PressRelease
:
PBWC REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
2 August 2006
RECOGNITION OF GUESTS / PUBLIC COMMENT / SCHEDULED PUBLIC INPUT:
Elkhorn Wildlife Area – Management Plan Update – ODFW
Eddie Miguez, Wildlife Area Manager, explained that the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife is updating the plan for the Elkhorn Wildlife Area(s) located in Baker County. All public programs, i.e. hunting, wildlife viewing, environmental education, habitat management as well as the facilities constructed to accommodate these programs, are under examination and evaluation.
The Elkhorn Wildlife Area was initiated in 1983 for the benefit of wildlife. Consumptive as well as non-consumptive (viewing, habitat diversity education, etc.) values are addressed in the plan. Public input is being solicited so that conflicts of interest can be minimized, wildlife populations can be maximized for diverse uses and opportunities for recreation and education can be developed. Feed back is encouraged into October 2006. There will be public meetings this month in Baker City (8/16) and La Grande (8/17).
Specific comments regarding the Baker County Areas included:
Non-consumptive use has increased considerably, primarily due to the horse-drawn wagon trips to view elk winter feeding.
Wildlife harassment is primarily due to antler hunters entering winter closure areas.
A large predator plan will be included in the new version of the Wildlife Area Plan.
The department is striving to work for a plan that compliments other land-use plans and watershed work. Eddie offered to return for the September Council meeting if council members would like to give comment or ask questions. He distributed copies of the “Draft, Elkhorn Wildlife Area Long Range Management Plan – July 2006.”
Groundwater Reclamation for the Powder River:
Kim Lethlean stated that the Lethlean family is buying the Virtue Mine east of Baker City. They plan to pump the ground water out of the old shaft and would like to augment the flow of Ruckles Creek, tributary of the Powder River. The water has been tested by ODEQ and has been designated from two sources: one artesian source meets drinking water standards and the other groundwater source meets surface water standards. No pathogens or heavy metals were identified in the samples.
Kim explained the work required and the networking that he has already accomplished. He has visited with the Baker County Watermaster, DEQ and BLM. He feels that this project would be a win/win because it is his opinion that it would:
Enable the operation of the mine by removing water from the shaft,
Enhance the flow of Ruckles Creek,
Promote healthy riparian habitat along Ruckles Creek,
Provide additional water for fish in the Powder River and
Provide water for agriculture.
Kim asked for Watershed Council support for this innovative project.
Tim Bliss read an email from Rick Lusk to the Council which states,
“Agenda item 2. Mr. Lethlean has been kind enough to visit the
office several times to discuss conceptual ideas of his proposed
project. The discussions held with staff from the WRD office indicate a ground water right will be needed, as well as possible input from ODFW, DEQ, DSL, DOGAMI, and maybe other agencies.
The intent of the Lethlean project needs to be more clearly identified before WRD staff can assist with the ground water application for the permit.
Thanks,
Rick Lusk”
Suzanne Fouty initiated a discussion on support for the project by offering her help. A new committee was formed: the Virtue Water Committee. Preliminary membership consists of Suzanne Fouty, Tim Bliss, Jeff Zakel and Rick Lusk. It was agreed that the first step is to access a map of water rights and state regulations covering this type of activity. It was agreed that, since the proposal is not time sensitive, the committee would table follow up until the summer field season is over.
The PBWC agreed by consensus to the establishment of the committee to work with Kim on the feasibility of such a watershed project. Jim Young indicated neutrality on the idea.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Minutes of June 7, 2006 were approved as mailed by consensus of the Council.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Steering Committee Report:
Tim Bliss, Committee Chair, briefed the Council on the fiscal status of this year’s budget. He said that Laurie Owens, Districts Manager, met with the Steering Committee on the status of funds. She is looking for ways to supplement the WC budget through project development and management, as well as through fiscal management for the Association.
Tim asked the Council to approve of a transfer of $3,000.00 from the operating category to Coordinator wages and to approve of the Coordinator remaining at ¾ time until January when the issue will
be revisited again. This will leave an approximate balance of ~$5600.00 for operating in 2006-07. Major expenditures are expected to be 3.5K rent and 1K travel and training. The Council approved both requests listed above with full consensus.
At their meeting the Committee reviewed the “Council Fiscal Policy” drafted by the Treasurer, Vickie Valenzuela. They approved a revised version but did not have time to format the changes for presentation at this meeting. The coordinator will mail with the Council Minutes for member review before the September meeting. Tim requested that members come to the meeting next month fully prepared to revise and/or approve the Policy.
Powder River Erosion – Kirkway Subdivision Lots:
Eric Schoenfeld related the site visit that he and the Coordinator made to the Kirkway subdivision on the river. A landowner group contacted the City and the Baker Valley Irrigation District (BVID) regarding erosion that is washing away the eastside banks. The landowners are concerned because they have been told that they may not place rip rap or deflection structures on the banks without a state permit. The Conservation Districts have requested the Watershed Council to address the landowner concerns since it seems to be a municipal problem.
