and agreed to:
1) delete "open" from community-based process;
2) add "ensure" to fish recovery goal;
3) delete operating principle and refer it to a working group to be convened by Linda Curry (League of Women Voters) for revision by next meeting.
The work group may discuss or suggest other operating principles, if it wishes. The final mission is:
"The mission of the Russian River Watershed Council is to protect, restore, and enhance the biological health of the Russian River and its watershed through a community-based process which facilitates communication and collaboration among all interested parties. Our primary goals are: 1) To ensure the recovery of the Russian River and its watershed to a condition such that the native wild anadromous fishery recovers to healthy and sustainable level; 2) To ensure a strong, healthy and diverse economy in the Russian River region; 3) To promote stewardship of the Russian River and its watershed by developing an informed and engaged citizenry."
Membership Workgroup: Richard Shoemaker, Mendocino County Supervisor went over a proposal to balance membership by county, allowing organizations which represent both counties 4 or 6 seats per caucus with balance split between Sonoma and Mendocino. A proposal was made by Jay Halcomb (Russian River Residents Against Unsafe Logging) to seat the current council. Council members expressed concern that his proposal was not on the agenda, that not all caucuses were yet in conformance with agreement to designate 16 permanent members, that there is still uncertainty about membership as a result of the transition from the August 22 council recommendations to the September 12 council seating, that not all groups had designated alternates, and that more meetings should be held in Mendocino before assessing participation by Mendocino citizens.
Council agreed that:
1) Jay Halcomb, Nikki Barratt, and Bob Anderson (United Winegrowers) work with the environmental, public and economic caucuses, respectively, to update membership and try to get balance between Sonoma and Mendocino counties;
2) Richard Shoemaker reconvene membership working group to make recommendations for achieving long-term balance, including addressing the split among at large and county groups representatives;
3) Jay Halcomb set up a working group to develop recommendations for a steering committee, officers, and roles, and responsibilities;
4) Seat itself next meeting contingent on recommendations of membership working group and subject to vote of council.
NEXT MEETING: Saturday, May 22, 1999

Russian River Watershed Council	Full Council Meeting
Minutes of March 27, 1999	Veterans Memorial Hall, Cloverdale, 9 am - 1 pm

March 27 Meeting Agenda Russian River Watershed Council Members Cover Letter Russian River Watershed Council Interested Citizens Cover Letter Mission Statement Proposed by Mission Working Group Recommendation by Membership and Structure Workgroup
Approval of minutes from 1/23/99 meeting: With following changes: 1) Delete "Community" from the Council name; 2) Change KRIS phone number to one that works. Roster that accompanied minutes was illegible. Proposal to use Robert's Rules of Order. Participants expressed frustration with speakers who spoke too long or too often, the number of speakers per topic; getting bogged down in minutae; and the decibel level of the facilitator. The use of Roberts' Rules was not passed, but group agreed to ground rules for day: 1) one minute time limit for speakers, and 2) people should refrain from speaking a second time until others had spoken. Update on PSP: Karen Rippey, US Army Corps, handed out and reviewed minor language changes requested by Corps Headquarters for the PSP. Cathy Bleier, Department of Conservation, informed the Council that the Resources Agency had met with Department managers and staff to discuss the Council and the PSP. The Agency is interested in providing some level of support for Council activities, and is considering State priorities so it can work with the Council to identify areas or activities of mutual interest. Update on Fishnet 4C: Mike Reilly, Sonoma County Supervisor, described an assessment team, consisting of the Planning Dept (Permit Mgmt), Public Works, the Agricultural Commissioner, Transportation, and the Water Agency, which will look at county practices and policies as they relate to salmonid protection. It will include a field assessment. Meetings are not public, but Supervisor Reilly said they might be able to put together a public hearing, if desired. Results and recommendations are expected by April 2000. For more information or suggestions, contact Scott Briggs at the Planning Department. Those who are interested in the scope of work and benchmarks should call Kallie Kull, Fishnet 4C Coordinator. Update on Pacific Coast Salmon Conservation and Restoration Program: Randy Poole, Sonoma County Water Agency (SWCA) said that the request by California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska to the federal Administration for $25-50 million each was in Congressional subcommittee. The money will probably come through National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The Resources Agency, CalEPA, and the Dept. of Food and Agriculture will work together with other stakeholders to determine how to use it. States and other local entities will need to cost share 50%. He said bi-partisan support is growing, and they are working with the Farm Bureau, For Sake of the Salmon, fishery groups, and others. He said that agencies will define priorities and that they would also draw on projects proposed for SB 271 grants, but projects that are ready to go will also likely have an advantage. He said it would be helpful to have candidate projects identified by the Council. He hopes for answers by October 1. Potter Valley License Amendment Larry Week, Department of Fish and Game (DFG), summarized the four Eel River flow alternatives for the Potter Valley project that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is considering from SCWA, Round Valley Indian tribes, a joint NMFS/DFG/USFW/PGandE proposal, and no action. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is called, "Protection and Maintenance of Fishery Resources at the Potter Valley Project", and comments are due by 4/27/99. Larry said that there are many concerns about the basic flow model and desires that FERC develop a new Draft EIS, rather than just receiving comments and releasing a final EIS. NMFS and others have requested various interim flow changes, and Larry said that PGandE and FERC are willing to consider proposals. The Eel Russian River Commission held a forum on March 25 for stakeholders to discuss the draft EIS. Update on SB 271: Larry Week (DFG) announced that the next round of SB 271 proposals are due to DFG 5/14/99. The guidelines and instructions have been changed to improve the process, and a workshop for applicants will be held at the Regional Water Quality Control Board on 4/7/99. Council members expressed concerns that the program has not provided sufficient funds for planning to support ecosystem level projects. Larry pointed out the language in the Request for Proposal intended to support planning activities. Coastal Conservancy: Richard Retecki announced a number of projects that have been funded: $150,000 for Steelhead Beach, $40,000 for Russian River Information Program, $12,000 for Russian River clean-up, and $12,000 for Riverside Park design. The following are scheduled for funding: $90,000 for Cloverdale River Park, $400,000 to Sotoyome RCD for Fish Friendly Farming, $100,000 for Arundo extraction to Circuit Riders, $80,000 for Riverside Park, Guerneville Bridge for $50,000, $12-15,000 for Potter Valley River Park, and $40,000 for Comminsky Station Road. Environmental Quality Incentives Program(EQIP): Tom Schott (Natural Resources Conservation Service) reported that EQIP provides cost-shares to agricultural operators, ranchers, and non-industrial forest owners to install conservation and habitat/riparian improvements. $300,000 is available this year for projects in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties. The application sign-up ends in Mendocino County on April 30th and in Sonoma County on April 19th. Contact the local USDA Service Centers in each county for details. New EPA Representative: Mike Boots introduced himself as the new representative, from the Environmental Protection Agency, replacing Suzanne Marr. He said is looking into the possibility of providing facilitation support for the Council. Update on Delegation to Resources Secretary: John Calaprice (Upper Eel Watershed Forum), who was charged with convening a delegation to visit with the Resources Agency, said that the delegates agreed that it might be better to hold off until the Council had more to report. On another point, he informed the Council that a new alliance or council of watershed groups was being formed for the Eel River which would have a structure and objectives similar to the Russian River Watershed Council. They will meet on April 17th in Leggett. Revising the Mission Statement: Mark Green (Sonoma County Conservation Action) and Jeff Negri (Santa Rosa Chamber Water Committee) presented a mission statement proposal which was developed by a workgroup charged with integrating a proposal from the January 23rd meeting with the existing mission statement. Council discussed concerns about clarity, consistency, and content and agreed to: 1) delete "open" from community-based process; 2) add "ensure" to fish recovery goal; 3) delete operating principle and refer it to a working group to be convened by Linda Curry (League of Women Voters) for revision by next meeting. The work group may discuss or suggest other operating principles, if it wishes. The final mission is: "The mission of the Russian River Watershed Council is to protect, restore, and enhance the biological health of the Russian River and its watershed through a community-based process which facilitates communication and collaboration among all interested parties. Our primary goals are: 1) To ensure the recovery of the Russian River and its watershed to a condition such that the native wild anadromous fishery recovers to healthy and sustainable level; 2) To ensure a strong, healthy and diverse economy in the Russian River region; 3) To promote stewardship of the Russian River and its watershed by developing an informed and engaged citizenry." Membership Workgroup: Richard Shoemaker, Mendocino County Supervisor went over a proposal to balance membership by county, allowing organizations which represent both counties 4 or 6 seats per caucus with balance split between Sonoma and Mendocino. A proposal was made by Jay Halcomb (Russian River Residents Against Unsafe Logging) to seat the current council. Council members expressed concern that his proposal was not on the agenda, that not all caucuses were yet in conformance with agreement to designate 16 permanent members, that there is still uncertainty about membership as a result of the transition from the August 22 council recommendations to the September 12 council seating, that not all groups had designated alternates, and that more meetings should be held in Mendocino before assessing participation by Mendocino citizens. Council agreed that: 1) Jay Halcomb, Nikki Barratt, and Bob Anderson (United Winegrowers) work with the environmental, public and economic caucuses, respectively, to update membership and try to get balance between Sonoma and Mendocino counties; 2) Richard Shoemaker reconvene membership working group to make recommendations for achieving long-term balance, including addressing the split among at large and county groups representatives; 3) Jay Halcomb set up a working group to develop recommendations for a steering committee, officers, and roles, and responsibilities; 4) Seat itself next meeting contingent on recommendations of membership working group and subject to vote of council. NEXT MEETING: Saturday, May 22, 1999