PressRelease:
Powder Basin Watershed Council
Regular Meeting Minutes
for 1/8/2014
Baker School District 5J Building, 2090 4th Street
Voting Members = Eight Per Charter: Quorum for decision-making is five
Facilitator: Nancy Rorick

Call to order: Nancy called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m.

Recognition of Guests: Jason Simmons, BLM; Mac Kerns; Tim Kerns, Baker County

Approval of Minutes: The Council approved the meeting minutes from December 4, 2013.

Comments from the Commissioners: There were none.

Little Dean Project Development: The discussion was tabled due to Suzanne’s absence.

“Getting Below 4 Feet” Project Sponsorship: Jason explained that the “Getting Below 4 Feet” grant is a component of a much larger effort to treat 46,000 acres of juniper as part of a conservation cooperative initiative. The plan includes both private, state, and BLM lands, with a focus on managing juniper encroachment in the uplands. Federal funding has been allocated to cut juniper, but those funds will not cover lopping, an important measure for preventing the predation of greater sage grouse. The pending OWEB grant will allow treatment of 5,840 acres of Phase I juniper, including lopping. Johanna noted that she had been contacted by the Tri- county Weed Board regarding the need for a sponsor for the project, as the Burnt River SWCD does not want to act as the sponsor as originally intended. She met with BLM and Weed Board staff to discuss the project; BLM staff have spoken with the Burnt River SWCD to be sure that finding a new sponsor will not engender ill will. Discussion followed about the ecological merits of the project, with both Jim and Steve expressing support for acting as the grant’s sponsor. Karen and Marion asked the Council to approve the project; the Council did so by consensus.

National Greater Sage Grouse Planning Strategy: This agenda item was moved forward to accommodate the Council guests. Nancy read the invitation to the Planning Strategy open house and the directions for giving public comment. Steve summarized Baker County’s concerns regarding the effects of the proposed strategy regarding fire, invasive plants, conifer encroachment, grazing, mining, and infrastructure development. He encouraged members to familiarize themselves with the issue and submit written comment. Discussion followed about the strategy, the proposed alternatives, and whether the Council should submit comments. Jim noted that the plan is an attempt to avoid a federal listing; Jerry added that many members of the agricultural community would prefer developing a cooperative management approach rather than see the species listed.

Review of Council Charter: Nancy reported that she and Steve have met and identified updates to the current charter that are necessary; however, the full committee has not been able to meet yet because of scheduling conflicts.

Membership Discussion: Nancy explained that Anne Mchaffy, Ginger Savage, and Carolyn Khulog are willing to speak at the next Council meeting and offer their experiences with membership development and outreach efforts, but they would like specific questions to guide them. The Council members developed a list of topics and questions ranging from raising the Council’s profile in the community to using social media to better tell the story of the Council’s work.

Pine Creek Restoration RFB Work Group: Johanna reported that River Design Group has submitted the final designs for the Holbrook Spur and McMullen Slough projects. Jim, Nancy, and Karen agreed to form a work group to select a construction contractor. Johanna will send out a draft bid packet in the next two weeks.

Jim proposed working to develop a special investment partnership to support the Idaho Power Company steelhead reintroduction plan in Pine Creek. Given the commitment of the Pine Creek work group and Council members, the available data, and the projects going on the ground, he would like to spend the next year developing partnerships to address in-stream flows and habitat concerns. The Council approved Jim’s proposal.

Marion reported on an effort in Halfway to improve sport fishing at Duck Lake. Duck Lake, about 30 miles from Halfway, was stocked with brook trout in the past and has a deteriorated campground. Residents would like to see the lake become a trophy trout fishery with improved access and camping facilities.

Update on Current Projects
Basin-wide Water Quality Monitoring: The Council approved seeking additional funding for the monitoring program through the current 319 grant solicitation.

Crossroads Open Show: Johanna reported that the Board had approved sponsoring the April Crossroads Open Show. The call to artists invites participants to reflect on water as a source of artistic inspiration.

In the interests of time, the remaining project updates were tabled.

Approval of Minutes: The minutes from December 4th were approved.

Comments from the Commissioners: There were no comments from the Commissioners.

PBWC Board of Directors Report:
Council Facilitator: Jim will facilitate the February meeting; Karen will fill in if Jim is unable to attend.

February Guest Speaker: Anne Mchaffy, Ginger Savage, and Carolyn Khulog will join the Council in February to discuss outreach and membership strategies.

There was no further business.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm

Council Attendance: 8 voting members [Quorum = 5]
Marion Crow
Steve Edwards, Director at Large
Jerry Gray
Nancy Rorick, Co-Chair Denine Schmitz
Karen Spencer, Co-Chair
Andrew Umpleby
Jim Young, Vice Chair

Staff Attendance Guests
Johanna Sedell, Executive Director
Aaron Bliesner, Monitoring Coordinator
Jason Simmons, BLM
Mac Kerns
Tim Kerns, Baker County


Next Meeting – February 5, 2013