Publication Summary

In 2000, local agencies and the community created a planning unit and initiated the development of a watershed plan. The plan was to address the needs of the basin, including stream flow protection and restoration. The planning unit completed the watershed plan in May 2005, and Walla Walla and Columbia counties adopted the plan in June 2005. The planning unit made recommendations to Ecology for the protection of instream flows and existing water rights, and the proper management of future water allocations. The watershed planning unit, by unanimous vote recommended Ecology amend the existing rule to include: instream flow levels, modification of existing stream closures, and the use of winter and spring high flows for water storage projects that improve stream flows for salmon production.