After Council discussion of the issue, the decision is to:
Ask for a letter from the landowners requesting Council assistance.
Make a preliminary evaluation:
o Hydrology/engineering visit to site (Suzanne with Kelly Cahill)
o List of general options
Invite Kirkway landowners to September meeting (agenda item).
Guests – Lyle and Nathan Defrees – Concerns on Dredge Tailings Restoration Projects:
Lyle Defrees, Member of the Upper Powder Watershed Work Group, registered his concerns regarding planned restoration work on the Sumpter Valley Dredge Tailings. He fears that altering the river course through the dredge tailings by mechanically creating a flood plain has the potential to compound existing weed problems. Of particular concern are the Dalmatian toadflax, Spotted knapweed and Hound’s tongue. The ground disturbance and increase in public use will increase opportunities for the invasive species to spread.
Answering the Council questions, Lyle requested:
Require long-term commitment (20 years) in project proposals, i.e. commitment of manpower and funding to ensure that projects will not encourage weed invasions.
Require long-range planning in the watershed to mitigate the effects of noxious weeds.
Consideration of a “no access” policy to present to the County.
The Council agreed by consensus that any proposed project on the dredge tailings should have a long term commitment to weed control built in to the plan.
Sumpter Valley Dredge Tailings – LIDAR survey proposal:
Vicki briefed the Council on the status of our request for technical funding for a LIDAR flight over the dredge tailings. The review team recommended “no fund” with an open caveat to the OWEB staff to change this designation if more information supports the need for the flight. The team had questions:
Why LIDAR?
Why restoration?
What degree of restoration is proposed?
Are BOR topography studies available?
OWEB staff has officially recommended “fund” based on more information provided by Mike McNamara and the coordinator.
Vicki requested that the Council make operational funds available to Mike McNamara to attend the OWEB Board meeting September 19, 2006. The purpose is to defend the proposal in person, presenting the need for the project more clearly. In full consensus, the Council indicated approval for the expenditure of funds to send Mike McNamara to the OWEB Board meeting.
MEMBER REPORTS / ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Sumpter Municipal Diversion – Update:
o Permitting is progressing but with many unforeseen time delays.
o City of Sumpter’s authorized Point of Diversion is actually a site much higher in the watershed than their current point. It is the site of the old Downey Diggings POD. The City has not taken water there for many years.
o Budgeting is still being finalized. Committed funding is adequate to cover the project but the matching has been a maze of “eligible” and “non-eligible” categories.
Regarding, Sumpter’s POD, the city is engaged in applying for a change and is willing to pay the necessary fees. Jerry Rogers, Regional Manager OWRD, wrote a letter to the Division of State Lands to satisfy the permitting concerns on the POD’s. Jerry Franke announced that the OWRD is meeting in Bandon soon and that he would be willing to hand-carry the application. Vicki will contact the City of Sumpter with that offer and Jerry’s contact information.
Five Point Ditch Diversion, East Pine Creek, Halfway – Jim Young announced that the engineering survey and 50% design have been received and approved by the committee. There are still two alternatives being considered, an instream fish screen and an offstream design with tip up stanchions.
Jim and the design engineer, Kelly Cahill, met with Salem ODFW engineer, Mike Lambert. He was positive toward the instream design and will carry it back to Salem, seeking approval from his colleagues. Meanwhile, Jim will send a letter to Ray Hartleroad, Mike Lambert and Mike Jensen. This will provide vertical integration on notification of status of the Five Point Proposal.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Council Attendance: [12 members, 10 voting]
8 = Quorum Tim Bliss, Chairman Aaron Umpleby Ulee Yanok, Vice Chairman Bruce Lindley Marion Crow Suzanne Fouty (NV) Jerry Franke Jim Young Eric Schoenfeld Darrell Dyke (NV) Jeff Zakel Bill Gast Vicki Wares, Council Coordinator
Others Attending: Lyle Defrees; 11956 Huckleberry Loop; Baker City, OR Nathan Defrees
Tim Lethlean
Kim Lethlean
Eddie Miguez, ODFW
Bruce Eddy, ODFW
Attachments: PBWC Grant Administration and Fiscal Policy
Next Council Meeting
September 6, 2006
5:30 - 7:30 PM
****At the 5J School District****
Supervisor’s Office – corner of 4th and Broadway
UPCOMING COUNCIL EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Assessment Committee TBA
Education Committee TBA
Steering Committee September 6, 2006; 1230 hours @ USDA Service Center
Pine Creek Work Group TBA
Five Point Ditch Fish Habitat Restoration Project
August 31, 2006 (cancelled) TBA
Upper Powder River Work Group TBA